Is It OK to Leave Laptop Plugged In?
Modern laptops can safely remain plugged in most of the time. Once fully charged, they run on AC power and stop charging the battery. However, keeping the battery at 100% constantly can cause faster degradation. Some laptops offer settings to limit maximum charge for battery health.
Key Takeaways
- Modern laptop batteries have charge controllers that prevent overcharging.
- If storing a laptop unused for extended periods, charge to about 50% before storage.
- Heat is a bigger factor than charge level; ensure proper ventilation when plugged in.
Explanation
Modern laptop batteries have charge controllers that prevent overcharging. When the battery reaches 100%, the system switches to running on AC power directly while maintaining the battery at full charge. This is safe and will not cause immediate damage.
However, lithium-ion batteries experience more wear when kept at very high or very low charge levels for extended periods. Keeping a battery constantly at 100% can accelerate capacity loss compared to keeping it between 20-80%.
Many manufacturers now include battery health features that limit charging to 80% when the laptop is primarily used while plugged in. Check your laptop's settings or companion app for this option. This can significantly extend battery lifespan.
Things to Know
- If storing a laptop unused for extended periods, charge to about 50% before storage.
- Heat is a bigger factor than charge level; ensure proper ventilation when plugged in.
- Older laptops may lack smart charging features and could benefit more from occasional unplugging.