Extend Windows Vista Battery Live for Notebooks

Martin Brinkmann
May 12, 2007
Updated • Jun 30, 2013
Mobile Computing
|
4

I bought a Toshiba Notebook soon after Windows Vista was released and was wondering about the huge battery drain whenever I was using the Notebook without a power source. The battery drain is apparently caused largely by the Aero theme that Microsoft introduced in the operating system, and the power settings for the wireless adapter.

I was not even sure at the beginning if I was running Windows Aero or just a different interface but soon found out that the Aero interface, one of the few new things in Windows Vista, was active and draining battery life like crazy. I decided to disable the Aero interface because I could not see the use of it after all. Sure, it offers some nice looking effects but that is not the main purpose that I'm using the notebook after all.

To disable the Aero theme do the following:

  1. Right-click on your desktop and select Personalize from the context menu that opens up.
  2. Choose Windows Color and Appearance and click on Open Classic Appearance Properties for more color options.
  3. Select a different theme from the list (non Aero) and click on Apply.

The second battery drainer can be a mis-configured power setting. If you left-click the little battery icon in the system tray you see which power setting is currently used. I suggest you select the power saver option if the notebook is not connected to a power source. All other settings drain the battery pretty fast.

You can customize a power profile instead which gives you better control over the process. This way you can disable most options or make them power saving friendly while keeping features that you really need active at all times. Say you need the wireless connection, which means that it should stay enabled even if you turn off other features such as the local network card or Bluetooth.

Update: Microsoft has released two service packs for Windows Vista and both correct some of the issues that Vista users were facing initially. The operating system is not as power hungry anymore which is obviously a good thing. Vista users should definitely update their operating system to take advantage of this.

Advertisement

Tutorials & Tips


Previous Post: «
Next Post: «

Comments

  1. Rush said on August 28, 2023 at 9:50 pm
    Reply

    If Nothing OS is nothing more that an overlay with Google still in the midst….then I ain’t interested.

    1. Seeprime said on September 12, 2023 at 4:12 pm
      Reply

      Another unrelated comment older than the article. Pathetic.

      1. Robenroute said on September 13, 2023 at 9:06 am
        Reply

        it is becoming mindbogglingly annoying indeed…

  2. ThisIsTheWayTheGhacksEnds said on September 13, 2023 at 9:09 am
    Reply

    Under: https://www.ghacks.net/2023/09/12/iphone-15-with-usb-c-port/

    Apple was forced to add USB-C to a phone and the maccultists start talking about “revolution” and “paradigm shift” (as if USB phones had never come out before). It’s so ridiculous it’s reminiscent of comedians doing the “stepped on a water hose” stunt – that was at least somehow funny a hundred years ago.
    Reading this on a site that used to be a technical resource is especially ridiculous.
    How pathetic

  3. Anonymous said on September 14, 2023 at 4:28 pm
    Reply

    “An iPhone 15 with a USB-C port will mean more than you think”

    That Apple can finally stop hindering progress if spanked hard enough ?

  4. Alex Hales said on September 21, 2023 at 12:51 am
    Reply

    I’m thrilled to see Instagram taking steps to enhance the user experience with features like Live Activities. This update is a game-changer, especially for those who frequently upload content on the platform.

    The ability to track upload progress in the background is a simple yet incredibly useful addition. It not only keeps users informed about the status of their uploads but also allows for a more seamless experience on the platform. No more constantly checking if your post has successfully uploaded or worrying about interrupted uploads due to a weak signal.

    As an active Instagram user, this feature is a relief. It showcases Instagram’s commitment to improving user satisfaction and addressing common pain points. It’s all about making the platform more user-friendly, and this feature certainly accomplishes that.

    I can’t wait to try out Live Activities and enjoy a stress-free posting experience. Kudos to Instagram for continually innovating and making our social media lives easier!

    Keep up the great work, Instagram, and thanks to ghacks for keeping us in the loop with the latest tech updates!

    I am additionally add one more think if you want to watch instagram stories anonymously to visit site storysnooper.com.

Leave a Reply

Check the box to consent to your data being stored in line with the guidelines set out in our privacy policy

We love comments and welcome thoughtful and civilized discussion. Rudeness and personal attacks will not be tolerated. Please stay on-topic.
Please note that your comment may not appear immediately after you post it.