How to keep laptop battery working well for long time?

Most laptops today use lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, an advanced technology that offers high performance and significant energy storage capacity. However, while batteries can initially hold a maximum charge, over time this capacity will gradually decline. Therefore, proper care and maintenance of the battery is key to prolonging its life and maintaining optimal performance.

In this article, we will explore the secrets and proper usage habits to keep your laptop battery in the best condition, helping you save money and avoid unnecessary troubles.

1. Do not charge your laptop overnight

Many people think that occasionally charging your laptop overnight is harmless, and this is true, but only if you use a charger that has a built-in feature that automatically shuts off when the battery is full. If you use a charger without this feature, the battery may continue to receive power even when it is fully charged, leading to the risk of battery damage and reduced lifespan. Therefore, choosing the right charger will not only protect the battery, but also help maintain the long-term performance of your laptop.

The habit of charging your laptop overnight, even if you use a genuine charger with an automatic shut-off feature, can still cause the battery to degrade faster over time. This is why you should not make this a habit. Moreover, the charger is at risk of overheating and even causing fire or explosion if used improperly. Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, it is best to avoid leaving your laptop charging overnight, to protect not only the battery life but also the safety of the device and yourself.

2. You should charge your laptop in a well-ventilated area.

Charging a laptop battery always generates heat, and if done in a hot or poorly ventilated environment, the heat can build up, causing overheating. This can not only reduce battery life but can also affect the performance of the device.

To avoid this, charge your laptop in a well-ventilated area where there is enough airflow to dissipate heat effectively. You can also place your laptop on a stand or tilt it slightly to help improve airflow and reduce heat buildup.

In addition to the risk of overheating while charging, there are many other factors that can cause the battery to overheat and lead to serious damage. Typical examples include leaving the laptop in a hot car on a summer afternoon, placing it in direct sunlight, or using the device to handle heavy tasks that quickly increase the temperature.

Notably, trying to cool a laptop hastily, such as placing it immediately in an extremely cold environment or using inappropriate measures, can also negatively affect the machine's lifespan and overall performance.

3. Maintain the charge level between 20-80%

Charging your laptop to 100% is a common practice that many people think will help extend the battery life on a single charge. However, many people continue to use their laptop even when the battery level drops below 10% or until the device turns off completely. In fact, charging the battery to the maximum level and using the device when the battery is almost depleted can be harmful to the battery's lifespan, reducing its ability to hold a charge in the long term.

Most manufacturers recommend keeping your battery between 20 and 80 percent charged for optimal battery health. So, you should disconnect the charger when it reaches 80 percent and reconnect it when it drops to 20 percent. Unless you have an urgent need, such as during long flights or long meetings, you should not charge your laptop to 100 percent.

4. You should use the original charger that comes with your laptop.

The power of the charger must be compatible with the requirements of the laptop battery to ensure efficient charging. If you use a charger with low power, the battery may not receive enough current, resulting in slow charging and possibly shortening the battery life. In addition, low power chargers can overheat, risking battery damage and affecting the performance of the laptop.

Additionally, using a third-party charger that lacks important features, such as an automatic shut-off mechanism when the battery is full, can be harmful to your battery. Therefore, always use the original charger that came with your laptop. If the original charger fails, replace it with a genuine product from the manufacturer to ensure the safety and optimal performance of your device.

5. Avoid charging your laptop while using it.

Using a laptop while plugged in is generally considered safe, as it draws power directly from the AC adapter and uses the excess energy to charge the battery. However, many users overlook an important factor: using a laptop for long periods of time can cause it to overheat. This excessive heat not only reduces the performance of the machine, but can also have a negative impact on the battery life.

So, if your laptop is overheating, it’s best to avoid using it plugged in. Also, avoid plugging it in when performing heavy tasks, as this will overload the hardware and generate higher temperatures. If your device has a removable battery, removing the battery when connected to AC power is an effective way to reduce the thermal impact and prolong battery life.

Although there is currently no clear evidence that constantly plugging and unplugging the charger can directly affect laptop battery life, it is still best to avoid this habit to protect and maintain the long-term performance of the battery.

6. Reduce battery consumption on laptops

Every battery has a certain number of charge cycles before its performance and ability to hold a charge begins to degrade. Therefore, frequent and continuous use will quickly cause the battery to reach its maximum cycle limit. To minimize this, optimize the settings on your laptop to save energy, thereby helping to prolong the battery's life.

To optimize battery life and extend the usage time of each charge, keep brightness low, turn off background apps, enable battery saver mode, avoid running unnecessary heavy programs, keep your laptop in a cool place, and increase the use of airplane mode.

7. Don't leave your laptop plugged in all the time.

Keeping your laptop plugged in when the battery is fully charged is a common practice to ensure continuous operation, especially in power outage situations. However, while this method can be useful, keeping the battery at 100% for long periods of time can be harmful to the battery's lifespan.

Microsoft advises against keeping your battery at full capacity and suggests using smart charging to protect it more effectively. The best way is to charge your laptop to the recommended level, unplug it, use it for work, and plug it back in when the battery level drops to 20%.

In conclusion, the above tips play an important role in maintaining the health of your laptop battery in the long run. Applying these methods will not only help increase the battery's longevity but can also help you avoid having to replace the battery too soon.

If you notice a significant reduction in battery life after just one charge, this could be a sign that the battery is losing capacity. In this case, you should replace the battery immediately to ensure the best performance and user experience.