Discover how to use Windows 11 Energy Saver to extend your laptop’s battery life and reduce energy consumption, with straightforward steps to customise it to your needs.

What Is The Energy Saver Feature?

Windows 11 includes a robust Energy Saver feature designed to help laptops run longer on battery power by optimising system settings. This tool adjusts background processes, screen brightness, and other power-intensive tasks to strike the right balance between performance and energy efficiency. So, whether you’re working remotely, travelling, or just trying to reduce electricity costs, here’s how to make the most of this feature.

Step 1: Ensure Your System is Compatible

To use the Energy Saver feature, your laptop must be running Windows 11 version 24H2 or later. To confirm your version:

– Press the Windows key and click Settings.

– Navigate to System and select About at the bottom of the sidebar.

– Under “Windows specifications,” check the version number listed next to Version. If it reads “24H2” or higher, you’re ready to proceed.

– If your version is older, click Windows Update in the same menu and then select Check for updates. Install any available updates to ensure you’re running the latest version.

Step 2: Enable Energy Saver Mode

Once you’ve confirmed compatibility:

– Open Settings and go to System, then click Power & battery.

– Scroll down to the Battery section and expand the Energy saver menu.

– Enable the Always use Energy Saver option to have it active at all times, or choose to activate it automatically when your battery reaches a specified level. For example, setting this to 20 per cent ensures Energy Saver kicks in when the battery is running low.

Step 3: Adjust Screen Brightness Settings

The laptop screen is one of the largest power drains. Energy Saver can reduce the screen’s brightness automatically:

– In the Power & battery menu, enable Lower screen brightness when using Energy Saver. This dims the screen slightly whenever Energy Saver is active, helping conserve battery power.

– If you find the dimmed brightness too low for your needs (e.g. in bright environments), you can turn this setting off or manually adjust the screen brightness using the slider in the system tray.

Step 4: Optimise Sleep and Screen Time-Outs

To minimise energy waste when your laptop is idle:

In the Power & battery menu, click Screen, sleep, & hibernate time-outs.

– Set shorter intervals for Turn my screen off after and Make my device sleep after. For example, choosing 3 minutes for screen off and 10 minutes for sleep ensures your laptop conserves power when inactive.

Step 5: Configure Power Modes

Customise how your laptop balances performance and efficiency:

– In Power & battery, scroll up to Power Mode and select your preferred setting:

– Best power efficiency: Minimises energy consumption, ideal when running on battery.

– Balanced: Offers a mix of energy savings and performance, dynamically adjusting settings.

– Best performance: Prioritises speed over energy savings, more suitable when plugged in.

– Selecting Best Power Efficiency ensures maximum battery longevity.

Step 6: Explore Energy Recommendations

Windows 11 provides tailored recommendations to further optimise energy usage:

– At the top of the Power & battery page, click Energy recommendations.

– Work through the suggestions listed, which may include enabling dark mode or fine-tuning other settings. Green ticks indicate recommendations already applied.

Step 7: Manage Background Apps

Some applications running in the background can unnecessarily drain battery power. To control this:

– In Settings, go to Apps, then Installed apps.

– Locate any app you wish to manage, click the three dots next to it, and select Advanced options.

– Under Background app permissions, set the app to Power optimised (recommended) or Never to prevent it from running when not in use.

– By limiting unnecessary background activity, your laptop will conserve power more effectively.

Enjoy Longer Battery Life

Using the Energy Saver feature and additional power management tools in Windows 11, you can significantly extend your laptop’s battery life without compromising functionality. Whether you’re conserving energy at home or ensuring your laptop lasts through a long workday, these steps provide a straightforward way to optimise your device for efficiency. Try these adjustments today to experience the difference.

The UK government is consulting on plans to ban ransomware payments by public sector bodies and critical national infrastructure (CNI) to disrupt the financial model underpinning cybercrime.

The proposals also include mandatory reporting of ransomware attacks and measures to block payments to criminal groups, aiming to reduce the threat and support law enforcement investigations.

Ransomware is the most serious cybercrime threat to the UK, with attacks on organisations like the NHS and Royal Mail causing widespread disruption and recovery costs. Security Minister Dan Jarvis highlighted the urgency of action, noting $1 billion was paid globally to ransomware groups in 2023.

Banning payments would make public organisations less attractive targets, while mandatory reporting would provide intelligence to help disrupt criminal networks. Penalties for non-compliance, such as fines or leadership bans, are also being considered to ensure adherence.

This initiative is part of a wider strategy to strengthen the UK’s cyber resilience, complementing global efforts like the disruption of the LockBit network and sanctions against major ransomware groups.

Businesses are advised to adopt strong cybersecurity measures, including frameworks like Cyber Essentials, regular data backups, and tested incident response plans, to mitigate the risk and impact of ransomware attacks.

Borobotics, a Swiss startup, has unveiled an autonomous drilling machine that could make geothermal energy more affordable and accessible, transforming how we harness heat from beneath the Earth’s surface.

Grabowski

The machine (nicknamed “Grabowski”) is being heralded as the “world’s most powerful worm” for its ability to silently and efficiently burrow through various terrains. Compact, resource-efficient, and designed for urban environments, this cutting-edge technology promises to address significant challenges in the push for sustainable energy.

What Is Geothermal Energy, and Why Is It Crucial?

Geothermal energy is a clean, renewable (and always available) energy source derived from the heat stored beneath the Earth’s surface. While most people associate renewable energy with solar and wind, geothermal energy offers distinct advantages, i.e. it’s not weather-dependent, it operates 24/7, and it is virtually limitless.

This underutilised resource currently accounts for just 1 per cent of global energy demand. However, the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that geothermal energy could actually supply 15 per cent of the world’s energy needs by 2050 if advancements like Borobotics’ technology gain traction. The environmental benefits could be immense, particularly for heating and cooling, which together account for 50 per cent of global energy consumption, most of which still relies on CO2-producing and polluting fossil fuels.

Enter Borobotics and “Grabowski”

Founded in Winterthur (Switzerland) in July 2023, Borobotics says it’s on a mission to accelerate the energy transition. The company’s co-founder, Hans-Jörg Dennig, began conceptualising the “bore-robot” back in 2017, with technical refinements brought in by Philipp Ganz and the business expertise of Moritz Pill.

At the core of their innovation is “Grabowski,” an autonomous geothermal drill that is radically smaller and quieter than traditional rigs. Measuring just 2.8 metres long with a diameter of 13.5 centimetres, it is designed to fit into tight spaces, such as back gardens, parking lots, or even basements. By comparison, conventional drilling rigs are often 6 metres tall and require significant space and logistical support.

As Pill explains, “Drilling will become possible on properties where it would be unthinkable today — small gardens, parking lots, and potentially even basements.”

Grabowski’s compact design is a game-changer, requiring only 6-8 square metres of operating space (84 per cent less than traditional rigs) and weighing just 150 kilograms. Once activated, the robot can operate autonomously, thereby reducing labour costs and allowing small teams to manage multiple drilling sites simultaneously. This efficiency could address the growing shortage of skilled heat pump installers, especially in Europe.

How Does Grabowski Actually Work?

Grabowski employs advanced technology to drill through diverse materials. For example, equipped with sensors in its head, the robot drill can detect different layers of earth, including water tables, and automatically seal the borehole if it encounters gas or water springs. This ensures safety and reduces the risk of environmental contamination.

The robot’s propulsion system, described as “fluid muscles,” allows it to move smoothly within boreholes, while its unique gearbox and dual-engine design enable effective hammering and rotation to break down tough materials, from sand to granite.

Unlike traditional diesel-powered drills, Grabowski runs purely on electricity and can plug into a standard power outlet, producing just 288 kilograms of CO2 emissions per borehole (a staggering 86 per cent reduction compared to its diesel counterparts). Also, its noise level of under 60 decibels makes it 94 per cent quieter than traditional rigs, ensuring minimal disturbance in residential areas.

Why Geothermal Energy Needs a Boost

Geothermal energy has long been overlooked due to the high upfront costs of drilling and installation. Heat pumps, which transfer heat from underground to buildings, are more efficient than gas boilers and can double as air conditioning systems. However, they are often more expensive to install, particularly when combined with the drilling required for geothermal systems.

The European Union (EU) is actively promoting heat pump adoption as part of its €300 billion REPowerEU plan. For example, it aims to install 43 million new heat pumps between 2023 and 2030. While air-source heat pumps are currently more popular due to their lower costs, geothermal pumps actually offer superior efficiency because they rely on the Earth’s stable subterranean temperatures rather than fluctuating outdoor air.

“In many European countries, at a depth of 250 metres, you have an average temperature of 14 degrees C,” says Pill. “This is ideal for efficient heating in winter, while still being cold enough to cool the building in summer.”

The key to unlocking geothermal energy’s potential lies in reducing costs and making the technology more accessible. Grabowski could therefore represent a significant step towards achieving this goal.

Challenges and Competition

Despite its promise, Grabowski does face some limitations. For example, the robot can currently drill to a maximum depth of 500 metres, which is less than the multi-kilometre depths achieved by larger rigs used in utility-scale geothermal projects. Its drilling speed is also slower, which could be a drawback in certain scenarios. However, Borobotics is targeting shallow geothermal systems, where these limitations are less of an issue.

It should be noted here that Borobotics certainly isn’t alone in the geothermal tech race. For example, startups like Fervo Energy in the United States and Eavor in Canada are making strides with advanced geothermal systems too. Fervo (backed by Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures) recently partnered with Google to power a data centre with geothermal energy. Meanwhile, Eavor is building a massive underground “radiator” in Germany capable of heating an entire town.

Nonetheless, Borobotics’ focus on small-scale, decentralised systems differentiates it from these competitors. By providing an affordable, accessible solution for residential and small commercial properties, Grabowski could carve out a niche market.

What’s Next for Grabowski?

Borobotics is currently developing its first working prototype, with plans to begin field testing at an (as yet) unspecified date in 2025. The company’s CHF 1.3 million (€1.38 million) pre-seed funding round, led by Copenhagen-based Underground Ventures, highlights growing investor confidence in geothermal technology.

As Torsten Kolind, managing partner at Underground Ventures, says, “The potential of geothermal heat pumps to decarbonise Europe is substantial, as long as the cost comes down. The minute that happens, the market is open.”

Borobotics’ approach seems to align perfectly with this vision. By addressing cost, efficiency, and accessibility, the company may be poised to make geothermal energy a viable option for millions of households. If successful, Grabowski could play a pivotal role in reshaping the energy landscape, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and advancing global sustainability efforts.

What Does This Mean For Your Organisation?

Borobotics’ innovation sounds like it could offer a step forward in the quest for more sustainable (and hopefully cheaper) energy solutions. By focusing on affordability, compactness, and accessibility, the company is addressing some of the key barriers that have historically limited the adoption of geothermal energy. With the EU’s ambitious goals to decarbonise heating and cooling, Grabowski could fill a crucial gap in the market, particularly in urban and residential settings where traditional rigs are impractical.

Grabowski’s environmental credentials are also quite impressive. Its reliance on electricity over diesel, combined with its reduced CO2 emissions and quieter operation, make it a gentler option for the planet and its people. The prospect of an autonomous drilling robot that can be set up by a single worker and left to operate independently could significantly streamline geothermal installation processes. This innovation sounds like it may alleviate bottlenecks caused by Europe’s shortage of skilled heat pump installers, potentially accelerating the adoption of geothermal systems.

That said, challenges remain. Grabowski’s maximum drilling depth of 500 metres and slower speed may limit its application in certain contexts, especially in large-scale energy projects requiring deeper wells. Also, although Borobotics appears to be well-positioned in the growing geothermal market, competitors like Fervo Energy (with some serious backing) and Eavor are pursuing equally innovative solutions, which may overshadow the Swiss startup’s ambitions on a global scale.

The geothermal sector itself must also overcome broader obstacles. While the technology offers immense potential, upfront costs and public awareness remain barriers to widespread adoption. Public and private investment could be crucial in bringing costs down and fostering a shift towards geothermal energy. Borobotics’ ability to deliver on its promises, particularly as it transitions from prototype development to real-world deployment, will determine its impact on this evolving landscape.

Borobotics is, therefore, now entering a market primed for change, with a product that seems tailor-made to capitalise on the growing demand for sustainable heating and cooling. If the company can navigate the challenges ahead and scale its technology effectively, the Grabowski autonomous bore/drill may well become a vital player in the push to decarbonise energy systems. While the road ahead is far from smooth, the possibilities for a more sustainable future make this an endeavour worth watching closely.

This handy new feature from those clever people at OpenAI now lets you set ‘tasks’ which can then be scheduled for specific times and the results can be emailed across to you. Have a play with it – it’s fascinating!

[Note – To Watch This Video without glitches/interruptions, It may be best to download it first]

Save important webpages instantly as bookmarks with a simple shortcut to avoid losing valuable resources or frequently visited sites. Here’s how:

Open a Browser:

– Launch Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Bookmark with Ctrl + D:

– Press Ctrl + D, rename the bookmark (if needed), and save it to your desired folder.

– This is great for efficiently organising references, work resources, or research materials.

The findings of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Future of Jobs Report 2025 show that although the rapid rise of AI is reshaping the future of work, hands-on professions like plumbing look likely to remain largely untouched by the digital revolution.

The Report

WEF’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 was based on insights from over 1,000 employers representing more than 14 million workers across 22 industry sectors and 55 economies, and sheds light on how AI is influencing employment trends. It confirms both the risks and opportunities workers face as automation accelerates across industries.

The AI Divide Creating Winners and Losers in the Job Market

The report’s findings indicate that, as AI continues to evolve, it is creating a clear divide in the job market. For example, the report identifies roles requiring creativity, complex decision-making, or human interaction as safer from automation, while repetitive, clerical roles face steep declines. Among the most at-risk professions highlighted are data entry clerks, bank tellers, and administrative assistants, with job displacement expected to reach 92 million roles by 2030!

The report notes that, “Half of employers plan to reorient their business in response to AI” with 40 per cent anticipating workforce reductions as tasks become automated. On the other hand, two-thirds of companies plan to hire talent with AI-specific skills. This apparent duality highlights the transformative potential of AI, i.e. as a disruptor for some people, and as an enabler for others.

Adapt or Be Left Behind

AI’s influence is not just about replacing jobs but it’s redefining the skills workers need to thrive. It appears from the report that employers will be increasingly looking for expertise in AI and big data, networks and cybersecurity, and technological literacy, as these skills become essential to navigating the growing dominance of digital technologies in workplace transformation. However, resilience, flexibility, and creative thinking remain equally critical.

Skills Outdated by 2030

One statistic of note from the report for many in the workforce is that employers surveyed expect nearly 39 per cent of existing skill sets to become outdated by 2030, thereby highlighting the urgent need for reskilling and upskilling.

The report also estimates that if the world’s workforce were condensed into 100 people, 59 would require retraining within the next five years, emphasising the scale of transformation underway.

A Mixed Outlook for Job Creation

While fears of job loss dominate headlines, the report, thankfully, paints a more nuanced picture. It seems that, on the upside, the churn caused by AI and other macrotrends is expected to result in 170 million new jobs globally by 2030, thereby offsetting much of the displacement and yielding a net gain of 78 million roles.

1 in 5 Jobs to Experience Significant Change

The report also highlights how “On current trends over the 2025 to 2030 period, job creation and destruction due to structural labour-market transformation will amount to 22 per cent of today’s total jobs”. This means one in five jobs will experience significant change over the next five years.

Growth Sectors

Some of the key growth sectors identified by the report include technology-related roles (e.g. AI and Machine Learning Specialists, Big Data Analysts) and green economy jobs, such as Renewable Energy Engineers and Electric Vehicle Specialists. The care economy is also set to flourish, with nursing professionals, social workers, and personal care aides in high demand due to ageing populations.

Hands-On Roles Are Thriving

For jobs requiring physical skill and on-site presence, according to the report, the future looks secure. It seems that professions like plumbing, construction, delivery driving, and farming are set to see significant growth, according to the WEF. These roles remain shielded from AI disruption because they demand physical dexterity, adaptability, and complex problem-solving, i.e. traits that current AI and robotics cannot replicate. As the report highlights, hands-on roles, along with those in care and education, are among the most resilient as the workforce evolves.

Also, jobs in the education sector, including secondary and higher education teachers, are expected to grow as demographic shifts increase demand for skilled educators in regions with expanding working-age populations.

Macrotrends Shaping Work

For perspective and context, it’s important to note that although AI adoption is growing rapidly, AI is just one of the many forces at play. For example, the report also outlines five key macrotrends driving labour market transformation, which are:

1. Technological change. AI, robotics, and automation are driving rapid shifts in work practices and job requirements.

2. Green transition. Climate-change mitigation efforts are spurring demand for roles like Renewable Energy Engineers and Environmental Scientists.

3. Demographic shifts. Ageing populations in high-income countries are increasing demand for healthcare and social care workers, while expanding working-age populations in developing nations boost opportunities in education and talent management.

4. Economic uncertainty. Rising costs of living and inflation are causing businesses to rethink their workforce strategies.

5. Geoeconomic fragmentation. Trade restrictions and geopolitical tensions are reshaping supply chains and influencing workforce trends.

Human-Machine Collaboration

The Future of Jobs Report 2025 also highlights a shift in how work is performed, with 47 per cent of tasks currently done by humans alone expected to decrease to just 33 per cent by 2030. Instead, it’s predicted that tasks will increasingly rely on automation and human-machine collaboration.

This trend presents both challenges and opportunities. While automation will handle repetitive tasks, augmented roles (i.e. where humans and machines work together) are expected to redefine productivity across sectors.

Not All Regions or Industries Are Equal

According to the report, the impact of these trends varies widely by region and industry. For example, advanced economies are leading the adoption of AI and green technologies, while developing nations, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia, are focused on education and talent development to capitalise on their growing working-age populations.

Industries like telecommunications and finance are racing ahead in automation, while more human-centric sectors like healthcare and education emphasise augmentation and workforce training.

No Profession Is Entirely Immune

The message from the Future of Jobs Report 2025 is clear – no profession is entirely immune to change. While plumbers may be safe for now, all workers must remain vigilant, adaptable, and ready to acquire new skills as technology continues to evolve.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

The findings of the WEF’s Future of Jobs Report paint a picture of a rapidly transforming labour market. While hands-on professions like plumbing may appear secure for now, the broader message of the report is one of inevitability, i.e. change will come and no industry or profession can remain entirely untouched by the waves of technological and economic disruption.

The reassurance for those in manual and human-centred roles lies in the limitations of current AI and robotics. These technologies, while impressive, cannot yet replicate the physical dexterity, nuanced decision-making, or adaptability required in jobs such as plumbing, farming, and caregiving. However, even these sectors are not immune to ancillary changes brought about by economic pressures, demographic shifts, and broader technological trends.

At the same time, the report highlights the urgency of adaptation across the workforce. The growing demand for AI-specific skills and the prediction that nearly 40 per cent of current skill sets will become outdated by 2030 indicate a clear need for reskilling and upskilling at an unprecedented scale. Workers who embrace technological literacy and cultivate traits like creativity, resilience, and flexibility will find themselves better positioned to thrive in an increasingly automated world.

For industries and regions, the picture is more complex. Advanced economies are accelerating the adoption of AI and green technologies, while developing nations focus on demographic dividends and educational reforms to harness their expanding working-age populations. This uneven development means opportunities and challenges will not be evenly distributed, adding another layer of complexity to an already dynamic global labour market.

Also, the concept of human-machine collaboration is a central theme in the report, thereby offering a glimpse into the potential future of work. It seems that rather than displacing human labour entirely, automation and AI could complement and enhance human capabilities, enabling greater productivity and innovation. However, achieving this balance will depend on proactive investment in skills.

The WEF’s Future of Jobs Report, therefore, shows that while there is a risk of displacement, there is also significant potential for growth and reinvention. The message is that workers in all sectors must be ready to navigate this new landscape, embracing the opportunities and preparing for the challenges. For now, plumbers may remain safe, but vigilance, adaptability, and a willingness to evolve will be essential.