Is it bad to keep my laptop plugged in all the time?

A Cord of Contention: Is Keeping Your Laptop Plugged in All the Time Bad?

In our plugged-in world, the freedom of a laptop is undeniable. But this freedom often comes with a tether – the charging cable. While convenient, constantly charging your laptop, even at 100%, can actually harm its battery health and lifespan.

Modern laptops utilize lithium-ion batteries, which, unlike their older counterparts, don’t have “memory” issues and don’t require full discharges. However, they do experience wear and tear. One major contributor to this wear is heat. Keeping your laptop constantly plugged in, especially during heavy usage, generates heat which can degrade the battery over time.

Think of your battery like a muscle. Just as a muscle tires with constant exertion, your battery experiences stress when constantly kept at 100% charge. This can lead to:

• Reduced Battery Life: Over time, the maximum capacity of your battery will diminish, leaving you tethered to an outlet sooner than expected.
• Increased Risk of Swelling: In extreme cases, constant high voltage can cause the battery to swell, potentially damaging your laptop.

So, what’s the solution?

Give your battery a break! While it’s perfectly fine to work with your laptop plugged in, aim to unplug it once it reaches 100% charge. If you’re going to be stationary for a while, consider letting the battery drain to around 40-50% before plugging it back in. This “sweet spot” range helps prolong the lifespan of your battery.

Additionally:

• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Heat is the enemy. Don’t leave your laptop in a hot car or in direct sunlight.
• Utilize Battery Saving Modes: Most operating systems offer battery saving modes that can optimize performance and prolong battery life.

In conclusion, while the convenience of a constantly charged laptop is tempting, giving your battery a break is crucial for its longevity. By understanding how your battery functions and adopting simple practices, you can ensure your laptop stays powered up and ready to go for years to come.