Belle Webb
- Aug 6
- 2 min read

Keep Your Laptop Running Smoothly

How to Keep Your Laptop Reliable for Years.

Today's top laptops are dependable devices designed for longevity, but there are certain considerations to keep in mind for extended use. Regardless of whether you own a Mac or a Windows laptop, it's crucial to maintain your device properly.

Tips for Keeping Your Laptop in Top Shape

Keep Your Operating System and Software Updated

Stay Secure: Updates fix security flaws and bugs. Ignoring them can leave your laptop vulnerable to hackers and malware.
How to: Set your laptop to automatically update its operating system and apps. For Windows, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. For Mac, go to System Preferences > Software Update.
Better Performance: Updates can make your laptop run smoother and faster by improving how it handles tasks and adding new features.
How to: Regularly check for and install updates for your programs. Many applications have an update option in their settings menu.

Update Your Drivers

Avoid Crashes: Outdated drivers can cause your laptop to freeze or crash. Updating them helps keep everything running smoothly.
How to: On Windows, use Device Manager to check for driver updates. Right-click on a device and select "Update driver." For Macs, updates usually come with system updates.
Boost Performance: New driver versions can make your laptop perform better, especially for gaming or using heavy software.
How to: Visit your laptop manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers, or use dedicated software to manage driver updates.

Regular Maintenance

Clean It Up: Dust and dirt can slow down your laptop. Clean the outside regularly and, if you can, the inside too.
How to: Use a soft cloth to wipe down the exterior. For the interior, use compressed air to blow out dust from the keyboard and vents.
Battery Care: If you leave your laptop plugged in most of the time, keeping the battery at around 80% can help extend its lifespan.
How to: Some laptops have a battery care mode that limits the charge to 80%. Check your laptop’s settings or the manufacturer’s software to enable this feature. If your laptop doesn't have this option, manually unplug it when it reaches 80% and plug it back in when it drops to around 20-30%.