How to Remove a Laptop Battery

Keeping the battery in your laptop computer while it is plugged in will reduce the battery life, as it is constantly charging. To preserve the life of the battery, remove and store it for as much as a few weeks, especially if you are using the laptop as a replacement for a desktop computer. Removing a laptop battery is very simple but must be done carefully. You must make sure not to produce any kind of static electricity during removal, which can seriously damage the computer.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdriver
• Clean, lint-free cloth

1. Make sure the battery is charged to at least 40 percent capacity before removing it. Removing it at a lower capacity runs the risk of it discharging completely if it is left out for a long period of time.

2. Find a location that is incapable of generating static electricity. A dry room with tile or linoleum floors and a clear wooden table is a good location. Wear rubber soles shoes and avoid wearing nylon or wool. Producing even one spark of static can erase your computer's hard drive.

3. Turn the laptop upside down and see how the battery is mounted in place. Depending on the model, it can be held in place with latches or screws. Depress the latch tabs or remove the screws, then slide the battery out of its compartment.

4. Wrap the battery in a clean, lint-free cloth and store it in a warm, dry place. Make sure nothing is laid or can fall on top of the battery while it is stored.

Tips & Warnings

• Plug the laptop into a constant uninterrupted power source or battery backup while the battery is removed. This will ensure you have an emergency backup supply should your home power have any problems.
• The circuitry of the battery consumes power by itself, even when the battery is separate. Reinstall the battery in the laptop every three to four weeks and let it fully discharge before charging it.

References

• About.com: Mobile Office Technology