Across the span of years, batteries in devices like laptops and phones lose their ability to hold a charge. The period between the first use of the battery and its eventual inability to hold any power is known as the battery’s lifespan.
To maintain your laptop properly, knowing how long your battery is supposed to last is important.
How Long Do Laptop Batteries Last?
Generally, your laptop’s battery will last for two to five years before it loses its ability to hold a charge. While this estimate reflects the lifespan of a battery in a laptop used by the average user, it isn’t strictly accurate. The lifespan of your battery depends on how quickly you work through the battery’s charge cycles.
Each charge cycle occurs when your battery goes from a complete charge to a complete discharge (100%-0%). The average laptop contains a battery that can last between 300 and 500 charge cycles on average before any significant decreases in battery capacity occur. Using your laptop less often may prolong these cycles, though complete disuse can shorten battery lifespan.
It’s important to consider how long each charge cycle lasts. If your laptop has power for ten to twelve hours once fully charged, you may only use one charge cycle every two days—effectively guaranteeing the battery will last several years. If the battery can only hold a five-hour charge, you may need to use several charge cycles each day.
You cancheck your battery charge cycle count on WindowsandmacOS. You can alsocheck your battery health on Linux in the Terminal.
What Affects the Lifespan of Laptop Batteries?
Several factors impact the lifespan of laptop batteries, including total charge cycle use, exposure to excessive heat, and the quality of the battery itself.
Charge Cycles
The most significant factor impacting the lifespan of your laptop’s battery is how quickly you work through its charge cycles. As mentioned, most laptops have between 500 and 1,000 charge cycles before the battery loses significant capacity. As a result, laptops used frequently but for short periods will typically have a longer battery lifespan than laptops used for hours every day.
Battery Quality
The quality of the battery itself will also affect its lifespan. Generally, you’ll get the best lifespan from an OEM battery—or a third-party battery made from a quality material like lithium. Cheaply constructed third-party batteries are likely to have a shorter overall lifespan and may be more vulnerable to degradation caused by excessive heat or high charger wattage.
Improper Charging
The wattage of your laptop charger is important. The lifespan of your laptop’s battery will be maximized when you use the charger originally sold with your laptop—or a third-party charger that is rated at an equivalent wattage. Using a charger with a higher wattage than recommended (such as 65W instead of 45W) will cause your laptop’s battery to deteriorate quickly.
Excessive Heat
Heat is a major external factor that can decrease the lifespan of your laptop’s battery. Damage can be caused by internal or external heat sources. You should avoid using your laptop in extremely hot weather and ensure the bottom vents are always left unblocked. Avoid overclocking your CPU or using applications that make your laptop run hot. You may need tofix your laptop if it overheats frequently.
Lack of Use
Last but not least, one factor affecting battery lifespan is leaving your laptop unused. If your battery is stored for several weeks or longer while a charge is left in the battery, the stagnant charge will quickly degrade the battery. You should completely drain your laptop’s battery before storing it if you intend to set the laptop aside for longer than a few weeks.
Prolong the Lifespan of Your Laptop Battery
It’s a major nuisance when your laptop can’t hold a proper charge. While battery degradation is inevitable, it can be mitigated by using each charge cycle thoughtfully and employing good battery care habits. When the battery is eventually exhausted, replacing it with an OEM or quality third-party battery is a great way to prolong your laptop’s lifespan.
