Laptop Lifespan: How Long Do Laptops Last and When to Replace Them

When you buy a laptop, a portable computer designed for everyday tasks like browsing, work, and media. Also known as a notebook, it’s built to move with you—but not forever. Most laptops last between three and five years before they start showing serious signs of wear. That’s not because they break suddenly. It’s because parts wear out, software gets heavier, and the battery just can’t hold a charge like it used to.

Your laptop battery, the power source that lets you work without being plugged in is usually the first to go. After 300–500 charge cycles, it holds maybe half its original capacity. A laptop performance decline, the gradual slowdown in speed and responsiveness over time happens because older hardware struggles with newer software updates. You might notice longer boot times, apps freezing, or fans running nonstop. That’s not your fault—it’s physics. Hard drives fail, thermal paste dries up, and cooling systems get clogged with dust. Some people try to fix these issues with a clean install or extra RAM, but if the motherboard or CPU is outdated, you’re just delaying the inevitable.

Repairing a laptop can make sense if it’s under three years old and the problem is simple—a bad battery, a loose hinge, or a failing fan. But if the screen is cracked, the keyboard is unresponsive, or the motherboard has a fault, the cost often hits 60% of a new machine’s price. That’s when replacement becomes smarter. You don’t need the latest model. A mid-range laptop from last year will outperform a five-year-old flagship. And if you’re still using a laptop with a spinning hard drive, you’re already behind. SSDs changed everything.

What you do now affects how long your laptop lasts. Keep it clean, avoid overheating, and don’t leave it plugged in at 100% all day. Update software, back up files, and don’t ignore strange noises. A laptop that’s treated well can stretch past five years. But if you’re constantly restarting, waiting for apps to load, or carrying around a brick that used to be a battery, it’s not a repair job—it’s a signal.

Below, you’ll find real fixes people have tried, common mistakes that shorten laptop life, and when it’s better to walk away. No fluff. Just what works.