5 tips to extend the lifespan of your laptop

Laptops need replacing every few years owing to wear and tear or damage.

Unless you’re craving for a newer model, fancier hardware, latest features, or just any excuse for a better laptop, the good news is that you can actually do some things to extend the lifespan of your laptop.

Read on for more!

1. Handle with care

It goes without saying that you should be careful with your laptop and avoid dropping it. Your laptop screen is fragile, so make sure you don’t scratch or crack it. The hard drive is the other important component of your laptop; to make it last longer, move your laptop around gently and avoid moving it when the hard drive is carrying out intensive operations.

2. Clean routinely

With the keyboard and fan, your laptop is nothing short of a dirt magnet. Turn the laptop off and brush it clean, going slowly and gently over the fan and nooks and crannies.

Avoid eating around your laptop to avoid crumbs from getting into the keyboard. Turn the laptop upside down and tap gently to dislodge any dirt and food particles stuck between the keys. Now clean the keyboard by going over the keys with a soft cloth. You can consider using cleaning slime for the spaces between the laptop keys to pick up debris. Note that keeping your laptop clean will prevent it from overheating, this increasing lifespan.

3. Keep the operating system in good shape

Speed up your laptop by running regular software and operating system updates. This will help patch issues, add new features, and reduce the chances of security exploitation. Keep junk and malware out with anti-virus and anti-malware programmes to ensure your system runs smoothly.

4. Upgrade the hardware

It’s as simple as installing a bigger hard drive or using a Solid State Drive (SSD) in addition to internal storage. Adding more RAM and putting in a new display are other options.

5. Use wisely

Leaving your laptop in direct sunlight or inside a hot car can shorten its lifespan. Keep your device in a cool place and you’re sure to see it go the distance. Also make sure you place the laptop on an even surface when using it to allow for sufficient air flow that will keep the device from heating up.

Don’t leave your laptop charging 24/7; using it off-charging will let you check for battery or other electrical system issues. Avoid smoking around it as doing so could lead to gunk building up in the laptop. Keep checking the adapter cables for wear and tear.