From forward-looking frontier firms to businesses just getting off the ground, every Microsoft customer is seeking ways to improve performance and sustainability efforts. For commercial organizations, Windows meets this need with a chip-to-cloud computing foundation that helps conserve energy, reduce waste, and efficiently manage resources.
Built-in energy efficiency settings in Windows 11
First, Windows 11 is a carbon-aware operating system. When devices are plugged in, turned on, connected to the internet, and regional carbon intensity data is available, Windows Update will schedule installations at specific times of the day. Installing updates at these specific times might result in lower-carbon emissions because a higher proportion of electricity is coming from lower-carbon sources on the electric grid.i
Figure 1: Windows Update is carbon-awareWindows provides energy recommendations with options like shorter screen-off times and disabling unused devices, to further boost efficiency. These come together in Energy Saver mode, now available in Microsoft Intune.
These tools and features can help support your sustainability efforts while maintaining a smooth and productive Windows experience.
Smarter printing, less waste
We are proud to announce that cloud-based Universal Print now includes an IT badge secure release feature.
To get their document(s), the person must be present at the printer and authenticate with a QR scan or physical badge. This feature can help support efforts to reduce unnecessary paper and toner use associated with unclaimed printouts.
Figure 2: Universal Print Anywhere with badge releaseWindows in the cloud: A lower-carbon option
In new research by WSP USA, analysts compared the carbon emissions associated with provisioning physical PCs and cloud-based virtualization using Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop (Windows in the Cloud Sustainability Report: Estimating the Carbon Emissions Impact of Transitioning to Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop. Microsoft-commissioned study, September 2025).
Figure 3: WSP USA Windows in the Cloud Sustainability Report
The findings were compelling. For users with low-to-medium intensity workloads, using a Windows 365 Cloud PC instead of a new laptop resulted in annual carbon reductions of approximately 70–90 kilograms of CO₂ equivalent per user in the United States and 60–80 kilograms in Europe.ii;iii These savings stem from avoiding the manufacturing and transportation emissions associated with new devices. This can help you minimize e-waste and lower Scope 3 emissions.
At scale, the impact is substantial. A group of 1,000 of these Cloud PC users could avoid the same emissions as those produced by burning 30 metric tons of coal in a year.iv For high-intensity users, such as engineers and designers, moving workloads from high-powered physical machines to Azure Virtual Desktop or Windows 365 is estimated to yield annual emissions reductions of about 70 kilograms of CO₂ per user in the U.S. and 55 kilograms in Europe, due to avoiding the manufacturing and transportation emissions associated with new devices.iii; iv A group of 1,000 high-intensity Cloud PC users could avoid the same emissions as not burning approximately 27 metric tons of coal in a year.v
NOTE: These models may not reflect the specific circumstances or operational realities of any individual company. As such, the results should not be used for regulatory reporting, greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories, or other formal disclosures. Companies are encouraged to conduct their own analysis to determine emissions impacts relevant to their unique business structure and activities.
Data-driven insights and automation with Microsoft Intune
Sustainability requires ongoing monitoring and optimization. Microsoft Intune and the Intune Suite comprise a cloud-based unified endpoint management solution that offers deep visibility into consumption patterns.
Now you can enforce power-efficient configurations at scale to reduce environmental impact and improve device longevity and efficiency.
- Manage Energy Saver settings centrally via Microsoft Intune and Group Policy. Configure policies for screen timeout, sleep settings, and Energy Saver activation thresholds across all managed PCs.
- The Intune Advanced Analytics Battery Health report offers a fleet-wide view of battery performance and usage patterns. Get a Battery Health Score for each device to help identify aging or failing batteries that may increase energy consumption or device issues.
- The Resource Performance report in Intune Advanced Analytics extends sustainability benefits beyond battery management, with CPU and RAM Spike Analysis. This identifies devices that consume excessive power due to hardware stress.
- Intune anomaly detection identifies devices with inefficient resource utilization. IT teams can easily investigate and remediate issues, so devices run more efficiently and consume less power.
- Remote Help, another Intune feature, reduces the need for on-site visits and associated transportation emissions.
- Finally, with the recent Windows 365 integration with Copilot in Intune, IT admins gain insights into Cloud PC connectivity trends, performance issues, and deployment gaps.
ENERGY STAR® - certified devices
Microsoft and its Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) partners offer energy-efficient devices that incorporate recycled materials to help reduce environmental impact. Many laptops and tablets meet rigorous ENERGY STAR and EPEAT Gold standards — recognized benchmarks for energy use and environmental performance.
Surface embeds circular design in every device to help reduce carbon and minimize waste. Packaging is paper based, designed to use less material and minimize plastic content. Devices are engineered to deliver high performance while meeting energy efficiency standards. Pro, 12-inch performs 48% better than the ENERGY STAR baseline, while Laptop, 13-inch outperforms it by 68%.vi Additionally, the availability of spare parts and accessible repair guides has ensured easy serviceability to extend device use.vii
The Microsoft Surface Emissions Estimator, now available on the web, and the Surface Management Portal in Intune offer more insights on Surface device fleets, including estimated carbon emissions resulting from manufacturing and usage.viii This model-level transparency allows procurement and sustainability teams to make informed decisions, track progress toward emissions goals, and align IT investments with corporate ESG commitments.
Windows 365 Link is a compact, purpose-built Cloud PC device by Microsoft to connect users directly to Windows 365. It contains a minimum of 63% recycled content and has 100% paper-based packaging. It is estimated to use 50% less energy than the current ENERGY STAR© computer specification requirement and is designed to be long-lasting and repairable.ix
And Windows 365 Boot allows organizations to extend the use of older PCs by enabling them to boot directly into a Cloud PC experience running Windows 11. This approach can allow you to make the most of your existing hardware while supporting your sustainability efforts and user needs.
Reduce, reuse, and recycle local machines
Many Microsoft partners offer IT Asset Disposal (ITAD) or trade-in services to enterprises, government, small and medium businesses, schools, and consumers.
Microsoft also offers voluntary mail-back recycling programs for Microsoft-branded consumer products, batteries and/or packaging. There are also often recycling services in your community as well. Look online or ask Microsoft Copilot for guidance.
Real-world results and customer perspectives
ENGIE, a global energy company, adopted both Windows 11 and Intune to support productivity and sustainability objectives. With cloud management and efficient features, ENGIE reduced its carbon footprint while enhancing employee experiences.
“Reducing waste, generating clean energy, and lowering emissions are part of our mission. And having a modern, secure, and scalable IT foundation supports all of that.” — Torsten Lesniak, Head of IT, Energy company EEW
Conclusion: Accelerating your sustainability journey
Windows 11, Intune, and Universal Print are catalysts for more sustainable IT. From dynamic energy-saving features and cloud-based management to advanced analytics, implementing these products and services can help you take measurable steps toward sustainability.
Use Windows chip-to-cloud solutions and Microsoft Intune to make your computing endpoints more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective.
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Resources
- Read and share the Windows in the Cloud Sustainability Report
- Balance PC performance and energy efficiency with Energy Saver in Microsoft Intune
- Universal Print learn.microsoft.com/universal-print/
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i Where available, Windows can schedule updates when greater amounts of low carbon energy sources (like wind, solar and hydro) are available on the local electrical grid.
ii Based on comparison of virtual machines selected using the Microsoft Azure Virtual Machine Selector and a sample of in-market laptops with CPU count, RAM, and SSD storage in line with popular devices running low-to-medium-intensity workstreams, such as email, productivity apps, and streaming content. Emissions associated with manufacturing and transportation of new laptops (i.e., embodied carbon) are spread out over an expected use timeframe of three years to appropriately allocate emissions on an annual basis.
iii Estimates are from the Azure Data Explorer platform using Azure Emissions Impact Dashboard data in October 2024 with an emissions data range of October 2023 – September 2024. The emissions calculation methodology aligns with the GHG Protocol Corporate Value Chain Scope 3 Standard and provides estimates for one year within the U.S. and Europe. Regional difference due to variations in location-specific grid emissions intensity.
iv Based on Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator | US EPA.
v Based on comparison of virtual machines selected using the Microsoft Azure Virtual Machine Selector with robust system specifications, such as geographic info systems-based analysis and computer-aided drafting and design. Emissions associated with manufacturing and transportation of new laptops (i.e., embodied carbon) are spread out over expected use timeframe of three years to appropriately allocate emissions on an annual basis.
vi Computers that have earned the ENERGY STAR label are third-party certified to be energy efficient and use 25% - 40% less than conventional models by using the most efficient components and better managing energy use when idle.
vii Replacement components available through online Microsoft Store and iFixIt for out-of-warranty repair. Components can be replaced by individuals with the knowledge and experience to repair electronic devices following Microsoft’s Service Guide. Microsoft tools (sold separately) may also be required. Availability of replacement components and service options may vary by product, market and over time. See [Self-repair information for your Surface device - Microsoft Support]. Opening and/or repairing a device can present electric shock, device damage, fire and personal injury risk, and other hazards. Use caution if undertaking self-service repairs. Unless required by law, damage caused during repair is not covered under Microsoft’s Limited Hardware Warranty or protection plans.
viii The Microsoft Surface Emissions Estimator is only available in certain markets and only applies to Surface devices currently for sale. Contact your Surface seller for more details.
ix Based on validation performed by Underwriter Laboratories, Inc. using Environmental Claim Validation Procedure, UL 2809-2, Second Edition, June 20, 2024.
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