The latest Windows Insider Preview tests a feature that could make future Windows 11 updates more sustainable. Although still in the testing phase, Insider Build 22567 includes the ability to schedule system updates for specific times when your local power grid draws more power from renewable energy sources than traditionally harmful ones.
To do this, Microsoft will pull regional carbon intensity data from sites like electricMap and WattTime, and you can only turn it on if your laptop or PC is plugged into an electrical outlet. If you prefer, you can always choose to install updates right away by going to Settings > Windows Update and selecting "Check for updates"
In the Insider blog, Microsoft states that “most electrical grids are powered by multiple sources, including renewables and fossil fuels. Whenever possible, Windows 11 will now prioritize installing updates in the background when more clean energy sources (such as wind, solar, and hydro) are available.
You'll see a little message in the Windows Update section of your settings that says "Windows Update is committed to reducing carbon emissions," but that's still not thinking anywhere. Interestingly, the blog also mentions "We're still working on the content the text links to - keep an eye out for future updates," so we've reached out to Microsft to see if we can get any clarification.
Unfortunately, if carbon data isn't available, it doesn't look like this feature will be available to you and the blog also notes that not all Insiders will have access to this feature yet, but it certainly feels like a milestone. in the right direction, however small.
Technology is inescapable, so we must do better
Modern technology consumes a lot of energy. It's sometimes a hard pill to swallow for people who love the latest gadgets and hardware, especially if they're as environmentally conscious as I am, but our drive to constantly improve and build on older technology now means we consume more electricity and energy. . never.
I want to see more companies push developments like this. It often feels like in this new world where every aspect of our lives can be dominated by technology, from gaming hobbies to daily cell phone use and now even smart home technology that works 24/7. days of the week in our homes and apartments, the only alternative to a clear conscience is to simply avoid it all and live in the woods somewhere off the grid.
As appealing as it may seem when you just want to get away, it's not a healthy or practical way to approach the situation for everyone. Technology is here to stay, and without integrating green policies and features into things as they are developed, things could quickly spiral out of control.
It seems a bit ridiculous that an operating system should make adjustments towards durability, but I'm thankful that something so small (in the grand scheme of things) makes an effort as well. Microsoft is a big company, and its actions not only set a good example for other smaller brands, but the number of people in the larger market using Windows 11 will only increase as older operating systems begin to be phased out.
Obviously we need to make changes to our daily habits as individuals, but most of these are facilitated by what we have access to - you can't be expected to buy an electric car with sufficient charging infrastructure, for example - and in many ways we they are moving into a future where anyone without access to devices like laptops or tablets will be at a huge disadvantage in the workplace and in education.
Not everything is "greenwashing"
Microsoft has already made many notable commitments to sustainability and work ethics, using recycled marine plastics to create peripherals like mice. It's also working to create a more equal space to work and play, creating adaptive controllers for the Xbox series of consoles, and implementing inclusive features across its line of hardware and software to help the disability community.
There's a lot to cover in this installment, but if you feel disadvantaged when using consumer technology due to issues like mental illness and neurodivergent or physical disabilities that affect your hearing, vision, and mobility, you can learn more in Microsoft's accessibility section. . website. .
That said, there's always more to do, and I'm afraid a recent trend of "greenwashing" has thrown additional braces into the works. For those who don't know, greenwashing refers to a marketing tactic in which brands will use sustainability or other environmentally friendly features to sell their products. Think "biodegradable" bags that actually take decades to break down into dangerous microplastics.
I've spoken to companies like Dell and Razer about their own sustainability commitments in the past, and who were keen to show that their efforts came from a place of genuine concern for our planet and its people, but there will always be those who are happy to label any work towards a more sustainable future as greenwashing to appease the public.
I also like to take things with a healthy dose of skepticism, but I fear that condemning all efforts to improve current policies will discourage private companies from making further improvements in the future. Let's not settle for the bare minimum, but let's also use our common sense and not sabotage genuine efforts to improve our planet for the generations that will inherit it.
Can Microsoft do more? Absolutely, and as one of the driving forces behind computing alongside Apple, I demand additional features and policies to reduce carbon emissions, and evidence of ethical material sourcing and manufacturing, and the promise that the desire for profit will not it will come at the expense of the health of our planet. My expectations are low, but I remain hopeful that our search for new technologies is not the driving force of ecological collapse.