How to Take Proper Care of Your Laptop So It Lasts Years Longer

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The best way to care for your laptop software, hardware, and battery
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Would you like to maximize the lifespan of your laptop? Read on for helpful tips and best care practices that will help ensure your laptop functions well for a long time. We spoke with Computer Specialists Luigi Oppido and Spike Baron to gather expert advice.

Tips to Take Care of Your Laptop

  • Keep liquids and foods at a distance to prevent accidents.
  • Give your laptop air to vent heat away from its internal components.
  • Keep your OS, software, & apps updated.
  • Uninstall and delete old programs and unneeded files.
Section 1 of 3:

Laptop Care Tips

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  1. Protecting your laptop's hardware is usually a matter of caution. You can avoid the majority of common pitfalls by doing the following:
    • Keep food and drink away from the laptop. When drinking water or other beverages while working on your laptop, keep your glass or bottle at least one foot away from the laptop. A useful rule of thumb is that even if you toppled over your drink, it should be far enough away from your laptop that the laptop won't experience the spill.
    • If you need to eat near the laptop, close the laptop lid. If you do want to watch videos on the laptop while eating (and accept the greater risk to your laptop), keep the laptop as far away as possible and cover the keyboard with a silicone keyboard cover to minimize the risk of spills.
    • Use your laptop in safe conditions (e.g., away from water, extreme temperatures, and so on). For instance, try not to use your laptop where it faces direct sunlight, near heating vents, or outdoors where there is risk of rainwater, dust, or other particles getting into it.
      • During days of high temperatures, it's even more important to keep your laptop on a hard surface and make sure the vents are unobstructed, and keep workloads on the laptop low.
    • Keep the laptop at least a few inches away from the edge of the table you've placed it on, so that there's some room for it to be pulled without toppling off the table.
    • Make sure that power cords are placed in a way that you are unlikely to accidentally trip over or pull them. The same applies to accessories such as plugged-in headphones, though the risk there is less.
  2. Especially if you're particularly accident-prone, having a hard-shell case for your laptop will prevent damage from minor falls or spills when your laptop is shut.
    • You might also want to invest in a specific laptop bag (or a backpack with a dedicated laptop compartment) if you travel often.
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  3. Unfortunately, factory laptop batteries tend to have reduced lifespans, so your laptop's battery life will usually not match the factory estimates. Battery life reduces each time you have to charge it, so consider keeping your laptop plugged into a power cable until you absolutely have to use the battery.
    • If the laptop is constantly plugged in, there is some risk of overcharging. However, modern laptops have built-in protections against overcharging -- if they detect that you tend to keep the laptop plugged in most of the time, they will occasionally discharge the battery a little bit to maximize its lifespan. Make sure that you have enabled this functionality if available on your laptop. For Macs and Windows, this is available in "System Settings (Mac)/Settings (Windows) > Battery > Battery as "Optimized battery charging".
    • It's usually better to just leave the laptop plugged in and let the machine do the occasional discharge, rather than unplug the power cord yourself every few days.
    • However, older laptops may not have this overcharge protection functionality, so if you're using an older laptop and never need to unplug it in your regular use, you may want to unplug for an hour or two every week, according to Baron.
  4. If you look around your laptop, you should notice sets of exhaust fans, either on the bottom, back, or sides. These are meant to expel heat so your laptop doesn't sustain internal heat damage. Here are more tips to ensure your laptop can breathe easily:
    • Use your laptop on a flat, hard surface. Soft surfaces like pillows or blankets block the fans and make it harder for your laptop to get rid of the excess heat.
      • Doing this enough will ensure that internal parts overheat and possibly melt or sustain damage.
    • If you prefer to use your laptop in bed or on the couch, invest in a lapdesk , which allows for you to stay comfy while keeping your laptop on a hard surface.
    • Make sure your laptop is sleeping, hibernating, or turned off while you transport it in a bag since most of these carriers cover or obstruct the vents.
  5. Taking a few minutes to clean your computer of dust, grime, residue, and so on will make a huge difference in your laptop's lifespan. However, you don't need to take it apart and clean it all the time. According to Oppido, how often you need to clean your laptop depends on your environment; you'd clean a laptop more that's in a dusty environment than one that's in a clean one. Focus on the following:
    • Keyboard - Turn it off, and tilt it upside down to get rid of any loose debris like cookie or chip crumbs. Then use a can of compressed air to remove dust. Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the keys. You can also use wipes specifically designed for electronics. Oppido warns against ammonia since that eats away at plastic.
      • You don't need to remove keys when you're doing general maintenance cleaning.
    • Vents - Use a can of compressed air to dislodge any debris, but make sure you're not blowing it back into your laptop by holding the can at an angle to your laptop. Blowing debris into your laptop can damage internal components. Spray air in short bursts rather than a sustained flow. You can also use a microfiber cloth to remove dust around the vents.
      • Never use a vacuum since it can create harmful static electricity.
    • Screen - Use a damp microfiber cloth and gently wipe the screen. Never spray water directly on the screen or use regular household cleaners like window cleaner, all-purpose cleaner, or dish soap. Instead, use cleaner specified for laptop screens .
  6. Peripherals are items you plug into your laptop; these can include USB flash drives or accessories, headphone or speaker cables, adapters, and even the power cable. Many of these items have specific ports or locations into which they fit, so pay attention to the shape and size of an item's connector before plugging it into its respective port.
  7. Not only do the insides of cars experience large temperature swings that could damage a laptop, but a laptop (or laptop bag) is an inviting target for a thief.
  8. This can push the LCD screen into the keyboard, and may eventually damage your laptop's screen.
    • This includes anything from your phone to books, dishes, or clothes.
  9. You may notice that your laptop begins to run sluggishly after a few days of being constantly on. You can remedy this problem by turning off your laptop all the way and leaving it alone for 15 minutes; this will allow your computer's hardware to rest and reset. To turn off your computer all the way, do the following:
    • Windows — Click the Start icon, click the Power icon, and click Shut down .
    • Mac — Click the Apple menu , click Shut Down... , and click Shut Down when prompted.
  10. If you lift your laptop by the screen alone, you could damage the display or the hinges attaching the display to the base. The display is also easily scratched or damaged by direct pressure, so take care not to place pressure on it
    • If you drop the laptop while transporting it, it's much more likely to get damaged if the lid is open than if it is closed. So it's better to close the lid when transporting the laptop, even over relatively short distances (e.g., from your bed to your table). Closing the laptop lid also reduces the pressure imposed on the hinges.
    • Use more than one finger to open the laptop's lid. If you try opening or closing the lid without holding the base steady, this puts pressure on the hinges, which weakens them; it also increases the risk of toppling or pushing the laptop.
  11. One of the reasons your computer's screen will always end up smudged regardless of how careful you are is because the laptop's screen touches the keyboard keys, which have oil, grit, and dust on them, whenever you close the lid. You can cut down on this problem by placing a thin piece of foam or plastic on your keyboard before closing the lid.
  12. Windows and Mac have built-in security features that prevent the majority of malware or malicious code. However, you can also get third-party security like Malwarebytes for Windows and Mac to prevent viruses from infecting your computer.
    • Be safe and download apps and software from trusted sources, like the App Store on Mac or the Microsoft Store on Windows.
    • Don't open file attachments in emails unless you know the sender and trust the download. An .exe file attached in an email can automatically run and include thoroughly malicious code, so beware.
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Section 2 of 3:

Taking Care of Software on Windows

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  1. Out-of-date programs can slow down your computer and cause errors, so make sure you're updating your programs whenever you see the "Update available" window pop up.
    • You can also check for updates manually by opening your program's Settings or Help menu and looking for a Check for Updates button.
    • Downloading the latest version of a program's installer file and running it will also replace the older version of the program with an updated version.
  2. Each running program takes up a certain amount of memory (known as RAM) and processing power, so make sure you're closing the ones you don't want to use. You can force stubborn or unresponsive programs to close by doing the following:
    • Press Ctrl + ⇧ Shift + Esc to bring up the Task Manager.
    • Select a program that's listed in the "Apps" section.
    • Click End task in the bottom-right corner of the window.
    • Repeat with other programs you want to close.
  3. Having programs and apps installed on your computer's hard drive takes up space, thus creating strain on the hard drive itself. You can remove programs you neither need nor want by doing the following:
    • Open Start .
    • Open Settings .
    • Click Apps .
    • Find the program you want to install.
    • Click the program's name, then click Uninstall .
    • Click Uninstall again when prompted.
    • Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation.
  4. When your computer's operating system has an update available, it's best to update right away. Not only will doing so give you access to the latest features and support, it will also ensure that your computer is protected from the most recent threats:
    • Open Start .
    • Open Settings .
    • Click Update & Security (Win 10 only)
    • Click Windows Update .
    • Click Check for updates , then allow any available updates to install.
    • Restart Windows to allow operating system updates to install.
      • You can also set it up so these updates are applied automatically. Go to the same menu ( Settings > Update & Security (Windows 10 only) > Windows Update ) and toggle the option next to "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" (Win 11) or click Advanced Options and select Automatic next to "Choose how updates are installed" (Win 10).
  5. Temporary files, such as the ones left over from Internet browsing, can clutter your hard drive. You can easily remove them by doing the following:
    • Open Start .
    • Type in disk cleanup .
    • Click Disk Cleanup .
    • Check any box on the main window, including the "Temporary Internet Files" one. You can also click the Clean up system files button in the lower-left corner to see additional options.
    • Click OK , then click Delete Files when prompted.
  6. Startup programs—i.e., programs which begin running as soon as you start your computer—are notorious for making the process of starting your computer incredibly slow. Preventing all but the most necessary of startup programs from beginning automatically will ensure that your computer loads significantly faster, thus reducing the strain on your processor and lengthening your computer's lifespan:
    • Press Ctrl + ⇧ Shift + Esc to bring up the Task Manager.
    • Click the Startup tab.
    • Select a program that you want to disable.
    • Click Disable in the lower-right corner of the window.
    • Repeat with other programs.
  7. Manually deleting files, photos, videos, and other items that you no longer need is essential if you want to maintain your hard drive.
    • You can delete a file by right-clicking it and then clicking Delete .
  8. Due to Windows' file system, files and other data can become "fragmented" across your hard drive over time. This makes it harder for your hard drive to find the files. |Defragmenting your hard drive will reassemble most of these files in their original locations, making your computer run much smoother.
    • Do not defragment your computer if you have a Solid State Drive (SSD) instead of a traditional hard drive. It isn't necessary, and can actually ruin your drive in the process.
  9. It's easy to forget that files you've moved to the Recycle Bin by way of deleting them aren't automatically removed from your hard drive. To empty the Recycle Bin, right-click it, click Empty Recycle Bin in the drop-down menu, and click Yes when prompted.
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Section 3 of 3:

Taking Care of Software on a Mac

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  1. Running outdated programs on your Mac can be a security risk. While updating third-party programs must be done from within the programs' Help or Settings menus, you can update your Mac's App Store programs by doing the following:
    • Open the App Store on your Mac.
    • Click Updates in the sidebar.
    • Click Update to manage individual apps, or click Update All . [1]
  2. macOS can look at your files and optimize them so your laptop doesn't have to work as hard to find them. To free up space on your laptop, save unnecessary files to the cloud. To set this up, go to System Settings > General > Storage and select Store in iCloud .
    • Optimize Storage will remove any Apple TV movies and TV Shows that you've already watched and will save only recent email attachments on your Mac.
    • Save space by clicking Turn On next to "Empty Trash automatically . [2]
  3. Each running program takes up a certain amount of memory (known as RAM) and processing power, so make sure you're closing the ones you don't want to use. You can close programs from the Dock by clicking and holding an app and then clicking Quit in the pop-up menu, and you can force stubborn or unresponsive programs to close by doing the following:
    • Click Spotlight .
    • Type in activity monitor .
    • Double-click Activity Monitor .
    • Select a program you want to quit, then click the X icon in the top-left corner of the window. Click the Memory label and everything will be sorted according to memory usage. This is helpful so you can close programs you aren't using that are using a lot of memory.
    • Click Force Quit when prompted.
      • You can also click the Apple menu and select Force Quit , then select the programs you want to close.
  4. Uninstalling apps on a Mac is relatively simple: drag the app's icon from the Applications folder into the Trash, then enter your Mac's password if prompted. This will help clear up hard drive space, which is especially important given that many Macs don't have huge hard drives.
  5. Your Mac's operating system will occasionally receive a free update that includes new features, protection against new threats, and error fixes. It's incredibly important to update your Mac when these fixes become available.
    • You can update your Mac by going to System Settings > General > Software Update .
    • Make this an automatic process by clicking the "Info" icon next to "Automatic Updates" and toggling on "Download new updates when available" and "Install macOS updates." [3]
  6. While startup programs may not impact your Mac's startup time to the same extent that they impact a PC, you can still shave a few seconds off of your Mac's startup time and prevent unnecessary strain on your computer's components by preventing programs from starting when you turn on your Mac.
    • See what programs are designated to launch as you start your laptop by going to System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions . To remove a program from the list, click the program and click - . [4]
  7. Manually deleting files, photos, videos, and other items that you no longer need is essential if you want to maintain your hard drive.
    • You can delete a file by clicking it to select it, clicking File , and clicking Move to Trash .
  8. Your Mac's Trash doesn't empty by itself unless you set it up in Finder > Settings > Advanced and select Remove items from the Trash after 30 days .
    • To manually empty the Trash, press Cmd and click the Trash icon, then select Empty Trash . [5]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I know when I need a new hard drive?
    Jeremy Mercer
    Computer Repair Technician
    Jeremy Mercer is the Manager and Head Technician at MacPro-LA in Los Angeles, CA. He has over ten years of experience working in electronics repair, as well as retail stores that specialize in both Mac and PC.
    Jeremy Mercer
    Computer Repair Technician
    Expert Answer
    Most computers need their hard drives replaced after about 5 to 7 years, when the mechanical devices that keep the motor inside the hard drive running wear down. If your laptop is getting close to this age, pay close attention because it may be time to replace the hard drive!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    What are the signs of a bad laptop battery?
    Jeremy Mercer
    Computer Repair Technician
    Jeremy Mercer is the Manager and Head Technician at MacPro-LA in Los Angeles, CA. He has over ten years of experience working in electronics repair, as well as retail stores that specialize in both Mac and PC.
    Jeremy Mercer
    Computer Repair Technician
    Expert Answer
    Look for these common signs of battery trouble. If you see the body starting to warp on your laptop, it could mean that your battery is expanding, and it should be replaced as soon as possible. You might also hear whirring coming from the computer or feel it heating up, and both are signs of battery trouble.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    How do I get rid of malware for free?
    Jeremy Mercer
    Computer Repair Technician
    Jeremy Mercer is the Manager and Head Technician at MacPro-LA in Los Angeles, CA. He has over ten years of experience working in electronics repair, as well as retail stores that specialize in both Mac and PC.
    Jeremy Mercer
    Computer Repair Technician
    Expert Answer
    Try programs like Malware Bytes and CC Cleaner to clear out malware and old files. Both have free versions with all the features you need.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      Tips

      • Make sure you're taking good care of yourself while working on your laptop by reviewing proper computer posture .
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      • If you have a standard hard drive instead of a Solid State Drive (SSD), try to keep it below half-full. Any files stored in the bottom half of the hard drive often take significantly longer to retrieve than those stored in the top half. Keeping your hard drive below half-full will cut down on load times.
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      • You can reinstall your computer's operating system once every year or two by backing up your computer's data , resetting your computer, and then restoring your backed-up data. This will remove system-level items that contribute to slow-down and decay of your computer over time.
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      Warnings

      • Laptop batteries—particularly the ones which are included with laptops—tend not to have much longevity. You'll most likely need to replace your laptop's battery after a couple of years in order to avoid having to use the laptop while constantly plugged in.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/app-store/update-purchased-apps-fir9b01adda3/mac
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/optimize-storage-space-sysp4ee93ca4/mac
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/keep-your-mac-up-to-date-mchlpx1065/mac
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/remove-login-items-resolve-startup-problems-mh21210/mac
      5. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/delete-files-and-folders-on-mac-mchlp1093/mac

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