Laptops are notorious for shutting down when they reach a 100% charge. This is frustrating for users who often have to go through the hassle of plugging in their laptop only to have it shut off a few minutes later. While many people believe this is a design flaw, the truth is that laptops do this as a safety precaution. Here’s everything you need to know about why do laptops stop charging when full?
How laptop batteries work
Laptops use lithium-ion batteries, which consist of lithium and carbon in a very specific ratio to provide the power that lets you work when you need to.
They don’t use nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries because they’re not rechargeable, and they degrade over time, not unlike a flashlight battery.
Laptop batteries are made up of several cells that store electrical energy. These cells need to be kept at a certain voltage for the battery to work properly. When a cell reaches its maximum voltage, it can no longer store more energy.
Why do laptops stop charging when full?
When a laptop battery reaches 4.2V, the built-in safety circuit will cut off power to the motherboard to prevent any damage. This is why your laptop shuts down when it reaches 100%.
While this may seem like a design flaw, it is a safety feature that is in place to protect your laptop from damage.
Disadvantages of laptop overcharging:
- The extra heat can damage your laptop’s motherboard.
- Your battery might burst into flames.
- Laptop batteries tend to overheat when left charging, potentially causing permanent damage.
- Overheating can cause your laptop to lose its warranty.
- Laptops can be expensive to replace if you get caught in the middle of a serious battery problem.
How to stop laptops from overcharging:
- Keep an eye on the charging status, and disconnect if necessary.
- Install a power management app.
- Please don’t leave it charging overnight.
- Try plugging your laptop into a power adapter that provides 2A or 4A.
- Put your laptop on airplane mode when it isn’t charging, so it will shut down completely if you get interrupted.
- Keep your laptop in a cooler environment during charging because it could overheat.
Strategies to Extend Battery Life
While your laptop will shut down if it reaches 100%, you can extend battery life by reducing the power drain on the battery. This will extend the battery life and reduce the chances of your laptop shutting down when you need it the most.
Here are some other tips to double the battery life:
- If you need to use your laptop while charging, use a power adapter that provides 2A or 4A.
- Use airplane mode when you’re not using it.
- Use the power saver settings.
- Turn off the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Conclusion:
Laptops are built to protect themselves from damage when they reach 100%, but you can still extend the life of your battery. While it may seem like a design flaw, it is a safety feature that is in place to protect your laptop from damage
For more articles, Visit here.
