Is it true that some contemporary laptops can power down?
Is it true that some contemporary laptops can power down?
I was exploring a new laptop and came across several discussion threads about different models. Noticing a consistent issue, I discovered that users often report the battery draining 2-4% when the laptop is turned off. As I dug deeper, I found that according to ecocostsavings.com, the average power consumption for a laptop in an OFF state is 0.34W. This information helped me understand how much energy a typical laptop uses while idle.
To answer your question about laptop power usage, here are some key details: based on tests, a fully charged ultra book with a 43WH battery would last only about 6 days if it loses 2-4% of charge overnight. Even with a daily loss of just 4%, the battery would be depleted in around 25 days. For my own usage, charging the laptop at home might keep it running for 4-8 weeks before needing a full charge, which could affect its lifespan.
This raises concerns about whether such a design is acceptable. Should I regularly charge a laptop with a non-removable battery to prevent long periods of zero power? Or are there still laptops that offer a true off switch? I’m aware that some models can wake up quietly, but it seems they usually require listening for a wake-up signal.
I also noticed an old tablet that remains charged for over four months when turned off. Is this something I should overlook, or is there a better way to manage battery life?
They might employ a quick startup method that keeps them in a hybrid hibernate condition, requiring minimal power that could explain the issue. Win 10 may have a setting whose default status isn't clear in Win 11.
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/4189...-10-a.html
Disabling it can cause the computer to shut down completely.
How confident are you that being at zero charge is harmful for long-term health with modern batteries?
I'm facing a similar scenario with my cell phone. It's not used much, but if it's fully charged and unused for two weeks, it will lose its charge quickly.
I usually avoid keeping it fully charged. When I anticipate needing to use it soon, I charge it the night before. Otherwise, I let it discharge naturally.
It seems many discussions go into detail about disabling fast startup, USB wake, registry changes, and drivers, yet the issue persists. Drivers are only relevant if something is still active. I’m curious whether laptops still have an OFF chip or if they depend on commands to components like the CPU, drive controller, or Wi-Fi card to maintain a minimal power draw while in deep sleep.
I’ve shared some thoughts on this subject and the discussions that have taken place so far.
The article mentions an "Off mode" where the charger remains plugged in. This suggests they likely used a device like a Kill-A-Watt to track power usage, indicating the charger stayed active. The article itself describes this behavior as its own "Off Mode."
Chargers require energy because internal components must monitor the presence of a device.
Laptops aren’t completely off—they keep their battery circuitry active to manage charging when power is supplied. There could be additional elements in the power system that signal the laptop to turn on when activated. This applies similarly to desktop computers: they remain powered unless you switch them off fully. Something must instruct the power supply to begin delivering energy.
EDIT: It’s also worth noting that portable devices with a real-time clock might draw power from the main battery, not just a small cell, which also consumes energy.
Regarding Fast Startup, it doesn’t use extra power since the data needed for it is stored on the hard drive—essentially a modified Hibernate mode.
Leaving the battery at 0% isn’t advisable. Below a certain voltage it’s effectively dead, even with charging. A battery at 0% still retains some charge to keep its circuitry operational. But once it hits that threshold, recovery becomes impossible. This is compounded by the natural self-discharge of batteries over time.
The exact moment when this happens varies, but I recall Nintendo advising in late 2020 to recharge devices at least every six months. That guidance seems reasonable to prevent rapid battery wear. Devices that haven’t been charged for years may still accept a charge, though their lifespan will be reduced.
Storing a device when it won’t be used for a long time: maintain the battery between 40-60% and store it in a cool place around 65°F (18°C). The colder it is, the better, but avoid freezing. Higher temperatures accelerate discharge and degradation.
In a related point, I own two laptops that are typically idle. They lose roughly 1-2% of charge each week.
I conducted further investigation and decided to test a new Lenovo Ideapad. It seems laptops rely on a Power management IC (PMIC) for both charging and power control, meaning they can shut off completely but also offer various settings like Always on USB and wake-up modes that keep the system active. This device doesn’t seem to draw much power when idle for long periods with unnecessary features enabled, suggesting it will remain off for weeks without draining the battery. Additionally, it includes a useful option to cap charging at 60%, allowing it to stay plugged in indefinitely without damaging the battery.