Windows Update Carbon Aware.

Windows Update being “carbon aware” in Windows 11 is not a scam; it is a scheduling behavior for when updates install.

In Windows 11, version 22H2 and later, when the device is:

• Plugged in
• Turned on
• Connected to the internet
• In a region where carbon intensity data is available

Windows Update may choose specific times of day to install updates when the local power grid is using a higher proportion of lower‑carbon energy sources. The goal is to reduce emissions associated with running update workloads, not to change what updates are installed.

Key points from the feature design:

• It does not remove control over updates. Updates can still be installed immediately by going to Settings > Windows Update and choosing to install.
• It is essentially a smarter scheduling mechanism, similar to how Windows already tries to install updates outside active hours, but now also considers grid carbon intensity.
• When this feature is active, Windows shows the message “Windows Update is committed to helping reduce carbon emissions” on the Windows Update settings page.

This feature is part of the broader set of changes introduced in Windows 11, version 22H2, which also includes security improvements and updated default power settings for screen and sleep to reduce energy use when the PC is idle.

References:

• Windows Update is now carbon aware
• Windows 11, version 22H2 update history