Xbox consoles get new ‘carbon aware’ green power saving mode

Microsoft has announced a new “carbon aware” power mode is rolling out to the Xbox Insider testing program, and will soon be available to all Xbox owners.

This mode allows updates and downloads optimized to run when there is less dependence on fossil fuels. The console also can make use of the best renewable energy available to complete these tasks. Windows 11 was made carbon-conscious last year.

It will automatically be made carbon-aware as long as it is connected to an internet connection and has access to regional data on carbon intensity. But the optimizations will only work if it’s in Shutdown mode, rather than Sleep.

It’s a worthwhile new optimization, but by far the biggest impact is to be had in Xbox owners choosing to use Shutdown rather than Sleep in the first place, as Shutdown is up to 20 times more power efficient. So it’s probably even more significant that, along with the carbon aware update, all Xbox Series X and S consoles will be switched to using Shutdown by default when turned off. If users prefer Sleep they will have to manually change it back. Shutdown means a longer time to boot than Sleep, and the remote wake feature isn’t available, but otherwise the console operates the same and can still receive overnight updates.

Xbox One consoles are also getting the new power modes. This includes an energy-saving Shutdown Mode with downloading and updates enabled.

Microsoft claims that switching from Sleep to Shutdown on two consoles will result in the same amount of carbon being saved as if 1 tree was planted for 10 years. But if you do want to use Sleep, you’ll be able to use a new Active Hours setting that will enable the remote wake and fast booting of Sleep during certain hours, and then fully shut down at the end of the day.