I’m a tech repair expert – these are the mistakes killing your machine

Laptops are a big investment, whether you use Mac or Windows, but the lifespan of the devices is getting shorter and shorter.

A modern machine only lasts three to five years, but a few simple steps can make them last much longer, according to a technical repair expert who specializes in refurbishing old machines.

Suppose your laptop is slow or the battery capacity is decreasing, change settings. In that case, a few tweaks to the settings and habit changes will do the trick, says Kewin Charron, Senior Lead Refurbishment Operations Manager at French company Back Market.

Charron also advised users to pay attention to the laptop’s battery. On laptops, it is possible to replace them, but this can be expensive and a few simple steps can significantly extend battery life.

Charron said, “When it comes to laptop battery life, it’s also vital to use the battery or you’ll lose it.”

Leaving a laptop plugged in all the time degrades the battery over time, he warned, as does letting the batteries drain completely. .

Charron said, “To prolong your battery life, try unplugging your laptop at least once a month and letting it discharge to about 20 percent.”

There are also settings on both Mac and Windows that can help extend battery life, he said.

He said, “It’s best to charge your laptop battery to 20 to 80 percent and keep it there.

“If you have an Apple device, it’s a lot easier to keep track of. In fact, the system will do it for you.

“MacBooks with macOS 10.15.5 have a battery-optimization setting that prevents the charge level from rising above 80 percent – even when plugged in.”

“To activate battery optimization, go to ‘System Preferences’ and go to ‘Battery Status’ and select ‘Optimized Battery Charging’.”

Windows laptops don’t have a similar setting, Charron said, but other settings can help extend battery life.

He said, “You can enable Windows to automatically change certain power settings for you to improve battery life. Click Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters, then select Run next to Power.

Using laptops on soft surfaces (including your lap) can wreak havoc on battery life, whether you’re using a Mac or Windows device, Charron warned.

Charron said: The word “laptop” suggests that the device is designed to be used on your lap. And that’s true, although it may not be the best place to use it if you want to extend its lifespan.

Soft surfaces such as duvets can prevent a laptop fan from working properly. They can cover the vents, causing your laptop to overheat. And when a laptop overheats, sensitive components can suffer irreversible damage that shortens the overall lifespan of the device.”

Instead, use your device on a clean, flat surface whenever possible to prolong its life.

Using laptops anywhere near crumbs and dust can also lead to problems, Charron said.

Charron said: ‘Using your laptop in bed or on the sofa can also give crumbs and dust a chance to get in through cracks. These can block the laptop’s fans and in turn overheat the laptop.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use your laptop as intended. But if you have the option of using a clean, flat surface, it’s worth doing to prolong the life of your device.”

Using compressed air tools to clean the inside of your laptop helps extend battery life, Charron said — you can buy cans at most technology stores, and they blow out dust without damaging components.

Delaying software updates can also damage your device, Charron advised.

He said, “People are often cautious about updating their devices with the latest software. They may worry that their favorite features will change or that the device will slow down over time. Still, installing the latest software extends the life of the device.

New software improves the performance of your apps, which are designed to work optimally with the latest software.

To update your Apple system: Find the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen and click through to System Preferences.

Find and click on the ‘Software Update’ icon. This will search for available software updates and give you the option to install new software if it is available.

‘To update your Windows system: Select the ‘Start’ icon and click ‘Settings’ to ‘Windows Update’. Click on ‘Check for updates’.

“Your laptop then offers you the chance to update your software, if it is available.”

Finally, Charron advised to transport laptops carefully and to always use a laptop bag.

He said: ‘Laptops are designed to be portable, but tossing them in a backpack or bag without proper protection can cause damage over time.

‘Pushing hard can damage delicate internal components, and exposure to extreme temperatures or humidity can also cause irreversible damage.

“Always store your laptop in a padded sleeve or sleeve and don’t expose it to extreme temperatures or moisture.”