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Top Cold-Weather Tips for Laptops
By Catherine Roseberry Catherine Roseberry Writer Catherine Roseberry is a former writer for Lifewire who has experience in technology consulting focused on mobile productivity. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on November 6, 2019 Tweet Share Email xijian / Getty Images Tweet Share Email Accessories & Hardware The Quick Guide to Webcams Keyboards & Mice Monitors Cards HDD & SSD Printers & Scanners Raspberry Pi Most laptops are designed to work within a safe temperature range, normally 50 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 35 degrees Celsius). This range refers to the outside environment as well as the laptop's internal temperature. Your laptop is a significant investment, so protect it from cold temperatures with some common-sense strategies. Here are some tips for keeping your laptop safe in cold weather. If you've already left your laptop out in the cold, let it sit, thaw, and reach room temperature before you attempt to power it on. Buy a Ruggedized Laptop
If you know you'll be using your laptop outside in cold temperatures for extended periods of time, consider buying a ruggedized laptop. While ruggedized laptops can be more expensive, they have been designed to work under extreme weather conditions; most undergo testing according to MIL-STD-810F standards. A ruggedized laptop is an excellent investment for anyone whose laptop must withstand the rigors of the outdoors. Store Your Laptop Carefully
Even if you have an excellent laptop case, never leave your laptop in the trunk of your car when it's cold outside. If the laptop freezes, you may end up with irretrievably lost data. Let Your Laptop Acclimatate to the Weather
It's important to let your laptop get used to the temperature, whether you're indoors or outdoors. If you're bringing your laptop in from the cold, let it warm up to room temperature before powering it on. If you'll be using it outside, let it acclimate to the outside temperature before using it. Don' t Warm the Laptop Unnaturally
You may be tempted to try a mug warmer, heating pad, or pocket warmer to keep your laptop warm. This is not a good idea. These devices aren't designed for warming a delicate piece of machinery and they could do much more harm than good. Warming devices meant for other purposes could overheat the device, heat the wrong parts, or generate enough heat to damage or melt internal components. Try a Laptop Warmer
Laptop warmers, such as the Kendrick laptop heater, are designed specifically for the purpose of keeping a laptop warm without causing damage. Research the one you choose to make sure it's been tested adequately. Avoid Excessive Heat Buildup
It's tempting to keep your laptop safe in its case or bag as you work when you're outside in the cold. This is a terrible idea. Regardless of how cold the temperature is outside, never use your laptop while it's still inside a laptop bag. Without room for air to circulate, heat can build up and cause damage. Change the Power Settings
Change your power settings to prevent the laptop hard drive from shutting down. The longer the laptop can be kept running, the warmer it will stay as it generates its own heat. Stay Out of the Cold
The best advice is the simplest: Whenever possible, stay out of direct exposure to cold weather conditions with your laptop. Stay in a heated vehicle or inside a building or other shelter. Protecting your laptop not only from cold but also from excessive dampness from snow will keep your keyboard from freezing and other problems from developing. Never boot up a laptop if you suspect the display has frozen. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Safely Using an iPhone in the Snow and Cold Block Heaters vs. Remote Starters: Which One is Best? 8 Tips for Traveling and Flying With Your Laptop 6 Best Weather Apps For Your Phone in 2022 How to Keep Your Phone or Laptop From Overheating 5 Ways to Cool Down a Laptop How to Keep Your Phone and Laptop Cool Signs and Dangers of Laptops Overheating How to Make Your Cellphone Battery Last Longer The 8 Best Laptop Cooling Pads of 2022 How to Turn Off a Nest Thermostat 10 Ways to Use the iPhone Weather App What Is Google Nest and How Does it Work? 6 Things to Consider Before Buying a Laptop 11 Best Ways to Keep Your Computer Cool The 6 Best Car Battery Warmers Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies