Laptop Care Best Practices for Longevity

Keep Food, Drinks, and Liquids Away

Common sense reminds us that water and electricity don't mix. Similarly, liquids and food near laptop keyboards can pose risks. To safeguard your laptop's longevity, keep it clear of food and drinks. If you must have a drink while working, ensure it's at a safe distance to prevent spills on the keyboard.

Use a Padded Protective Sleeve or Bag

Investing in a dedicated carrier for your laptop is important to help prevent damage. Plenty of solutions are available to choose from. Use this protective case whenever you are transporting your laptop outside of the building.

Store Your Device Properly

Proper storage is crucial for your laptop, especially regarding temperature. Avoid leaving it near windows or in a hot/cold car. Placing your laptop on the carpet can result in static electricity, especially during vacuuming. Additionally, refrain from placing items on top of or in between your laptop to prevent aesthetic damage, pressure-induced issues, or potential screen damage. Even a few pieces of paper between the screen and the keyboard can crack the screen.

When you're not charging your laptop, be sure to tuck away the cable safely. Keep it clear of liquids, give it a quick check for any kinks or bent prongs, and, most importantly, make sure your pets or little ones don't turn it into a chew toy.

Ensure a Safe Environment for Laptops and Animals

Laptops generate significant heat and are attractive to animals, but the combination is problematic. Hair and fur can easily enter the laptop through its ports, hindering proper airflow. This can result in overheating issues for your laptop.

Plan Your Power Source

Make sure you are using a charging brick meant for the power specifications your laptop requires - using one “out of spec” can damage the internal components and possibly cause a fire. Use a surge protector to shield it from power surges that could harm internal parts. Sit close to the power source when it's plugged in to avoid tripping over the cord or rolling over it with a chair – unexpected jolts can be tough on the motherboard.

Let Your Laptop Breathe

Place your running laptop on a hard, even surface like a table to prevent overheating. Avoid using it on soft materials, as this hinders heat dissipation. If you prefer using it in bed or on your lap, consider investing in a specially designed laptop stand. Also, remember to turn off your laptop before placing it in a bag to ensure proper airflow and prevent damage due to overheating.

Increase Battery Lifespan

To preserve even the most impressive laptop battery life, optimize your battery settings for longevity. The best practice for any rechargeable battery is to keep it between 20% and 80%. Unless you are putting it in storage, in which case you need to look up manufacturer instructions. Additionally, avoid completely depleting your battery, as it can be detrimental to its overall health.

Keep Software Up to Date

Make sure to keep your laptop updated. Outdated apps and systems can run slower and cause compatibility issues, exposing you to security issues and hindering your computer's performance.

Verified: Nov 14, 2023