Windows 11 Update Revamps Battery Indicator and Simplifies Start Menu

The classic Windows 11 battery icon has long been criticized for its small size and lack of detail, offering only a vague sense of how much charge remains. That’s changing with Microsoft’s latest update (Windows 11 Build 26200.7019), which introduces a redesigned battery indicator with color-coded visuals and a clearer percentage display.

Currently, the battery icon is plain white or black, and users must click it or open Quick Settings to view the exact percentage. The new version, as reported by Windows Latest, adds more intuitive colors and symbols: green with a lightning bolt when charging, yellow when in battery saver mode (which activates at 30%), and red when power drops below 6%.

The updated indicator is also about twice as long as before and includes a new “smart charging” symbol. When the battery reaches 80%—the threshold where charging stops to extend battery health—a plug icon will appear instead of the green lightning symbol. Microsoft has also removed older icons, such as the leaf for energy saving and the circular “X” for low battery, replacing them with a simpler color system that’s easier to interpret.

Perhaps the most helpful improvement is the ability to display the battery percentage directly on the taskbar. Users can enable this by going to Settings > System > Power & Battery and toggling on Battery Percentage once the update rolls out. While Windows Insiders have tested this feature for months, it begins global release on November 11 as part of Microsoft’s latest Patch Tuesday update.

In addition to the battery overhaul, Microsoft is also streamlining the Start Menu. The redesigned layout automatically adjusts apps to fit your screen size and merges the “Pinned” and “All Apps” sections for easier navigation, according to Windows Central.

Windows 11 Update Revamps Battery Indicator and Simplifies Start Menu

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