Windows 11 adopts Android’s dynamic refresh rate to save battery

Published: 29 Jun 2021 12:53 PM +00:00 Updated: 02 Jun 2022 9:21 AM +00:00

Microsoft’s next-gen operating system Windows 11 is inheriting a lot of ideas from touchscreen devices. As the Windows tablet becomes more enticing after a decade of software improvements, Microsoft is keen to capitalise.

Amid the multiple improvements Windows 11 is making to touch, Microsoft is adopting a crucial feature from Android. To preserve battery life and health of portable devices, W11 will include a dynamic refresh rate.

What is Windows 11 Dynamic Refresh Rate?

In a new Microsoft devblog, graphics program manager Ana Marta explained that Microsoft is jumping to appeal to new trends. As manufacturers continue to push higher framerate displays, Microsoft is working to support the evolving technology.

While Windows does support higher refresh rates for the increasingly common 120Hz+ portables, it doesn't allow adaptive switching. For portable devices, a dynamic refresh rate is essential for decent battery performance.

We've already seen dynamic refresh adjustment in modern Android smartphones. The OnePlus 9 phones can drop their refresh rates down to just 1Hz on static images. This gives the device static battery consumption on a similar level to e-ink displays.

Windows 11 dynamic refresh rate — The operating system will let you choose a dynamic refresh rate.

Read More: Everything you need to know about OnePlus 9 Pro

What software supports it?

DRR only supports Windows 11 and desktop applications. Certain software, such as video games, do not use DRR. Video Games will instead utilise variable refresh rate. Unfortunately, not every game supports VRR, even if the technology is highly beneficial.

Windows 11 will only give users access to dynamic refresh rate if their device is able to utilise 120Hz or more. During the operating system’s ongoing preview window, support will be dished out over time. Currently, the following applications support DRR:

Office
Microsoft Edge
Whiteboard
Photos
Snip & Sketch
Drawboard PDF
Microsoft Sticky Notes
Adobe Acrobat
Adobe Illustrator
Microsoft To Do
Inkodo

Microsoft promises more apps will take advantage of DRR when Windows 11 launches this holiday.

Read More: Amazon Music Unlimited is now bundled with six month Disney Plus subscriptions

This Article's Topics

Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!

NewsPC GamingTechWindowsWindows 11

Halo, Xbox and Hardware expert

With over eight years of experience in tech and games journalism with expertise in the Xbox gaming platform, Lewis White has been praised for expert news coverage and deep investigative reporting.

More From Lewis White

Stealth Optional is your one-stop shop for cutting edge technology, hardware, and enthusiast gaming. It's staffed by experts in the field who are passionate about digging into even the tiniest details to bring its audience the best and most accurate and up-to-date coverage.

At Gfinity Digital Media, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of editorial conduct, ensuring the integrity and quality of our content. Editorial independence is fundamental to our mission, allowing us to deliver unbiased verdicts on products and companies while avoiding conflicts of interest. Our editorial staff adheres to a stringent editorial policy to uphold this principle.