7 Ways to Save Laptop Battery to Last for Hours

It is undeniable that despite the advanced technology of new processors, sharp screens, and impressive computing performance, the majority of laptops and notebooks still share the same problem; disappointing battery life.

Even with the best hardware optimization, battery lithium-ion which are widely used on laptops to tablets do have capacity limitations based on their physical volume. For this reason, small laptops and thin bodies will find smaller batteries which have a direct effect on the duration of use.

But as a user, there are a few simple tips that can boost battery life so that charger will be something you don’t have to carry with you all the time.

Here are some tips to save battery for laptop, notebook, and tablet users Windows 10.

#1 Turn on dark mode to save energy

The screen is usually the most power-consuming component in almost all laptops. How not, the high light intensity forces the battery to supply more energy to produce the moving images we see.

However not all light is the same. White generally attracts more energy than black — darker means less light. Therefore, enable dark mode so that battery consumption can be cut drastically.

To enable dark theme in Windows 10, follow these steps:

Notes: It may only be available on the latest Windows 10 with license activation.

1. Open menu Startthen click Settings.

2. Select Personalization.

3. Go to menu Colors.

4. Change ‘Windows mode’ and ‘app mode’ to Dark.

#2 Then, also enable dark mode on the app

This stage is an extra advanced from the previous stage. While some apps will follow the dark mode that’s been enabled via the ‘Personalization’ menu in Windows 10, some can only be activated manually through individual apps.

For example, dark mode in Google Chrome can be found directly within the app, and can even be leveled up with extensions.

Given that each application is equipped with interface different, you have to figure out how to enable dark mode itself.

#3 Dim the screen as low as possible

The principle is the same as dark mode; The lower the light intensity, the lower the energy used.

To adjust the screen brightness intensity, click the battery icon in the lower right corner, then click the brightness percentage icon repeatedly until you find a sufficient level.

Feel dazzled? Consider installing ‘anti glare’ on the laptop screen. The coating will greatly help reduce the reflection of light on the screen, especially in bright environments.

#4 Always use power saving battery preferences

The factory default laptop battery performance settings are generally in the middle point, namely the ‘Balanced’ mode. For most people, this may not be a problem, but if battery life is a priority, try to enable power saving mode.

The following is a guide to enable power saving mode or ‘battery saver’ on Windows 10 devices.

1. Open menu Startthen click Settings.

2. Select System.

3. On the left, click Power & sleep.

4. Swipe sliders to Best energy savings.

These settings can also be accessed via battery icon at the bottom right of the screen.

#5 Reduce unnecessary activity in background programs

Apart from the various programs and video games that run when you use a laptop, it turns out that there are many other background applications that you unknowingly also run even when you are not using them.

Background programs (background apps) are extra features that are embedded for certain functions. Even if you don’t use it at all, the program still consumes resources such as CPU, RAM, and of course the battery.

Windows 10 itself has several background programs that can actually be turned off without having any impact on the overall functioning of the device. Here’s how to disable some background programs in Windows 10.

1. Open menu Startthen click Settings.

2. Go to menu Privacy.

3. Then click Background apps.

4. Please set which programs you want to turn off and leave on.

For programs not listed here, please access Task Manager then look in the menu Startup. Right-click on the application you want to stop from startup and background, then Disable.

#6 Laptop still using HDD? Upgrade to SSD

These tips are arguably not for everyone considering that the component upgrade process is involved. Storage components such as HDDs are an outdated technology and are slowly being replaced by newer, faster, lighter, and less powerful SSDs.

To illustrate, modern HDDs typically consume approx. 10 watts compared to 2.7 watts for SSD which is about four times more energy efficient.

Despite the advantages of power consumption and speed, the transition from HDD to SSD is not as smooth as a desktop computer. But if interested, visit a computer repair shop for more information. They may be able to help with the upgrade process, of course, for a fee.

#7 Cooling pad turns out to be able to make a long battery life

Lithium-ion batteries in laptops are designed to be able to work at high temperatures -20°C to 60°Cbut under extreme conditions, the battery’s original capacity will dissolve by up to 30 percent (ResearchGate).

The battery sensor may still show 100% capacity, but the battery’s original capacity could be 70% or even less — this directly impacts how long the laptop can last.

The degradation process takes place slowly, without realizing it, but it definitely happens.

But at least we can slow down the process by keeping the battery temperature in an ideal area. For example, lithium-ion batteries should be operated in temperatures between 15° C to 35° C.

Additional accessories such as cooling pad not only can lower the temperature of the ‘innards’ of the laptop, but also the battery considering its position at the bottom of the laptop. That way the battery temperature can be consistently maintained so it doesn’t overheat.

The main thing is, a cold laptop is a healthy laptop (as long as it’s not below freezing).

Now you know some tips to extend laptop battery life. See also other tips to improve laptop performance like new.