Until recently, Windows 11 users lacked a straightforward way to view their battery percentage directly on the taskbar. Instead, checking the battery level required hovering over the battery icon. Fortunately, Microsoft has made strides in improving this user experience with an update that introduces the ability to display the battery percentage in a way that fits the sleek design of Windows 11.
This feature is currently accessible in the Dev Channel—specifically in Windows build 26120.2992 (KB5050083).For those eager to use this option, you can enable it through the Settings application if you’re a Windows Insider. Alternatively, utilizing a third-party application can also display the battery percentage on your taskbar.
Enable Battery Percentage via the Settings App
- Launch the Settings app by selecting it from the Start menu or using the keyboard shortcut
Win + I. Click on ‘System’ from the left-hand menu. - Navigate to the ‘Power & Battery’ section on the System page.
- Expand the ‘Battery’ section and activate the ‘Show battery percentage’ toggle to enable the feature.
Enable Battery Percentage with ViveTool
If you currently lack access to the battery percentage feature on your device and are not willing to wait for the official rollout, you can take advantage of the ViveTool method. Note that this tool only functions on Insider builds, so if you’re not part of the program, you’ll need to register for the Windows Insider Program first.
- Open your web browser and go to the ViveTool GitHub page.
- Download the
ViVeTool-v0.3.3-ARM64CLR.zipfile to your PC from the available releases. - Once downloaded, extract the contents of the zip file and access the extracted folder.
- Copy the path from the Address bar in File Explorer.
- Open the Start menu, type
cmd, and select ‘Run as administrator’ to launch Command Prompt. - In the Command Prompt, paste the command below, replacing ‘path’ with the folder path you copied:
cd c:\folder\path\ViveTool-v0.x.x, then hit Enter. - Next, type the enabling command for battery display:
vivetool /enable /id:48822452, 48433719and press Enter. - Finally, reboot your PC and return to the Settings app to verify that the battery percentage option is now available.
Use Battery Bar to Display Battery Percentage
For those who prefer a third-party solution, Battery Bar is a reliable application that can conveniently show battery percentage in your taskbar.
- Visit the BatteryBar website to download the application.
- Run the setup file and, during the hardware selection stage, ensure to choose BatteryBar Toolbar (recommended) along with BatteryBar Floating Toolbar.
- Complete the installation process and restart your system. Post-reboot, the BatteryBar indicator will be visible on your screen. You can click on it to switch the display from ‘time remaining’ to the battery percentage. The indicator is movable and resizable to suit your preferences.
Essential Considerations
- The newly added battery percentage option may not be universally available across all devices just yet. Some users might need to patiently await further updates.
- Personalize taskbar icons through the Personalization section within Settings to ensure optimal visibility of the battery percentage.
- It’s advisable to perform a backup of your system prior to using third-party applications, providing a safety net if complications arise.
- While Battery Tool and the built-in method are great, there are alternative apps capable of displaying battery percentage. Exploring these can lead you to the solution that best fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I check if the battery percentage feature is available on my Windows 11?
You can check the availability by opening the Settings app and navigating to the ‘Power & Battery’ section. If the option to show battery percentage is present, you can enable it there.
2. Can I use ViveTool if I’m not a Windows Insider?
No, the ViveTool requires users to be part of the Windows Insider Program, as it is specifically designed for Insider builds. However, signing up for the program will grant you access to the latest features.
3. Is BatteryBar a safe application to use on Windows 11?
Yes, BatteryBar is a reputable third-party application that helps display battery percentage. However, it’s wise to ensure that you download it from its official website and backup your system as a precaution before installing any third-party software.
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