Shutting down and restarting laptop

TWardy

New member
Member
VIP
Local time
12:06 PM
Messages
142
I have a habit of leaving my laptop on all the time, it's plugged into power. What is too long to leave a laptop running? How many times should I shut down or restart it?

Thanks
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 ultimate 64 bit
OS
Windows 7 ultimate 64 bit
You are going to get many opinions on this, and heres mine.
You should shut down at night.
If you use it many times during the day leave it in sleep or hibernate mode.
A computer should be shut down at least once a week so minor problems can be corrected during boot.
Good luck
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 10, Home Clean InstallIntel Core2 processsor Q8200(2.33Ghz 1333FSB)...6 gbATI Radeon 256MB HD3650
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell XPS 420
OS
Windows 10, Home Clean Install
CPU
Intel Core2 processsor Q8200(2.33Ghz 1333FSB) Quad Core Tech
Motherboard
Dell
Memory
6 gb
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Radeon 256MB HD3650
Sound Card
Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell SP2009W 20"
Hard Drives
640 GB Serial ATA Hard drive
Cooling
Fan
Keyboard
Dell USB Keyboard
Mouse
Dell Premium Optical USB
Internet Speed
DSL 2.85
Thanks mate
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 ultimate 64 bit
OS
Windows 7 ultimate 64 bit
in my opinion a restart after every 3 to 4 hours is good.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 10 Home 64BitIntel Core i5 10400 @ 2.90GHz8.00GB Single-Channel Unknown @ 1329MHz (16-2...
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self assembled
OS
Windows 10 Home 64Bit
CPU
Intel Core i5 10400 @ 2.90GHz
Motherboard
Intel Corporation DG41WV (PROCESSOR)
Memory
8.00GB Single-Channel Unknown @ 1329MHz (16-20-20-38)
Sound Card
Realtek High Definition Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
DELL E170S
Screen Resolution
1280x1024 pixels
Hard Drives
931GB TOSHIBA DT01ACA100 (SATA)
238GB TEAM TM8PS7256G (SATA SSD)
Case
Nothing Fancy
Cooling
Fans
Keyboard
A4 Tech Co LTD
Mouse
A4 Tech Co Ltd/Logitech
Internet Speed
25 Mbps
I always shut down at night - even my modem and router (with a remote switch from Home Depot). Amongst other advantages, it saves electricity.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8from 1.6GHz Duo to i7
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP, Dell, Gateway, Toshiba - 4 laptops and 2 desktops
OS
Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
CPU
from 1.6GHz Duo to i7
Monitor(s) Displays
2x HP w2207
Hard Drives
5x HDD, 7x SSD, 12x Externals
Keyboard
with trackball - no mices
Mouse
Trackball mice
Internet Speed
DSL 6000
Well, I often just let my laptop run for days on end. Maybe, as said by richc46, yes, maybe once a week. But, as so often with Windows, there is always a update around the corner, that want's you to restart :)
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

64 bit Windows 7Intel Core i76GBNVIDIA Quadro FX 880M with 1GB DDR3
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Lenovo W510
OS
64 bit Windows 7
CPU
Intel Core i7
Memory
6GB
Graphics Card(s)
NVIDIA Quadro FX 880M with 1GB DDR3
Monitor(s) Displays
15,6" + 21" NONAME (neovo)
Screen Resolution
1920x1080 and 1440x900
Hard Drives
Laptop: 300GB (seagate? Have not checked yet)
External: 1x Lacie 320GB, 1x Enclosuer w. 160GB
Keyboard
Microsoft Ergonomic 4000 (got two of them :) )
Mouse
Logitec Darkfield
Internet Speed
20Mbit/ 2Mbit
This is old school (perhaps), but too many shutdowns and boots are not the best thing for the computer.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 10, Home Clean InstallIntel Core2 processsor Q8200(2.33Ghz 1333FSB)...6 gbATI Radeon 256MB HD3650
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell XPS 420
OS
Windows 10, Home Clean Install
CPU
Intel Core2 processsor Q8200(2.33Ghz 1333FSB) Quad Core Tech
Motherboard
Dell
Memory
6 gb
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Radeon 256MB HD3650
Sound Card
Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell SP2009W 20"
Hard Drives
640 GB Serial ATA Hard drive
Cooling
Fan
Keyboard
Dell USB Keyboard
Mouse
Dell Premium Optical USB
Internet Speed
DSL 2.85
There is no time or frequency that's good or bad. You can get into issues with the extremes at either end. There's no reason to do it every few hours, unless you need to apply an update, driver update, etc. You also don't want to shut it down and power it up too often. However, there's little to no reason to keep it running 24-7, either. I don't use my computer while I'm sleeping, so there's no reason to let it run. I never understood people's reluctance to boot up a computer and would choose to leave it running all the time.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1Intel Core i7-260012 GB Patriot Extreme DDR3-1333Nvidia GTX 470
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
CPU
Intel Core i7-2600
Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-P67A-UD3P-B3
Memory
12 GB Patriot Extreme DDR3-1333
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia GTX 470
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell UltraSharp 2209WA
Hard Drives
OCZ Agility3 240 GB, WD5001AALS, WD7501AALS
PSU
OCZ ModStream 700W
Case
CoolerMaster HAF 912 Advanced
Cooling
CoolerMaster Hyper 212 Plus
  • Like
Reactions: JMH
I believe a reboot a day keeps the BSOD's away.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Win 8 Release candidate 8400[email protected]4 gigsNvidia 9600M
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP Pavillion dv-7 1005 Tx
OS
Win 8 Release candidate 8400
CPU
[email protected]
Memory
4 gigs
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia 9600M
Sound Card
HD built-in
Monitor(s) Displays
17" Wxga
Screen Resolution
1440x900
Cooling
none
Internet Speed
45Mb down 5Mb up
I believe a reboot a day keeps the BSOD's away.

Reboot keeps away BSOD's?
Not overclocking just might... keep away BSOD's.:zip:

Re shutting down & restarting your laptop...
Rules are not set in granite.
However there seems to be no good reason to leave a laptop on add infinitem.

Good practise would indicate a shut down could be effected at least once a day when you sleep.
Try it!
 
Last edited:

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Win 7 Ultimate 64-bit. SP1.Intel i7 -720QM.[1.6GHz Turbo Boost 2.8GHz. 6...8 DDR 3 RAM. 1066MHZATI 1024 MB. DDR3. Radeon HD5650
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
LAPTOP. HP Pavilion dv7-4010TX .
OS
Win 7 Ultimate 64-bit. SP1.
CPU
Intel i7 -720QM.[1.6GHz Turbo Boost 2.8GHz. 6MB Cache.]
Memory
8 DDR 3 RAM. 1066MHZ
Graphics Card(s)
ATI 1024 MB. DDR3. Radeon HD5650
Monitor(s) Displays
17.3" High Definition Brightview LCD. LED Backlit.
Screen Resolution
1600 x 900.
Hard Drives
640GB
Case
Laptop / notebook.
Mouse
Logitech Anywhere mouse. MX.
Internet Speed
ADSL [ but too slow ]
You can let the Power Options do a lot of the work for you.

I like to be able to walk away and not worry about coming back to save any work I've left open, yet know that the computer will save it itself while going to sleep in 30 minutes, and then after an hour or so write it to the HD so it can Shutdown.

Yet when I return - hours or weeks later - the startup is much faster when Resuming and my work is intact and waiting where I left it.

The price you pay for having this hands-free ability to walk away whenever and for as long as you want is that you need to do a restart every day or so. However waiting until you have Updates which prompt for Restart is probably enough.

I like to have my laptop Hibernate when I close the lid, so it starts up faster and I can leave work out to continue what I was doing at the beach or in another room.
 
sometimes depends on the spec of the machine also i find; some of the low power netbooks never do actually hibernate -- they need to be turned OFF. i've even played with the power options; maybe it was the netbooks at fault ?

but yes, hibernate feature i tend to use too; use the power settings as said; e.g shut down lid enables hibernation etc.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows XP - Now Windows 7 Home Premium (64-b...
OS
Windows XP - Now Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit).
My netbook has Hibernate, I had to change it through settings so I didn't have to press Power to resume it, instead just move the mouse or type a letter and instantly. I just Shut Down my PC.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 - 64 BitIntel Core i5 2500k2x4GB DDR3 1333HzAti Radeon 6770
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Novatech iRush Pro
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 - 64 Bit
CPU
Intel Core i5 2500k
Motherboard
Foxconn H67M-S/H67M-V/H67
Memory
2x4GB DDR3 1333Hz
Graphics Card(s)
Ati Radeon 6770
Sound Card
None
Monitor(s) Displays
Samsung S22B150
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
2x500GB
PSU
500W
Cooling
Fan
Keyboard
HP KU0316
Mouse
Wireless Logitech M185
Internet Speed
20MB/s
Antivirus
Avast Free
Browser
Google Chrome
Other Info
Logitech M185 Mouse
KU-M316 Keyboard
Thanks guys
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 ultimate 64 bit
OS
Windows 7 ultimate 64 bit
I had a laptop for a year, only shut it down if it needed an update or I was going on a plane, so only around every 2-3 weeks did it get shut down.
Never had a reduce in performance, or other issue with it.

I would put it to sleep whenever I wasn't using it though, but there were a lot of nights I'd leave it on while it was downloading something.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Professional 32bit
OS
Windows 7 Professional 32bit
So did it die after a year ?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 10 Pro x64Intel Core i7 6700KGSkill TridentZ RGB 16GB 3600 16-16-16-36EVGA GTX 980 Ti SC x2
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Skylake Special #666
OS
Windows 10 Pro x64
CPU
Intel Core i7 6700K
Motherboard
Asus Sabertooth Z170 Mark 1
Memory
GSkill TridentZ RGB 16GB 3600 16-16-16-36
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GTX 980 Ti SC x2
Sound Card
Realtek High Definition
Monitor(s) Displays
AOC G2460PG
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080 144Hz
Hard Drives
Samsung 860 Pro 256GB, Seagate Barracuda 4TB x2
PSU
EVGA 1000 P2, EVGA White Custom Braided Cables
Case
Corsair Vengeance C70 Gunmetal Black
Cooling
Corsair H100i v2, Corsair ML120 x2, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
Keyboard
Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum
Mouse
Logitech G700s
Internet Speed
Verizon Fios Quantum Gateway 75/75
Antivirus
Windows Defender, Malwarebytes Free 3.8.3
Browser
Chrome
Other Info
Corsair SP120 x4, LG Blu-ray Drive, Durabrand HT-395 100 Watt Dolby Digital Amp, Corsair H2100 Wireless 7.1 Headset
Haha, no. I gave that to my mum because she bought me a new one.
It had no designated graphics card, 320GB HDD, and 4GB RAM.
New one has 1.5TB HDD, 8GB RAM, and 1.5GB graphics.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Professional 32bit
OS
Windows 7 Professional 32bit
I do treat my laptop just like some friends here.

I see it as an alternative while having seminar, class, or presentation, in short, it just if I'm away from my home/office desktop or it certainly the only machine to do the job. I personally don't feel too convenient to let it work as non "portable" computer. I love to do most things with available desktops PC though some work will be presented from laptop. In some situation that is rushing me then I flexibly will, like brief resume, a short report, or finishing presentation sheet.
Feels good leave all heavy work to desktops.

It means chance to get problem from shutting down and restart is tiny I guess.
:D
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 PrereleaseCORE i5 1040016GBGTX 750Ti
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
    MSI
    OS
    Windows 11 Prerelease
    CPU
    CORE i5 10400
    Motherboard
    MSI H510M Pro
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GTX 750Ti
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung Curved 24"; Samsung TV 50"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Vi-Gen NVMe 256GB
    WD 3 TB
    Seagate 2 TB
    Seagate 4TB
    PSU
    Power Striker
    Case
    VBR
    Cooling
    Conventional
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech Wireless
    Internet Speed
    2MBPs
  • At a glance

    BigSurCore i58 GB
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model Number
    Apple MacBook
    OS
    BigSur
    CPU
    Core i5
    Memory
    8 GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    13 "
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    SSD 256 GB
Back
Top