5 mistakes that shorten the life of your laptop

Key points

• Don’t rule out surge protection: voltage spikes can damage your laptop
• Handle your device with care – avoid physical damage over time
• Periodically update and maintain your laptop for optimal performance

While the best laptops today are reliable machines that last a long time, there are a few things you should keep in mind if you’re concerned about long-term use. Whether you have a Mac or Windows computer, it’s important to take care of your devices. Unfortunately, many people unwittingly contribute to their untimely demise. If you want to keep that shiny machine of yours running for quite a while, here are a few mistakes you should definitely avoid.

5 Disable surge protection

Unexpected power surges can be detrimental to the health of the device.

These days, the battery life on most laptops is generally decent, but you’ll still often want to use your device while it’s plugged in. While laptops typically don’t draw much power from the wall (desktop PCs draw much more power), a power surge can still damage some internal components. Modern laptops are built with some level of internal protection, as are OEM chargers, but unexpected voltage spikes can still pose a threat.

This is especially a concern if your city has an unreliable power grid. Get a dedicated surge protector or only plug your laptop into outlets that already have surge protection built in. In general, this may not be as big of a concern in most areas, but an unexpected power spike did burn out my MacBook charger in the past. After that experience, I always play it safe with a surge protector.

4 Handle the device carelessly

Protect your laptop from physical damage

Most people who buy a new laptop take good care of it, but as time goes by, they end up taking it for granted. They’re likely to move the laptop around a lot, and that can eventually cause significant wear and tear. Here are some general things you should avoid to prevent physical damage.

• Never lift your laptop by the screen. You may put unintentional pressure on the screen, hinges, or bezels. There is also a high chance that you will drop your laptop if you hold it by a fragile part, such as the screen.
• Don’t just throw it into any old backpack. Instead, use a proper laptop sleeve that holds it securely and gives it some protection.
• If you’re sitting with your laptop and a drink next to you, make sure the drink is a little further away and on a coaster. Liquid damage can be a nightmare to repair.
• Do not use your laptop immediately if it has recently been exposed to cold weather. Allow the laptop to return to room temperature before charging or turning it on. If condensation forms inside the device and you turn it on immediately, the moisture could damage internal components.
• Finally, try not to drop your laptop. It should go without saying, but don’t put yourself in situations where it could fall. Make sure the charging cable is positioned correctly so you don’t trip over it. And, once again, always use a laptop case.

Aside from all that, make sure you use Microsoft Defender if you have a Windows laptop. It’s an excellent free antivirus tool, and considering it’s a Microsoft feature, it’s surprisingly unintrusive.

3 Ignore updates and maintenance

Regular maintenance of both software and hardware is vital

There are many reasons why you shouldn’t ignore updates, regardless of the devices you have and their respective operating systems. Vulnerabilities and bugs exist in almost every version of operating systems, which is why manufacturers release updates so frequently. If you don’t update regularly, you’re putting your security at risk. Make sure you also update your drivers regularly to get performance and stability improvements for more demanding tasks.

In addition to software maintenance, physical cleanliness of your laptop is equally crucial. Check that there is no dust or debris on the ports, keyboard, and screen. A dirty USB port can stop working if something is lodged inside it and you try to plug a cable into the port. Similarly, oils from the skin on the keyboard can transfer to the screen and remove the oleophobic coating. A dirty laptop is not only unsightly, but it is also more prone to damage.

2 Bad charging habits

Maximize battery health as much as possible

In older laptops, the battery is often the first thing to go. While batteries naturally deteriorate over time, there are a few things you can avoid if you want to prolong the life of your laptop battery. The first rule of thumb is that you should never leave it plugged in at 100% charge for an extended period of time. Likewise, leaving it somewhere with a dead battery for days or weeks is also a bad idea.

Both macOS and Windows have unique battery-saving features built in, so take advantage of them. Some laptops also have a protection feature that stops charging once it reaches 80% or 90% charge. Similarly, there is also a consensus that you should not drain your battery completely often. This speeds up degradation, so plug your laptop in before it reaches 0%. Lastly, using or storing it in a hot place will also deteriorate the battery’s health.

1 Ignore overheating problems

Heat is the enemy of all laptops

Thermal issues are a major concern on many computing devices, especially if you have a gaming laptop. Some laptops may have CPUs that are more prone to overheating, and while the CPU will slow down when it reaches high temperatures, overheating can harm battery life and reduce performance. This is another reason why you should clean your laptop regularly, as dirt and debris can clog fans and cause heat damage.

Running an extreme 3D render while the laptop is plugged into the wall is one type of situation where the device will produce more heat than usual. Now, if the laptop has a proper cooling system, demanding tasks shouldn’t be a problem. But if it doesn’t, stick to lighter tasks and do the heavy lifting on another machine.

Since laptops are so handy, many of us place them on blankets while in bed. While this creates a comfortable experience for you, chances are your laptop’s fans are choking on air due to poor airflow. So, try using your laptop strictly on a desk or flat surface that allows the legs to slightly elevate the chassis.

Better safe than sorry

All of these tips and tricks may seem like overkill, but overall they are small tweaks to your laptop usage habits that improve its lifespan. Of course, at some point you will need to upgrade or replace your machine. However, if you take proper care of your device, you can delay that inevitable day for a while.