Even if you always use your laptop at home, plugged into the wall, there will still come that time where you need to take it on the go and that’s when you need to have a well functioning battery. There are a few simple things you can try to make sure that when you need it there for you, your battery will be in top shape and last as long as possible.

If you do use your laptop almost exclusively on the charger, leaving your battery in will eventually harm your battery’s longevity. Charge the battery to 40%, and then store it in a dry, warm place. Reinstall the battery about once a month, and let it fully discharge. Then, charge it back to 40% and store it again. This keeps the battery in good working condition without wearing itself down, preserving it for when you actually need it.

If you are not using a lithium ion battery, you should fully charge and then fully discharge the battery once every two to three weeks. Nickel cadmium batteries and others suffer from a “memory effect” which essentially means if they are left at a partially charged state, or fully charged for too long, they will begin to lose capacity to hold their maximum charge.

If your laptop battery has been left dormant for a long time, treat it like a new battery before using it. If it has been left to sit for an extended period of time, likely the charge it initially held has dissipated and you should allow the battery to charge back to full before attempting to use it again.

If you have a backup battery, don’t just leave it on the shelf for when your main battery dies. Switch them regularly; making sure that each gets regular use. This will keep both batteries healthy and ready for use whenever you need them.

Perhaps most importantly, control the environment of your batteries. Keep them way from extreme heat or cold, and keep them dry at all times. If you’re toting a battery with you, transport it in a cover, to keep it from banging or making contact with other pieces of metal, especially on its connectors. All of these things can cause a whole host of problems, including connection issues, warping, or even causing a short.

With a little consideration your laptop battery can remain in top condition and be ready for when you need it, instead of being a disappointment that can ruin more than just your day.