How to Know if a Laptop Battery Needs to be Changed

When buying a laptop, you should weigh processing power against portability. While desktop computers typically provide faster speeds, larger hard drives and better graphics, laptops come in smaller packages and are imminently more travel-friendly. However, if your laptop battery begins to fail, you've lost the chief benefit of your computer. Checking for battery health regularly can help you avoid losing battery powe

Instructions

Step 1

Complete a system diagnosis on your computer. Most computers come with diagnostic software that will indicate the number of battery cycles you've run on your laptop, and they'll often provide a percentage of how much battery life you have remaining. You can also download software designed for this purpose; thewwwblog.com has such an application.

Step 2

Begin to test the battery life yourself. Disconnect your laptop from your AC adapter or battery pack. On your desktop you should find an indicator showing the remaining life of your battery in terms of a percentage or actual time; you may be able to click on it to cycle through these options. Record how much time your laptop claims your battery should last.

Step 3

Wait it out. Allow your battery to drain to zero capacity and keep track of how long this takes. Depending on your battery health and the model of your laptop, draining the battery could take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.

Step 4

Compare the actual draining time of your battery to the time indicated in Step 2. Consult your laptop's manual and find out what the ideal battery life should be. If the actual draining time was significantly less than either of these figures, it is likely time to replace your laptop's battery. However, if the battery life continues to meet your personal needs, there's no reason to rush and buy a replacement.