Think your laptop battery life is bad? Have you ever use a laptop from the 90s or even the early 2000s? They were bricks of machines, and their battery would only last 2-4 hours. These “cutting edge” machines make me gasp now. They were so impractical and inefficient by today’s standards.
Today’s machines are light years ahead of where we were just 2 decades ago, especially in regard to battery life. But that doesn’t mean we are without our challenges. I think we’ve all been in a situation where we needed to do an hour’s worth of work with only 20 minutes of battery left. Sigh…where’s the nearest outlet?
No one wants to be caught in that dreaded low battery limbo during a crucial meeting or presentation. But with a little know-how, you can extend your laptop battery’s lifespan and keep it running smoothly for years to come.
Here’s the best tips for getting the most out of your laptop battery:
Don’t Fully Discharge
Understanding your battery is key. Most laptops today use lithium-ion batteries, which have a finite number of charge cycles. A charge cycle equals a full discharge from 100% down to 0%, and each cycle diminishes the battery’s capacity.
The golden rule? Avoid full discharges whenever possible. Don’t let the battery run out completely.
Optimize Your Power Settings
Let’s dive into your laptop’s power settings to customize your battery preferences. Hibernation mode is your friend – it kicks in before your battery hits rock bottom. Don’t forget to activate Battery Saver mode, a godsend for preserving power when your battery is running on fumes.
Declutter Your Device
Close background apps and say goodbye to unnecessary power drains. Toggle off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when they’re not in use and dim screen brightness to conserve energy.
Charging Best Practices
Contrary to popular belief, keeping your laptop plugged in won’t harm your battery – modern devices are smarter than you think. Just steer clear of extreme temperatures and never let your battery dip below 20% if you can help it.
Proper Storage Tips
When it comes to storing your laptop for a little longer than usual, put it away with around 50% charge. For modern lithium batteries, 40% is the sweet spot, but you don’t have to be that precise, 50% will do (and is easier to remember). Just don’t store it fully charged. And if you’re ever in doubt, some battery apps offer real-time insights into your battery’s health.
Stay Updated
Stay on top of software updates. New patches and upgrades can optimize performance and minimize energy consumption, giving your battery a new lease on life.
Get Help
Have any questions about these tips or how to adjust these settings? We help businesses get the most from their devices for as long as possible. If we can do the same for you, get in touch!