How long should I charge my laptop battery?
Below are some general guidelines to follow when charging your laptop computer battery. Keep in mind these are general suggestions. Consult your laptop or battery documentation for precise information. If your documentation states something different, those directions should be followed.
New battery or first use
After purchasing a new laptop computer or battery for your laptop, we recommend the battery be charged for no less than 24-hours. A 24-hour charge makes sure the battery is full and helps with the battery's life expectancy. Once it is fully charged, you should not discharge it fully, if possible. Lithium-ion batteries [the type used in modern laptop computers] are strained and may be weakened when they are fully discharged. Doing so frequently can shorten the battery's lifespan.
- How long should a laptop battery last?
Don't worry about overcharging the battery. Modern laptops stop charging the battery when it is fully charged and switch over to AC power while the laptop is plugged into an outlet.
If you are excited to use your new laptop, it can still be used while it's plugged into an outlet. However, we suggest not unplugging it until it's been charged for that length of time.
All other charges
After the computer battery has gone through its initial charge, all battery charging should go until the laptop has reached its capacity. Often this is after a few hours of charging.
Even when the computer is off, as long as it's plugged in, it continues to charge.
Additional information
- Tips and help with maximizing your laptop battery life.
- See our battery definition for further information and related links.
- Computer and laptop battery help and support.