How can you test your computer's battery life and performance?

1 Check the battery health

The first step to test your computer's battery life is to check its health status. This will tell you how much capacity your battery has left compared to its original design. You can use different tools to check your battery health, depending on your operating system. For Windows, you can use the built-in powercfg command or download a third-party app like BatteryInfoView. For Mac, you can click the battery icon on the menu bar and see the condition of your battery. For Linux, you can use the acpi or upower commands or install a graphical tool like GNOME Power Statistics.

2 Run a battery test

The next step to test your computer's battery life is to run a battery test. This will measure how long your battery can last under different scenarios and settings. You can use different tools to run a battery test, depending on your preference and purpose. For example, you can use the built-in Windows Battery Report or Mac Battery Health Management to get a summary of your battery usage and performance. You can also use a third-party app like Battery Eater or coconutBattery to run a more detailed and customized test. You can also run a manual test by fully charging your battery, unplugging your charger, and timing how long your battery lasts while using your computer normally.

3 Monitor the CPU usage

Another way to test your computer's performance is to monitor its CPU usage. The CPU is the central processing unit of your computer, and it determines how fast and efficiently your computer can run multiple tasks and programs. The higher the CPU usage, the more power and resources your computer consumes, which can affect your battery life and performance. You can use different tools to monitor your CPU usage, depending on your operating system. For Windows, you can use the built-in Task Manager or download a third-party app like Process Explorer. For Mac, you can use the built-in Activity Monitor or download a third-party app like iStat Menus. For Linux, you can use the built-in System Monitor or download a third-party app like htop.

4 Adjust the power settings

One of the easiest ways to improve your computer's performance and battery life is to adjust its power settings. The power settings control how your computer manages its energy consumption and performance when plugged in or on battery power. You can use different tools to adjust your power settings, depending on your operating system and preference. For Windows, you can use the built-in Power Options or download a third-party app like Power Plan Assistant. For Mac, you can use the built-in Energy Saver or download a third-party app like Endurance. For Linux, you can use the built-in Power Management or download a third-party app like TLP.

5 Clean and optimize your computer

Another way to improve your computer's performance and battery life is to clean and optimize your computer. This means removing any unnecessary or harmful files, programs, or processes that can slow down or damage your computer. You can use different tools to clean and optimize your computer, depending on your operating system and preference. For Windows, you can use the built-in Disk Cleanup or download a third-party app like CCleaner. For Mac, you can use the built-in Storage Management or download a third-party app like CleanMyMac. For Linux, you can use the built-in Disk Usage Analyzer or download a third-party app like BleachBit.

6 Upgrade your hardware

The final way to improve your computer's performance and battery life is to upgrade your hardware. This means replacing or adding new components to your computer that can enhance its speed, capacity, or efficiency. You can upgrade different parts of your computer, depending on your needs and budget. For example, you can upgrade your RAM, SSD, HDD, GPU, CPU, or battery. However, before you upgrade your hardware, you should check your computer's specifications, compatibility, and warranty. You should also consult a professional or follow a reliable guide if you are not confident or experienced in computer repair.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?