Microsoft's latest Windows 10 Insider Preview includes an experimental power slider that will eventually allow users to manually adjust for better battery life or performance.

For now, the slider is only a user interface test for anyone running build 15104 of the Preview. The slider will move, but it doesn't function. Microsoft included it to get early feedback on how it has been integrated before adding functionality.

Responding to a request from its manufacturing partners, Redmond aims to give Windows 10 users the option to "tune" their PC for different scenarios. This will be of particular use to anyone on a laptop who will regularly find themselves away from a power outlet and limited by battery life.

The ability to suffer poorer performance in return for more time will be desirable depending on the tasks being carried out and the situation the user happens to be in. Microsoft software engineer Dona Sarkar gives the example of a user playing games on a long flight and opting for a lower frame rate in return for longer play time. But the same gamer, when near a power supply, probably wants top-end CPUs "to eek out every ounce of performance they can get."

The fact it's a manual slider the user can choose to change at any time should be received well.

"We are conducting experiments on features which help improve battery life for Windows devices," Sarkar said, encouraging folks to comment via Feedback Hub under the Power and Battery > Settings category. "We'll be working with [manufacturers] to determine the best settings for their customers, so they can ship those on new Windows 10 PCs."

This is just one piece of UI, however, and Microsoft plans to reveal more battery-saving tips and tricks when it launches the Windows 10 Creators Update "in a few weeks."

The free upgrade also promises a number of tools for working with, creating, and sharing 3D content and gaming.

PC Magazine