Some of the most common questions that flash through the user’s mind while buying a new laptop or when a personal laptop starts breaking down constantly are: for how long will this laptop survive? Can laptops last for 10-20 years? The lifespan of a laptop belonging to a good brand on average is 5-8 years; again it depends on the quality of the internal components that are used to manufacture it.
This article aims at imparting effective tips to maximise the lifespan of a laptop to ensure its longevity and optimise its functioning so that the need to run errands for repair work and replacements can be brought down.
Here are some of the most effective tips that could be tried to maximise the lifespan of a laptop:
1) Keep the Laptop Clean Both Internally and Externally: Ensuring the laptop is clean on the inside and outside is one of the most important and basic tips that the user should follow so that the accumulation of dust, dirt, or other minute foreign particles don’t wreak havoc on the laptop’s functioning, such as affecting the fan and causing disturbances related to it. Deletion of unwanted folders, files, and applications would place less strain on the device, thereby extending the lifespan of the laptop. These are just a few laptop maintenance tips that can help keep your device running smoothly for a longer period.
2) Following Good Charging Practices of the Battery: It is imperative to follow healthy charging practices such as keeping the laptop plugged in just to charge the battery and unplugging the device as soon as the battery is fully charged helps the battery last longer. Keeping the laptop plugged in for no apparent reason can take a toll on the battery’s health and also reduces the lifespan of the laptop. Additionally, following regular laptop cleaning tips to maintain both the internal and external components can further enhance the laptop’s performance and longevity.
3) Ensuring the Software is Updated: Keeping all the important software of the laptop, such as the operating system, anti-virus, and other applications, updated improves the laptop’s functionality by addressing and eliminating issues such as malware and bugs as and when they are detected. This is one of the most important tips that need to be followed to extend the lifespan of a laptop. In addition to software maintenance, following laptop cleaning tips regularly ensures that dust and debris don’t interfere with the laptop’s internal components, keeping it running efficiently for longer.
4) Utilising a Cooling Pad: Making use of a cooling pad helps to regulate the temperature of the laptop and staves off issues caused due to overheating, as overheating reduces the lifespan of a laptop.
5) Avoid Turning the Laptop On and Off Frequently: Users should ensure to keep the laptop turned on if the laptop is going to be used for the entire day and till the work is complete. Frequently turning the laptop on and off exposes the hardware to wear and tear-related woes, thereby harming the laptop and reducing its lifespan.
6) Taking Care of the Hardware: Whenever we find the laptops slowing down unusually or looking like it’s nearing its end, most of us would immediately feel the need to rush to a nearby service centre or get a newer laptop. Instead, having the hardware upgraded could be a game changer as some of the laptops provide the option of internal upgrades. If upgrading the hard drive or RAM is possible, it not only helps with boosting the performance of the laptop but also aids in maximizing the lifespan of a laptop. Along with hardware upgrades, regular laptop software maintenance is also crucial in ensuring your laptop runs smoothly and efficiently for a longer time.
7) Appropriate Adjustment of Settings in Gaming Laptops: The biggest advantage of possessing a gaming laptop is that they are likely to last longer than our normal consumer-grade laptops. It is also essential for the user to take good care of it by minimising the graphic settings while playing high-end games and not exerting a lot of pressure on the laptop beyond its capabilities to withstand, go a long way in enhancing the lifespan of a laptop.
8) Using a Surge Protector of Superior Quality: Utilising a high-quality portable surge protector to have the laptop connected when the need arises, can help protect the laptop from the adverse effects of a power surge such as getting the entire device burnt and charred as compared to a regular surge protector.
9) Remediating the Laptop Whenever Problems Stem: If the laptop seems to be acting out in unusual ways such as not performing as expected, slowing down of the device, hearing unpleasant noises, overheating or any other concern which indicates that something seems to be off, getting it remediated immediately such as knowing how to get it repaired at home based on the issue it presents or seeking the help of an expert can prevent the problem from getting bigger, thereby improving the health and the lifespan of a laptop.
10) Keeping the Laptop Safe in a Waterproof Laptop Backpack: There can be nothing as safe as a Waterproof Laptop Backpack with silica gel sachets in it, which can allow the laptop to rest safely when not in use and also helps in safely transporting the device from one place to another during seasons of rains and storms. Investing in a high-quality waterproof laptop backpack can help save the laptop from major damage and also serves as a wonderful measure to protect and maximise the lifespan of a laptop.
11) Use an Unused Laptop at least Occasionally: A laptop which has not been used for a long time like several months or years stands the chance of getting the hard drive components damaged. For the prevention of the hard drive components from getting damaged and to ensure the smooth functioning of the mechanical components of the hard drive, it is advisable to use the laptop occasionally, thereby furthering the lifespan of the laptop as well.
The Bottom Line:
Following the tips provided in this article helps maximise the lifespan of a laptop a great deal. Ensuring to keep the laptop clean and avoiding issues related to overheating can go a long way in safeguarding the life of the laptop as failing to do these can pose a significant threat to the device.
