Windows 11 Build 27686 brings some notable improvements, such as 2TB support for FAT32 storage. It also improves Windows Sandbox and offers more control over HDR settings, but there is one undocumented change – the ability to set the power mode for different power states.

As shown in the screenshot below, Windows 11 finally lets you set different power modes when your PC is plugged in and when it’s running on battery.

Previously, only one energy mode could be selected that applied to all states.

Although Windows automatically adjusted some power settings based on whether the device was plugged in or running on battery power, the “power mode” setting itself (such as “Best Performance,” “Balanced,” or “Best Energy Efficiency”) did not have separate options for those two states.

After the update, you can use the settings highlighted above to set the power mode for both devices when your PC is plugged in and running on battery power.

When running on AC power, you may want maximum performance since battery life is not an issue. However, when running on battery, you may want power saving mode to extend battery life.

This update allows you to automatically switch between these modes depending on whether your PC is connected or not.