Laptop batteries aren’t what they used to be. Whether it’s a new device or one that’s been with you for years, keeping the battery alive for longer stretches can sometimes feel like a losing battle.
But don’t worry! These tips can help you get the most out of your battery without overcomplicating things.
Below are 7 different ways to make your laptop battery last longer:
1. Lower Your CPU and GPU Power
Your processor (CPU) and graphics card (GPU) can be battery hogs if left unchecked. They’re designed for high performance, but unless you’re editing videos or playing heavy games, you don’t need them running at full tilt.
You can adjust power settings in your laptop’s control panel or system preferences to lower their energy use.
2. Set the Maximum Power State to 99%
Here’s a small tweak that can make a big difference: reduce the maximum power state of your CPU to 99%.
This simple adjustment stops your processor from going into turbo mode, which is when it starts guzzling power. It’s easy to do in your laptop’s power settings and doesn’t slow down everyday tasks like browsing or working on documents.
3. Avoid Playing Games on Battery Power
Gaming is fun, but it’s a nightmare for your battery. 3D games, in particular, push your laptop’s hardware to its limits, draining power faster than any other activity.
If you want your battery to last, save gaming for when you’re plugged into a power source.
4. Turn Off Bluetooth and WiFi When Not in Use
Bluetooth and WiFi are handy, but when you’re not using them, they become sneaky battery drainers. Leaving them on means they’re always scanning for connections, which is unnecessary if you don’t need them at the moment. A quick switch-off can save you a lot of power over time.
5. Don’t Let It Die or Stay Fully Charged
Batteries don’t like extremes. Draining your laptop to 0% can cause wear, and so can keeping it fully charged for hours on end. The sweet spot for lithium-ion batteries is between 20% and 80%.
So when your battery hits 20%, plug it in. Once it reaches around 80% (or 90%, if you’re in a pinch), unplug it. It’s all about balance.
6. Charge Less Often, But More Efficiently
Frequent charging in short bursts isn’t great for battery health. Instead of constantly plugging it in, let your laptop run on battery power for a while before charging it back up.
This doesn’t mean you should let it die completely (see point 5), but being mindful of how often you charge can help your battery last longer.
7. Close Unused Programs
Having too many programs open is like leaving a bunch of lights on in your house – it wastes energy. When you’re done using an app, close it properly instead of minimizing it.
Background apps eat into your CPU’s power, which drains your battery faster than you might think. Keeping only what you need running is a simple way to extend battery life.
8. Stick to the Original Charger
Your laptop’s original charger was designed to work with its specific power requirements. Using a knockoff or third-party charger might be tempting, but it can lead to inefficient charging or even damage your battery over time.
Stick with the charger that came with your laptop, or get a replacement from the manufacturer if needed.
