Following these steps, your laptop’s performance will improve and will help to increase its lifespan.
Laptops are great tools for working, studying, or gaming and are used frequently. However, they represent an investment, depending on the model, brand, and RAM. As with other tech gadgets, laptops need care to ensure they can last longer. Indeed, the lifespan of your laptop will depend on how you treat your device and the quality of your manufacturer. However, if you follow these steps, you can easily extend your laptop’s life and make it perform better.
1. Clean The System
We recommend checking your RAM and disk drive levels. Delete any unwanted files and uninstall apps you don’t use anymore. If you have Windows 10, it will defrag your hard drive once a month using the disk optimization tool. Here is how to use it:
- Click on the Start icon in the lower-left corner of your desktop screen.
- Go to This PC.
- Right-click on the drive needing optimization and choose Properties.
- Go to the Tools tab and click Optimize.
You also have the option to upgrade memory, which will make your laptop run faster and longer. Lastly, if the laptop no longer runs as well as it used to, it may make sense to restore it to factory settings.
2. Let It Cool Down
Ensure your cooling fan is not clogged with dirt to avoid overheating of your CPU and graphics chip. It is normal for a notebook to generate heat while being in use. It is wise to keep your laptop away from direct sunlight, preferably in a cool space. Remove anything that can obstruct the fan’s airflow. Alternatively, you can invest in a cooling pad or a dock station, which would be advisable for a heavy-duty gaming laptop or a mobile workstation.
3. Keep An Eye On The Updates
It is important to keep the operating system, apps, drivers, and antivirus up to date. Running routine updates is an indispensable step in a computer’s maintenance. While we recommend setting up an automated update, periodically checking for pending software updates is advisable.
4. Take Care of Laptop Components
As we mentioned, laptop lifespan depends on how well you take care of it. Users should ensure proper hardware maintenance and routine checks. For instance, remove your laptop’s battery when you are working with the charger plugged in. This helps to prevent battery damage and overcharging. Invest in a case to protect the chassis and the charging cord. Clean up your keyboard with canned air to ensure there are no stuck particles preventing it from functioning correctly, or even potentially damaging the internal components.
5. Keep It Clean
Keeping the computer clean is easy if you are careful:
- Avoid eating and drinking next to your laptop. This can save you from accidental spills that could easily fry the motherboard.
- Wipe down external surfaces, as dust and dirt can and will impact functionality over time.
- When the lid is closed, place a sheet of paper between the keyboard and display to prevent surface wear and damage.
- Periodically clean the keyboard with a compressed air duster.
6. Avoid Turning On/Off Unnecessarily
If you access the laptop multiple times daily, do not shut it down after each use. Frequent On/Off can affect the internal temperature causing the hardware to contract and expand. Over time, this will lead to wear and tear, reducing laptop’s lifespan. Instead, turning it off at the end of the day is enough to ensure longevity.
Simple Steps Make a Big Difference in Extending a Laptop’s Lifespan
The suggestions above can improve hardware performance and extend your computer’s life. Furthermore, proper maintenance determines its residual value. So, when you decide to sell your laptop for cash or trade it in, you are likely to secure a good offer and speed up the selling process.