To maximize the lifespan of your laptop battery, it’s important to care for the battery properly. A laptop battery will typically last between 2 and 4 years depending on usage and care.

Charging

  • When you get a new laptop, most manufacturers recommend a full charge before use. Charging time depends on the battery capacity and type, the charger type and usage during charging.
  • After the initial charge it is best not to let the battery completely discharge and avoid charging to 100%, which may reduce the lifespan of the battery. Many manufacturers have software that allows you to adjust the upper limit to stop charging as well as a lower limit to start charging, on some laptops this can be adjusted in the BIOS.
  • Some manufactures recommend calibrating the battery, you can check the manufacturers website to see the recommendations for your make and model.
  • Don’t leave the laptop plugged in all the time, once the battery is charged disconnect the laptop from the power adapter and run it on the battery at least part of the time. A battery’s charging capacity shrinks when you don’t use it. Try to keep the battery charged between 20% and 80% for optimal performance. 
  • Avoid charging the battery when you are using the laptop. Charging the battery raises the laptop’s temperature. When you are using the laptop the CPU, graphics card and the hard drive also heat up the laptop which can cause overheating.
  • Replace the battery when it is no longer working properly. An outdated battery can swell up and cause damage to the laptop. Replace the battery with an OEM battery from the manufacturer. Failure to use the proper battery can cause serious damage to your laptop.

Extending Your Battery’s Lifespan

  • Adjust the laptops power management settings to best fit your lifestyle. Power saving mode can put the laptop to sleep when not in use and reducing the screen brightness will conserve battery power.
  • Use Airplane mode when you don’t need a connection. Airplane mode disables Wi-Fi, mobile broadband and Bluetooth which use a significant amount of battery power.
  • Close applications when you are done using them, open programs use system resources including battery power.
  • Shut the laptop off when you will not be using it for an extended period of time.
  • Use the power adapter provided with your laptop to be sure it receives the correct voltage and current. Not all adapters are the same and they are not interchangeable. If you need a replacement, get an OEM adapter from the manufacturer.
  • Avoid extremely hot or cold environments. Electronic devices and batteries can be damaged in extreme temperatures. Don’t leave your laptop in your car or in direct sunlight.
  • Allow for proper ventilation, most laptop fans are located on the bottom. If the fans cannot properly cool the laptop, it can overheat and damage the internal parts including the battery.
  • In Windows 11 use the Energy Recommendations setting which consolidates many of the energy saving features in one location. System > Power & battery > Energy recommendations.