Is It Normal for My Laptop to Die in 2 Hours?

I have an XPS 9320 13 with 32GB of RAM. I’m mainly using it for taking notes during class, and it can’t last more than 2 hours. Any suggestions?

Check what processes are running. Don’t use the screen brightness at maximum unless necessary. If you see processes taking resources (100% CPU/GPU), that’s likely your answer.

Drew said:
Check what processes are running. Don’t use the screen brightness at maximum unless necessary. If you see processes taking resources (100% CPU/GPU), that’s likely your answer.

Setting the screen to 80% can save a lot of power.

People have complained about battery life on those models. Two hours while just browsing isn’t normal. You can improve battery life by turning on battery saver in power options and limiting max CPU power to 99% to disable CPU boost. Consider removing bloatware and unused programs running in the background. If issues persist, you may need to change the battery or reinstall Windows.

@Tenzin
How do I change the CPU power?

Ray said:
@Tenzin
How do I change the CPU power?

Go to Control Panel > Power Settings > Edit your power plan, then look for ‘Maximum Processor State’ and set it to 90%.

Ray said:
@Tenzin
How do I change the CPU power?

Right-click the battery icon by the clock and select power options to change the power profile.

Ray said:
@Tenzin
How do I change the CPU power?

Are you using Windows 11? If so, does your laptop support Windows 11 or 10? I can help you if you share the details.

Quin said:

Ray said:
@Tenzin
How do I change the CPU power?

Are you using Windows 11? If so, does your laptop support Windows 11 or 10? I can help you if you share the details.

Yes, I’m on Windows 11. I assume it does since that’s what came with it.

@Ray
Check how much GHz your processor is using from Task Manager, even at idle. Programs running can cause high power usage. Check the base speed; if it’s running higher, it drains battery faster. Let me know which processor you have.

@Quin
The base GHz speed is 2.1 with 279 processes, currently running around 1.5. It’s a 12th Gen Intel(R) Core™ i7-1260P.

Ray said:
@Quin
The base GHz speed is 2.1 with 279 processes, currently running around 1.5. It’s a 12th Gen Intel(R) Core™ i7-1260P.

Right now I’m at 40% and projected battery at 50% brightness is 44 minutes.

@Ray
If you want, I can check via Anydesk. Your laptop seems to consume too much power, and I can provide advice.

Quin said:
@Ray
If you want, I can check via Anydesk. Your laptop seems to consume too much power, and I can provide advice.

Sure, what do you need?

Ray said:

Quin said:
@Ray
If you want, I can check via Anydesk. Your laptop seems to consume too much power, and I can provide advice.

Sure, what do you need?

We can continue via DM or here; whatever works for you.

Is it a 3-cell 55Whr battery? With a 28W processor at full blast, that sounds about right. Try cutting down the processor or Iris graphics power.

How long have you had the laptop and this issue? Check the Battery Health app to ensure the maximum lifespan mode is selected.

Leighton said:
How long have you had the laptop and this issue? Check the Battery Health app to ensure the maximum lifespan mode is selected.

Had it for about a year, and it’s always had this problem.

Should be normal with Intel CPUs.

Winslow said:
Should be normal with Intel CPUs.

Nah, even though AMD is more efficient, a year-old device shouldn’t die in 2 hours. I have both Intel and AMD laptops, and my Intel one has good battery life.