An Eco mode that has become an Efficiency mode but whose concept does not change: it provides an alternative to the radical “End of task”.
To close the many background processes that can slow down a Windows PC, the age-old method is to take a quick tour of the task manager to kill those deemed too greedy – not always with much discernment. This strategy has proven itself: it effectively makes it possible to easily free up CPU / GPU resources, RAM or even network bandwidth. However, it is not always easy to identify the role of a process. However, if some are dispensable, others are much less so. A user with a click that is a little too easy can thus hinder the proper functioning of his PC.
An Eco mode by another name
In order to limit errors and more generally to optimize performance but also consumption (and therefore autonomy in the case of a portable PC), Microsoft has been working for several months on Efficiency Mode. Unlike the brutal “End Task”, which stops a process completely, Efficiency Mode operates more smoothly: it restricts the appetite of a process without stopping it completely.
Windows 11 Build 22557 released last month implemented this feature. In reality, it is not really new. As Microsoft points out in its blog, a similar strategy had been tested in April 2021. But it then had a different name, “Eco mode”.
The operation remains manual
The name has changed but not the concept. It aims to limit the resource usage of a background application to give priority to the running program. This allows both better responsiveness of the system but also better energy efficiency according to Microsoft.
In all cases, the procedure remains manual: the user chooses which process to apply this Efficiency mode to by right-clicking on it. Also, this mode is only applicable to one process at a time, not just any. Microsoft specifies that the option can be grayed out for processes deemed essential for the proper functioning of the system.
An eligible process configured in Efficiency mode is distinguished by a small leaf icon. You will also have noticed that in addition to this mode, there is another allowing you to temporarily suspend a process.
To address a slightly more technical aspect, know that Windows executes threads according to a scheduling priority ranging from zero (lowest priority) to 31 (highest priority). Eco mode lowers the priority to the lowest level for the target process.
Focus on CPU resources for now
As it stands, this mode focuses on CPU resources but it could eventually target other system resources.
Beyond this additional tool for users, the Efficiency mode is mainly in the context of EcoQoS. This additional QoS standard was also introduced in April 2021. EcoQoS is for developers and promises better energy efficiency and longer battery life.
In fact, it is assumed that the EcoQoS will have a slightly more significant impact than a Notepad manually put in Efficiency mode by the user… Anyway, Microsoft specified in its February article that the deployment of the Efficiency mode was being carried out gradually with Insider members.
To download
8
- Graphical redesign of the successful interface
- Improved Snap
- Effective anchor groups
To be completely honest, Windows 11 seems to us to be a good evolution of Windows 10. Beyond the very marketing aspect linked to the surprise effect (Windows 10 was presented as the last of the last, remember) and to the essentially graphical redesign of the interface, the update brings a bit of clarity and modernity that are welcome after six years spent with an OS designed to reconcile Microsoft and its audience. We also like the discreet details that make it more functional, such as the improved snap and anchor groups, or even the refined management of virtual desktops. Finally, we are really convinced by the redesign of the Microsoft Store. By agreeing to return to the exclusivity reserved for UWPs, Microsoft is effectively hitting where it is not expected and finally compels itself to catch up on Apple and Google.
To be completely honest, Windows 11 seems to us to be a good evolution of Windows 10. Beyond the very marketing aspect linked to the surprise effect (Windows 10 was presented as the last of the last, remember) and to the essentially graphical redesign of the interface, the update brings a bit of clarity and modernity that are welcome after six years spent with an OS designed to reconcile Microsoft and its audience. We also like the discreet details that make it more functional, such as the improved snap and anchor groups, or even the refined management of virtual desktops. Finally, we are really convinced by the redesign of the Microsoft Store. By agreeing to return to the exclusivity reserved for UWPs, Microsoft is effectively hitting where it is not expected and finally compels itself to catch up on Apple and Google.
Sources: ginjfo
, Microsoft (1)
, Microsoft (2)
, Microsoft (3)
0