We rely heavily on our laptops for a host of activities, be it work, education, or entertainment. However, certain habits could be shortening the lifespan of these crucial devices. Here are four common practices that might be damaging your laptop without your knowledge.

1. Eating Over Your Laptop: One of the most widespread habits is eating over the laptop. Crumbs and liquids can find their way into the keyboard and cause damage to the internal components. Over time, the accumulation of crumbs can attract pests or cause keys to stick or fail.

2. Blocking Air Vents: Laptops need to dissipate heat efficiently to maintain optimal performance. Using your laptop on soft surfaces like beds and couches can block air vents, causing it to overheat. Consistent overheating can lead to hardware malfunctions and reduced battery life.

3. Ignoring Battery Health: Constantly keeping your laptop plugged in or allowing it to drain completely before charging can diminish its battery health over time. It’s beneficial to follow proper charging practices, such as charging the battery when it reaches about 20% and unplugging it once it’s fully charged.

4. Rough Handling: Laptops are portable but not immune to damage from rough handling. Dropping them, cramming them into a bag without proper padding, or using excessive force when plugging in cables can cause physical damage that often leads to costly repairs or replacements.

To ensure your laptop functions well for years to come, avoiding these harmful habits is key. By treating your device with care and conducting regular maintenance, you’re likely to enhance both its performance and longevity.