Laptop constantly on charge – is it harmful to the equipment

Modern users often turn their laptop into a “stationary” – turn it on in the morning and leave it connected to the network all day. How safe is it for the battery and is it worth doing this constantly?

In most cases, leaving the laptop connected while working is not a problem. However, there are signs that indicate harm to the battery: excessive heating of the case and noisy fan operation. For a longer battery life, it is worth disconnecting the device when it is not in use, and during a thunderstorm – completely unplug it from the network to avoid voltage surges.

The good news is that modern laptops have become more durable and efficient than older models. If once constant charging could significantly “kill” the battery, then current technologies reduce these risks.

The key reason for relative safety is the design of modern batteries and power systems. Laptops use “low-current charging”, which supports 100% without overload, and the “black block” on the cable controls the current supply. Newer devices are better able to tolerate constant connection, while batteries become more susceptible to wear and tear with age.

The usage scenario plays an important role. Office tasks such as working with company systems almost do not strain the battery. On the other hand, games or video editing require a lot of energy, so the laptop heats up quickly – and overheating is harmful to the battery. In such modes, it is advisable to work without constant power from the network and monitor the temperature. Extreme conditions – direct sunlight or extreme cold – are also undesirable.

Recall that the advice to maintain a battery charge between 20% and 80% appeared as a way to extend the life of the battery. However, in practice, such a rule often turns out to be inconvenient and ineffective: constant monitoring of the charge level creates more trouble than benefit.

We also wrote that modern smartphones do not have a “memory effect”, so they can be safely recharged at any time. However, it is worth avoiding extreme battery states – completely discharging to zero or staying at 100% for a long time.