L
%Start How Long Does a Laptop Battery Last? GA
S
REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter!
visibility
185 views
thumb_up
30 likes
C
Search Close GO Computers, Laptops & Tablets > Accessories & Hardware 88 88 people found this article helpful
How Long Does a Laptop Battery Last?
Longer than you might think
By Jennifer Allen Jennifer Allen Writer Swansea University, Staffordshire University Jennifer Allen has been writing about technology since 2010. Her work has appeared in Mashable, TechRadar, and many more publications.
thumb_up
23 likes
K
lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on September 10, 2021 Reviewed by Chris Selph Reviewed by
Chris Selph Chris Selph is a CompTIA-certified technology and vocational IT teacher. He also serves as network & server administrator and performs computer maintenance and repair for numerous clients.
thumb_up
27 likes
L
lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Accessories & Hardware The Quick Guide to Webcams Keyboards & Mice Monitors Cards HDD & SSD Printers & Scanners Raspberry Pi Your laptop relies heavily on its battery. If the battery runs out or goes bad, you're limited to only using your laptop by plugging it in, which isn't always practical or convenient. Portability is everything for such a device, after all.
thumb_up
40 likes
L
Various factors impact a laptop battery's operational lifespan, including its build quality, how well it's been treated, its brand, and how often it's had to deal with high temperatures. Sometimes, it even feels like luck plays a role in the longevity of your battery.
How Long Does the Average Laptop Battery Last
The average lifespan of a laptop battery is generally regarded as about 1,000 charge cycles.
thumb_up
39 likes
G
That number can vary depending on the laptop's brand and battery, as well as how it's used. It's also important to note that performance can still degrade over time. It's difficult to say how long one charge cycle lasts on a laptop as it depends on multiple factors.
thumb_up
22 likes
L
Some laptops have batteries that can last tens of hours, while others (particularly gaming laptops) tend to only last 4-5 hours at most. If you're concerned about how long your laptop battery lasts, check the manufacturer's site to see how long the average charge should last.
Is It Bad to Leave Your Laptop Plugged in All the Time
In the past, it was generally considered leaving a Windows laptop plugged in was bad for the battery's health.
thumb_up
12 likes
L
In contrast, Mac laptops were always regarded as able to stay plugged in without any issue. Nowadays, whatever type of laptop you have, it's safe to leave it plugged in all the time.
thumb_up
45 likes
N
It's recommended as the more charge cycles you put the battery through, the more it will wear out. There's no need to worry about 'overcharging' a battery as the laptop and battery are smart enough to know when to stop charging.
thumb_up
8 likes
D
All that happens is the laptop runs directly off your power cable instead of using the battery.
Is 4 Hours of Battery Life Good For a Laptop
That depends on your laptop.
thumb_up
8 likes
E
For some laptops, 4 hours of battery life is pretty good, but it's pretty low for others. For an older laptop, 4 hours is a reasonably good length of time as the battery is older and will have been used more than a new laptop battery will have been.
thumb_up
40 likes
S
However, new laptops generally offer longer battery life than this (unless you're playing games or editing videos), so again, it's worth checking the expectations listed on the manufacturer's site to check your laptop is operating as expected.
What Affects Your Laptop Battery' s Life
Several different factors affect your laptop's battery life, both temporarily and permanently.
thumb_up
32 likes
C
Here's a look at the key factors. Using the laptop.
thumb_up
32 likes
G
Using your laptop while it's running on a battery charge is the main thing to affect your laptop's battery life, both temporarily and potentially permanently, if you do so regularly. Your laptop battery can cope with a certain number of charge cycles before it starts to degrade. Heat. When your laptop runs hot or is exposed to hot conditions, the battery runs down faster, and it can put all the laptop components under excessive strain.
thumb_up
8 likes
C
Try to avoid using your laptop in hot conditions. Leaving your laptop unused for long periods. If you leave your laptop unused for a long time, such as weeks, it can affect the quality of the laptop's battery life. It's best to either fully drain the battery beforehand or leave it at 50% rather than fully charged before you put it into storage.
thumb_up
2 likes
H
How Do You Know if Your Laptop' s Battery Is Bad
When your laptop's battery is beginning to fail, there are a few ways you'll know a problem is occurring. Here's a quick overview of what to look out for.
thumb_up
45 likes
A
Your battery expires faster. Noticed you have to recharge your laptop more often? That's likely because your laptop battery is starting to fail.
thumb_up
24 likes
W
It might not be an issue yet, but it's worth keeping an eye on.Windows or macOS tells you so. Both Windows and macOS now tell you when a battery needs replacing. If your laptop battery needs replacement, you'll see a warning message when you plug your laptop in to charge. Your laptop keeps overheating.
thumb_up
47 likes
G
If your laptop keeps overheating or crashing, it might be because the battery is failing and getting too hot in the process. Try using it via the power cable instead to see if that helps, but be cautious, because sometimes this strategy can make the battery even hotter.
thumb_up
5 likes
S
How Often Should You Replace Your Laptop' s Battery
On average, a laptop battery lasts about 1,000 charge cycles or between 2-4 years of typical use. That's when you should expect to replace your laptop battery. If you're OK to use it plugged in more often than you used to, there's no need to replace the laptop battery.
thumb_up
42 likes
S
Bear in mind that many laptop batteries can only be replaced by a professional, making replacement batteries quite expensive. FAQ How do I check my laptop's battery health?
thumb_up
42 likes
L
To generate a Windows 10 battery report, open an elevated command prompt and enter powercfg /batteryreport /output "C:\battery-report.html". You'll see a message with the location it was saved to.
thumb_up
34 likes
B
How do I make my laptop battery last longer? To extend your laptop's battery life, change your power profile to Power Saver, lower the screen brightness, and turn off the keyboard backlighting. If you’re not using your laptop, turn it off, or set it to hibernate after a short period of inactivity.
thumb_up
48 likes
J
How do I dispose of my laptop battery? Use Call2Recycle’s locator tool to find a battery recycling center near you. You can also go to a retailer like Best Buy or a waste management service that recycles electronics.
thumb_up
4 likes
C
Place the battery in a sealable, disposable container, such as a plastic bag. Why is my laptop battery not charging? If your laptop battery won't charge, the charging cable could be damaged, the internal battery could be damaged, or a specific driver could be corrupt.
thumb_up
43 likes
O
Make sure the power outlet you're using isn't turned off. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know!
thumb_up
44 likes
A
Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day
Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Make a Laptop Battery Last Longer 8 Tips for Traveling and Flying With Your Laptop Can EV Batteries be Replaced or Upgraded? How Long Does a Ring Battery Last?
thumb_up
22 likes
L
How to Keep Your Phone or Laptop From Overheating How to Fix It When a Laptop Microphone is Not Working How to Fix 'No Battery Is Detected' on Your Laptop How Long Does an iPad Last? How to Make Your Cellphone Battery Last Longer How to Physically Clean Your Laptop What Is a Steam Deck?
thumb_up
23 likes
S
How to Keep Your Phone and Laptop Cool How to Dispose of a Laptop Battery How Long to Expect Your EV Battery to Last (and How to Extend Its Life) 6 Things to Consider Before Buying a Laptop The 6 Best AA and AAA Rechargeable Batteries of 2022 Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies
thumb_up
49 likes
Similar Discussions
-
Nico Ali Walsh to return on Loma Ortiz
-
Sami Zayn reveals that he had to cancel personal plans to attend RAW
-
KSI s prediction comes true as more than 2 million fans tune into Sidemen vs YT All Stars charity match
-
Reduce weight at home with 5 simple exercises
-
T20 World Cup 2022 Aakash Chopra on Rishabh Pant not repaying the faith in Ravindra Jadeja s absence
-
Obi Wan Kenobi A Jedi s Return air details on Disney+
-
When is Gizmo from Gremlins releasing in MultiVersus Season 1?
-
Hornets Terry Rozier Doubtful to play Sunday CBSSports com
-
Vidmate Apk Download versi Lama amp Latest Version 2022
-
Hydro Québec APK Download for Android APKfun com
-
VPN Master Pro Fast Secure APK Download for Android APKfun com
-
Photo Animation Effect APK Download for Android
-
Subway 3D Surf Runner APK Download for Android
-
Soralution APK Download for Android
-
Milburn Country Club APK Download for Android
-
Women s Wedges Design APK Download for Android
-
felix invoice APK Download for Android
-
Une magistrate de 44 ans meurt en pleine audience au tribunal de Nanterre Nanterre Hauts De Seine
-
L na Situations l autodidacte qui tout r ussit Podcast Spotify
-
LA mayor s race Bass and Caruso continue to exchange barbs over USC scandals La Mayors Race Karen Bass
-
Jan 6 Committee Formally Subpoenas Donald Trump Donald Trump Capitol Riot
-
El Cl sico se juega en DAZN y DAZN se la juega con el Cl sico F tbol Dazn
-
La alargada sombra de Carmen Calvo en el debate sobre la ley trans en el PSOE Crisis Psoe
-
Genoveva entierra a su hermano Luis asesinado por falangistas cuando ten a 18 a os Franquismo Armh
-
xQc reacts to Soda s take on TwitchCon being a YouTube convention Dexerto
-
Terraria How to Get the Wand of Frosting The Nerd Stash
-
People Are Amused By These 30 Spot On Reactions To Netflix New Film quot Don t Look Up quot
-
A Tiny Baby Yoda I Made A Whale Ago
-
Ben amp Jerry s new ice cream flavour tastes like climate change
-
APK File What It Is and How to Open One