Does the laptop have to be plugged in all the time? It depends on the usage environment

January 12, 2022

Many users who use laptops will have a question, "Does the laptop need to be plugged in all the time?". This article focuses on this question and talks about my own views.

Does the laptop have to be plugged in all the time?

Although the laptop is equipped with an extra battery, the battery life is generally around 2 to 4 hours, and the battery is generally used as a backup power source. The IC system will preferentially use the power supply of the notebook power adapter according to the connection status of the power supply, and will also charge the battery.

But this is only when the laptop is working. If the user is not using the laptop, he can also unplug the power supply without having to plug it into the computer all the time.

The difference between plugged and unplugged laptop power adapter

When the laptop is powered off, there is little difference between plugging in and unplugging the power adapter. If the power adapter is plugged in all the time, there will be a power loss, which consumes more power than if it is not plugged in. Many laptops have an indicator light on the power switch button. When plugged in all the time, the light will stay on to indicate that the laptop is plugged in. If it is not plugged in, the light will turn off. There is no other difference.

However, if the laptop is in working condition and the power adapter is unplugged, it makes a big difference. Most laptops automatically enter a power saving mode, which affects both the brightness of the display and the performance of the computer.

Why would anyone suggest "pulling the plug"

The suggestion is good, but it is necessary to find out why it is suggested. The power adapter of the notebook computer will convert the civilian electricity into the electricity suitable for the notebook computer, and the most afraid of this type of electronic equipment is high voltage. In the event of electricity, thunderstorms, etc., if the plug is always inserted, it is easy to burn the power adapter or the components in the notebook computer, such as the network card, motherboard, graphics card and so on. Therefore, some people will suggest that users unplug the power adapter when they are not using the computer.

In fact, it doesn't matter whether the laptop's power adapter is unplugged or not. If you are worried that your computer will be damaged by power outages and thunderstorms, you can simply unplug it.