Turn stuff off!
Your laptop might be wasting power on utilities you don’t actually need such as Bluetooth connectivity or programs you rarely use that start when the laptop is switched on (Dropbox is often a culprit of this). Some of these will show up in the notification tray near the clock and can be disabled. A deeper analysis may be required to turn off other unwanted programs or if you never use them they can be uninstalled. (Check before you remove anything to ensure it isn’t a crucial system program).
Try to keep your laptop at room temperature.
Getting too cold or too hot can really affect the battery.
When it’s switched on avoid leaving it where it can get covered up such as on a bed under a duvet or under cushions which can block the air vents and cause it to over-heat. It’s also worth checking the vents occasionally for the build-up of fluff and dust. It’s unlikely to get too cold unless you plan taking it away with you to the North Pole or want to store it in the fridge!!!
Should it be plugged into the mains all the time?
Many customers ask me whether or not they should keep the laptop plugged in to the mains. The answer isn’t a simple yes or no, here’s what Microsoft has to say:
Use your battery to keep it fresh. Don’t keep it plugged in all the time, it’s a good idea to discharge completely and then recharge the battery about once a month.
Visit the Microsoft website to read the rest of the article: www.microsoft.com
If you mostly use your laptop on mains supply you could remove the battery completely and store it somewhere safe until you need to use it. This will definitely help to keep it functioning for longer.
If you do find that your laptop battery is no longer holding a charge and you decide to buy a replacement, ensure it’s from a reputable dealer that adheres to UK health and safety laws.
