Microsoft has started rolling out Windows 11 Version 22H2 today, and this update brings improvements to the update experience for both feature and monthly updates. Microsoft will now make future updates smaller and faster to install, and Windows updates are becoming carbon-aware, too.

We have significantly reduced the download size of feature updates, by ~450MB for many users. We’ve also reduced download and installation time of the monthly cumulative update, as well as reclaimed approximately 3x the update size (100s of MB) to give back to the user,” explained John Cable, Vice President, Program Management, Windows Servicing and Delivery.

Starting with Windows 11 version 22H2, Windows Update will now aim to schedule update installations on plugged-in PCs when these devices are the most susceptible to leverage renewable energy. This feature has been in testing with Windows Insiders for a couple of months, and it’s coming at a time when many countries across the world are facing soaring energy prices and possible power blackouts this winter.

Making Windows Update more eco-friendly will be possible in regions where regional carbon intensity data is available. In the US, Microsoft has partnered with electricityMap and WattTime to get this data. In addition to Windows Update becoming carbon-aware, Microsoft also made some changes to the default power setting for Sleep and Screen off to help reduce carbon emissions when PCs are idle.

Tagged with Windows 11