This article was co-authored by Ken Colburn and by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA. Ken Colburn is a Consumer Electronics Expert and the Founder & CEO of Data Doctors Computer Services. With more than 34 years of experience, he specializes in computer checkups and repairs, data recovery, and teaching others about technology. Ken also provides one-minute tech tips through his broadcast, Data Doctors Tech Tips.
There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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When you're charging a laptop battery for the first time, the recommended time that you charge it varies between manufacturers (like Dell or HP), so you should refer to your user manual for that information. Factors such as how many power cells are inside your battery, how big it is, or what the charge is when it's shipped will all affect how you charge it. This wikiHow will show you how to charge a laptop battery for the first time as well as how to save your battery or lengthen its lifespan.
Doing an Initial Laptop Charge
Plug the laptop's power cord into the power port, then into the wall. Let the laptop charge for 24 on this first charge, or just until it's completely charged, which experts say helps extend the battery's lifespan. Then, unplug the battery and use the laptop as normal.
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionShould I drain my new laptop battery?Ken ColburnKen Colburn is a Consumer Electronics Expert and the Founder & CEO of Data Doctors Computer Services. With more than 34 years of experience, he specializes in computer checkups and repairs, data recovery, and teaching others about technology. Ken also provides one-minute tech tips through his broadcast, Data Doctors Tech Tips.
Consumer Electronics ExpertNope! There was a time with older battery technology where you wanted to completely discharge the battery before charging it back up. However, those memory issues don't exist with today's battery technology, so you don't have to do that anymore. -
QuestionHow do I keep my laptop battery healthy?Ken ColburnKen Colburn is a Consumer Electronics Expert and the Founder & CEO of Data Doctors Computer Services. With more than 34 years of experience, he specializes in computer checkups and repairs, data recovery, and teaching others about technology. Ken also provides one-minute tech tips through his broadcast, Data Doctors Tech Tips.
Consumer Electronics ExpertNever charge your laptop when it's warm to the touch! That's an indication that you need to let the device get back to room temperature before you do anything. Charging your laptop in an overheated state can actually reduce the battery life.
Tips
References
- ↑ https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/tech-takes/how-long-should-i-charge-hp-laptop-battery
- ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/battery-saving-tips-for-windows-a850d64d-ee8e-c8d2-6c75-8ffe6ea3ea99
- ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/battery-saving-tips-for-windows-a850d64d-ee8e-c8d2-6c75-8ffe6ea3ea99
- ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/change-your-displays-brightness-mchlp2704/mac
- ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/adjust-the-volume-mchl1f98810b/mac
- ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/shut-down-sleep-or-hibernate-your-pc-2941d165-7d0a-a5e8-c5ad-8c972e8e6eff
- ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/change-the-power-mode-for-your-windows-pc-c2aff038-22c9-f46d-5ca0-78696fdf2de8
- ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/optimize-your-mac-battery-life-mh35848/mac
- ↑ https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/ht069687-easy-ways-to-extend-your-battery-life-ideapadlenovothinkpad-laptops
- ↑ https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/ht069687-easy-ways-to-extend-your-battery-life-ideapadlenovothinkpad-laptops
- ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/caring-for-your-battery-in-windows-2db3e37f-5e7d-488e-9086-ed15320519e4
- ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/caring-for-your-battery-in-windows-2db3e37f-5e7d-488e-9086-ed15320519e4