How to Extend Your Laptop Battery Life
Laptop rechargeable batteries, including Lithium-Ion and Lithium-Polymer batteries, have a limited lifespan. Over time, they gradually lose their ability to hold the same amount of charge as when they were new.
As battery capacity decreases, the amount of time your laptop can operate between charges will also decrease.
Battery runtime can vary significantly depending on the laptop model, battery age, hardware configuration and how the laptop is being used. A typical laptop may provide anywhere from around 1.5 hours to several hours of battery use, while newer and more power-efficient laptops can last considerably longer.
What Affects Laptop Battery Life?
There are many factors that can affect how long your laptop will run on battery power, including:
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Battery age and condition
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Screen size
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Screen brightness
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Processor performance
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Number of processor cores
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Dedicated or dual graphics
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Power and performance settings
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Wi-Fi and Bluetooth usage
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Connected USB devices
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Background applications
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Operating temperature
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Video streaming and media playback
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Gaming and other graphics-intensive applications
Activities such as gaming, watching videos, video conferencing and running demanding applications can use significantly more power than basic tasks such as browsing the web or working on documents.
Your laptop display is also one of the largest users of battery power. Even reducing the screen brightness slightly can noticeably improve battery runtime.
Why Does Laptop Battery Capacity Decrease?
It is completely normal for rechargeable laptop batteries to lose capacity over time.
Every time a battery goes through a charge and discharge cycle, a small amount of its original capacity is gradually lost. Heat, heavy usage and the age of the battery can also accelerate this process.
Eventually, a battery that originally provided several hours of use may only provide a fraction of its original runtime.
This does not necessarily mean there is a problem with the laptop itself — the battery may simply be reaching the end of its useful life.
7 Easy Ways to Improve Laptop Battery Life
1. Check the Condition of the Battery
If you have purchased a refurbished or used laptop, remember that the battery has already been used by the previous owner.
Refurbished laptops can still provide excellent value, but battery condition can vary depending on the age and previous usage of the device.
If battery runtime is particularly important to you, consider replacing an older battery with a new compatible battery where possible.
2. Reduce Screen Brightness
Your laptop screen can consume a significant amount of power.
Reducing the screen brightness to the lowest comfortable level is one of the simplest ways to extend your battery runtime.
You do not need to make the screen extremely dark. Even a small reduction in brightness can help.
3. Disconnect Devices You Are Not Using
USB devices can draw power from your laptop.
If you are running on battery power, disconnect devices you do not currently need, including:
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Mobile phones being charged
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External hard drives
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USB accessories
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Headphones or other charging devices
Every device drawing power can reduce your available battery runtime.
4. Turn Off Bluetooth When You Don't Need It
If you are not using Bluetooth devices such as a wireless mouse, keyboard or headphones, consider turning Bluetooth off.
Although modern Bluetooth technology is relatively power efficient, disabling unused wireless features can still help conserve battery power.
5. Use Battery Saver or Energy Saver Mode
Windows includes built-in power-saving features that can automatically reduce background activity and adjust certain system settings to improve battery life.
Depending on your version of Windows, look for Battery Saver, Energy Saver or your laptop's recommended power mode.
Microsoft also provides additional battery-saving recommendations for Windows:
6. Check Which Applications Are Using Your Battery
Some applications can continue running in the background even when you are not actively using them.
In Windows, check your battery and power settings to identify applications that are consuming significant amounts of power.
Go to:
Settings → System → Power & battery
From there, you can review battery usage and identify applications that may be contributing to excessive battery drain.
Closing unnecessary programs and browser tabs can also help improve battery life.
7. Shut Down the Laptop When It Won't Be Used for a While
Sleep mode is convenient, but the laptop can still consume a small amount of battery power while sleeping.
If you know you will not be using the laptop for an extended period, shutting it down completely can help preserve the remaining battery charge.
What Battery Life Should You Expect From a Refurbished Laptop?
Battery life is one of the areas where refurbished laptops can differ from brand-new devices.
A refurbished laptop may still have its original battery, which means its maximum capacity may be lower than when the laptop was manufactured.
Actual battery runtime will depend on the battery condition, laptop specifications, screen brightness, Windows settings and the applications being used.
For customers who regularly work away from a power outlet, replacing an older battery with a new compatible battery can be a worthwhile upgrade.
Final Tip
If your laptop works normally while connected to the charger but the battery drains very quickly, the battery itself may be worn rather than there being a fault with the laptop.
Before replacing the laptop, check the battery health and consider whether replacing the battery could restore the runtime you need.