How to Extend Laptop Battery Life: Habits That Help

There are two sides to laptop battery life: how long a single charge lasts, and how well the battery holds up over the years. Modern laptops use lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, which gradually lose capacity with use and age. You can't stop that entirely, but you can slow it down and stretch each charge further.

Get more from each charge

• Use the power-saving mode: both Windows and macOS offer battery-saver settings that limit background activity.
• Lower the screen brightness: the display is one of the biggest power users.
• Close what you're not using: browser tabs, background apps and sync tools all draw power.
• Turn off what you don't need: keyboard backlighting, Bluetooth, and connected accessories.
• Check the battery report: your system's battery settings show which apps use the most energy.

Help the battery last for years

Avoid extremes of charge

Lithium-ion batteries tend to age faster when they sit at full charge or are run completely flat often. Many laptops now offer an optimised or limited charging setting that holds the charge below 100% when you are plugged in for long periods — worth switching on if yours has it.

Keep it cool

Heat is one of the main causes of battery wear. Use the laptop on a hard, flat surface rather than a bed or cushion, keep the vents clear of dust, and don't leave it in a hot car or direct sun.

Store it sensibly

If you won't use a laptop for weeks, store it partly charged — around half is commonly recommended — in a cool, dry place, rather than full or empty.

Keep software up to date

System and firmware updates often include power-management improvements. Keeping them current is an easy win.

Know when it's time for a replacement

If the battery drains very quickly, the laptop shuts down unexpectedly, or the system reports that service is recommended, a replacement may be due. A swollen battery — the case bulging or the trackpad lifting — needs professional attention straight away; stop using the laptop and don't try to puncture or remove the battery yourself.

Gaming is especially demanding on batteries; our explainer on what makes an AAA game shows why those titles push hardware so hard. And while you're giving your laptop some care, our guide to cleaning a laptop keyboard is a good next step.