Can I Leave My Laptop Plugged In All the Time?

The question of whether it's safe to keep your laptop plugged in while using it has been widely debated online. Generally, lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in laptops, do not suffer from the memory effect common in older battery types. However, there are still considerations to keep in mind to ensure optimal battery longevity and energy efficiency.

General Safety and Convenience

It is perfectly fine to keep your laptop plugged in while using it. Lithium-ion batteries do not require special treatment to remain in top condition. Scientifically, leaving your laptop plugged in all the time does not harm the battery; in fact, it can be beneficial to the battery health, especially if your laptop is not used frequently.

When your laptop is plugged in, it can maintain a stable charging level, which can help prevent the battery from degrading. However, if you are not using your laptop and it is fully charged, it is a good idea to unplug it to conserve energy. This is particularly important if your laptop will not be used for an extended period of time, as it will be drawing no power while turned off or in sleep mode.

Practical Considerations

Running on battery power occasionally is still recommended to ensure the battery remains healthy. It is good practice to run the battery down to a 10% capacity at least once a month. This helps in maintaining the battery's health and can also help in synchronizing the battery's internal circuitry. Some laptops come with built-in software that can perform this scheduled discharge, or it can be done manually.

Additionally, you can use power settings to charge the battery to only 70%, which helps in maintaining a balanced charge level and can prolong the battery's life. Running the laptop only on battery can also help in testing the battery's performance and ensuring there are no unexpected issues.

Extended Usage and Battery Care

Extreme cases like leaving a laptop plugged in for extended periods can potentially lead to battery heat up, which is not good for the battery's health. This is more of a concern in older batteries, but it can still affect the longevity of modern lithium-ion batteries.

Some users have reported that leaving their laptops plugged in for years without issue. For instance, one user has been using their HP Envy laptop continuously plugged in for eight years and has never run on battery-only mode. During this time, they have had to change the hard drive to an SSD and replace the keyboard due to accidental spills. These issues are unrelated to the laptop being plugged in continuously.

However, for optimal performance and battery health, it is advisable to run on battery occasionally, especially when there are no power outlets available. This helps in maintaining the battery's health and can also synchronize its internal circuits. It's also important to be mindful of the environment around the power cord to avoid tripping hazards.

Conclusion

In summary, it is generally safe to leave your laptop plugged in all the time, especially if it is being used frequently. However, it is a good idea to unplug it when it is fully charged and the laptop is not in use for an extended period of time. Running on battery at least once a month and using power settings to charge the battery only to 70% can help in prolonging the battery's life and maintaining optimal performance. If you can have a power port, use it. This will ensure your laptop performs well and saves energy in the long run.