A refurbished laptop lasts longer when you use it mindfully, maintain it well, and protect it from damage. With proper care, you can extend its lifespan by up to 3 extra years.
A refurbished laptop is a conscious choice for many people: you get quality at a lower price while contributing to a more sustainable world. But just like any electronic device, its lifespan largely depends on how you use it. In this article, we’ll share practical tips to keep your refurbished laptop in top condition so you can enjoy it for as long as possible.
Why should I treat my refurbished laptop like a new device?
Treat your refurbished laptop as if it were new to avoid damage and extend its lifespan.
Even though your refurbished laptop has had a previous life, that doesn’t mean it needs less care. On the contrary: to extend its lifespan, it’s best to treat it as if it were brand new. Use a sturdy laptop bag or sleeve to prevent damage during transport. Don’t leave your device lying around and avoid hard knocks or drops. Small scratches may seem harmless, but they can lead to internal damage over time.
Also, make sure your laptop is not exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture. For example, don’t leave it in a hot car or in a humid bathroom. Electronics and moisture do not mix well.
Why should I keep my refurbished laptop up to date?
Regular software updates keep your refurbished laptop secure, fast, and stable.
One of the most important ways to keep your refurbished laptop safe and performing well is by updating the software regularly. This applies to the operating system as well as to apps and drivers. Updates not only add new features but also fix bugs and security vulnerabilities.
Using a Windows laptop? You can enable automatic updates to ensure your device is always protected. On a MacBook, check your system preferences to see if you're up to date. Don’t forget to update your browser and antivirus software too.
A well-maintained software environment helps prevent performance slowdowns and significantly extends the lifespan of your refurbished laptop.
My refurbished laptop is getting hot?!
Prevent overheating by keeping your laptop well-ventilated and free of dust.
Heat is one of your laptop’s biggest enemies. When a device overheats, internal components can become damaged. Always use your laptop on a hard, flat surface to keep the ventilation slots clear. Working on your bed or a soft couch may be comfy, but it can block airflow.
You can also invest in a laptop stand or cooling pads. These improve ventilation and help keep your laptop cool—especially during heavy use like gaming, video editing, or multitasking.
If you notice that your refurbished laptop gets hot often, check whether the ventilation openings are clean. Dust build-up can block airflow and cause temperatures to rise quickly.
Why should I keep my refurbished laptop clean?
Regular cleaning prevents performance loss and extends the lifespan of your laptop.
A clean laptop is not only more pleasant to use—it also works better. Dust, crumbs, or dirt between the keys or in the ventilation openings can affect performance.
Use a microfiber cloth to clean the screen and casing. For the keyboard and ventilation slots, use a can of compressed air. Be careful not to use harsh cleaning agents, as they can damage the surface.
Schedule a monthly cleaning routine to keep your refurbished laptop in excellent shape. This prevents build-up of dirt that can cause problems later on.
How should I take care of the battery in my refurbished laptop?
Smart charging habits can extend the lifespan of your refurbished laptop’s battery.
The battery is one of the most sensitive parts of a laptop. The better you care for it, the longer it will last. Here are some tips:
- Don’t constantly charge your battery to 100%. A charge level between 20% and 80% is ideal.
- Mostly use your laptop while plugged in? Consider not fully charging the battery to help preserve its lifespan.
- Don’t let the battery completely drain. This can damage lithium-ion batteries.
- If you won’t be using your laptop for a while, store it in a cool, dry place with around 50% charge.
By using your battery mindfully, your refurbished laptop can last much longer without needing a replacement battery anytime soon.
Avoid unnecessary startup programs and background processes
Disable unnecessary programs to make your refurbished laptop faster and more efficient.
A slow laptop can feel outdated, even if the hardware still works fine. Often, background software is the culprit behind lagging performance.
Use Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) to check which processes use a lot of memory or CPU power. Disable any apps you don’t need to start automatically.
Every now and then, use system optimization tools such as disk cleanup or disk defragmentation (especially on older devices without SSDs).
Check the specifications of your refurbished laptop
Use your laptop for the tasks it was designed for to avoid overloading it.
Be aware of your device’s capabilities and limitations. Use your refurbished laptop according to its purpose. A business laptop with an energy-efficient processor, for example, is ideal for administrative tasks or web browsing, but not for heavy gaming or video editing. By not overloading your device, you prevent early wear and tear.
Looking for a reliable refurbished laptop that lasts?
At Back in Use, you'll find a carefully selected range of high-quality refurbished laptops. Every device is professionally checked, thoroughly tested, and comes with a warranty. Thanks to our tips, you'll get the most out of your purchase and enjoy reliable performance for years to come.
