How Long Do Laptop Batteries Last?

Your laptop's battery is quite important. If the battery dies or fails, you can only use your laptop by charging it, which isn't always convenient or practical. After all, mobility is critical for such a technology. The operating lifespan of laptop batteries is shaped by a myriad of variables, including its build quality, how it's being maintained, its brand, and how frequently it's been exposed to high temperatures. It even appears that luck plays a factor in the lifespan of your battery at times.

A laptop battery's typical lifespan is thought to be around 1,000 charge cycles. This figure varies based on the laptop's manufacturer and batteries, as well as how it's utilized. It's also worth noting that performance might deteriorate with time. It's impossible to say how long each charge cycle on a laptop lasts because it relies on a variety of factors. Some laptop batteries can survive for tens of hours, while others, gaming laptops in particular, barely last for 4-5 hours at best. If you're worried about how long your laptop battery will last, check with your manufacturer to find out how long the typical charge should last.

How To Tell if a Laptop Battery Is Bad

It's inevitable for laptop batteries to deteriorate over time. Every time they are charged, they charge significantly less than the previous time.  A battery that's built to provide 56,000 mWh may only be able to provide 52,000 MWh at full charge in a few years. This is totally normal, although it does imply that your battery will go bad and will need replacement.

Overheating

When the battery is turned on, a slight increase in temperature is usual. To regulate and disperse excess heat, your laptop comes with fans and heat sinks. When your battery dies, your laptop begins to work harder, producing more heat, and your fans are unable to keep up.

You may notice that your laptop is becoming noisier as the fans work extra hard to try to cool it down. When you hear a lot of fan noise, lightly touch the bottom of your laptop to determine if it's hot to the touch. It is acceptable for your laptop to be slightly warm, but if you find that your laptop is getting hotter, it might be an indication that your battery is about to die. If your laptop becomes too hot, shut it down and unplug it right away.

Fails to Charge

When your laptop battery fails to charge once plugged in, it might be an indication that it is faulty and needs to be changed as soon as possible. If your battery is removable, take it out. Inspect for dust accumulation and clean with a soft and dry cloth. Then reinsert the battery, making sure it fits snugly and is connected properly. If the battery still won't charge, you may need to replace it.

Shorter Run Time and Shutdowns

If you find yourself frequently going back to the charger, or bound to your workstation because of how frequently your laptop requires recharging, odds are you need a new battery. A fully charged laptop battery should provide around 6 hours of run time. Several factors influence how long your battery should last in between charges. Doing a lot of things at once can cause your laptop to use more power and the battery to die sooner. However, if you only get a half-hour or less out of a full charge, there is an issue.

If your laptop often shuts off without notice, this might be an indication of a defective battery. Though bad batteries are not the primary cause of computer breakdowns, a sudden loss of power is a signal that you should inspect your battery.

Battery Warning

When batteries approach significantly low levels of capacity, both Windows and Mac laptops feature an indication. Simply click the battery icon, and if it's "Red" or indicates "Warning," it's a dead giveaway that your battery is bad.

How To Make a Laptop Battery Last Longer

It's not fun to have your laptop frequently run out of power. Making slight modifications to how you use your laptop can save you from reaching for the power cable as often and will keep your laptop battery operating much more effectively. Follow these steps to extend the life of your laptop battery.

Adjust the Display Settings

Reduce the brightness of your screen as much as you can without straining your eyes. Also, instead of a bright background, go for dark hues or a black screen. Configuring your screen to turn off automatically after some time is the last display tweak you could make.

Don't Keep the Charger Plugged In

Leaving your laptop charged all the time, even when it isn't in use, isn't good for the battery. Your battery must never be completely charged or have no charge at all. It is best to keep the charge between 50-80%.

Keep Your Laptop's Temp in Check

You don't want your battery to become too hot or too cold. Many times, people would place their laptop on top of their bed, and the battery will heat up. It's preferable to place your laptop on a flat and hard surface for the air to circulate properly.

Turn Off When Not in Use

Turn off your laptop if you're not going to use it. If you need to get back to work fast, switch it to hibernate rather than sleep. In sleep mode, the CPU of the laptop shuts down but the memory remains active.

How Long Does an HP Laptop Battery Last?

At full charge, HP batteries could last between 3-10 hours. The time, however, is dependent on the battery's capacity and how you use the laptop.  HP batteries have an average lifespan of 2-4 years or 1,000 charge cycles.

Your laptop is a priceless technology that allows you to work hard and play hard wherever you go. The battery, on the other hand, is a depreciating asset. You'll have to eventually replace it over time. How long a battery will last is primarily determined by how you use it and how frequently your laptop functions solely on battery power.