How to Extend Laptop Battery Life
Adjust your laptop settings and habits to get more hours of use from each battery charge.
Steps
- 1
Lower your screen brightness
to the lowest comfortable level. The screen uses more power than any other component.
- 2
Turn off Bluetooth and WiFi
when you are not using them. Open the action center and tap the icons to disable both.
- 3
Close unused browser tabs and apps
running in the background. Each open program drains battery power over time.
- 4
Switch to battery saver mode
in your system settings. Windows and Mac both have power saving modes that limit background activity.
- 5
Unplug external devices
like USB drives and mice when they are not needed. These draw power from the laptop battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does closing apps help save battery?Show
Yes, apps running in the background use processing power and drain the battery even when you are not using them.
Should I shut down my laptop or put it to sleep?Show
Shut down if you will not use the laptop for several hours. Sleep mode still uses a small amount of battery.
Does using battery saver mode slow my laptop?Show
Battery saver reduces performance slightly to save power. You may notice apps take a bit longer to open.
How often should I replace my laptop battery?Show
Most laptop batteries last 2 to 4 years before they hold noticeably less charge than when new.
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Written by the HowToDoStuff.online editorial team. Last updated .