Correct way to charge Surface devices battery

Question

Hi Community

I own a Surface Go 3.

What is, according to Microsoft, the correct way to charge the battery preserving it?

Power off, plugged to AC overnight (no optimization tasks like defrag) or power on plugged to AC (without input to allow optimization tasks) to suspension since 100% and then unplug or power on plugged to AC overnight?

I already read relative articles but no mention about.

Thanks!

Answer 1

So the conclusion that is better recharge a battery to 100% and then unplug it is correct?

Yes, just like any other device with lithium-ion batteries, it is better to charge the Surface up to 100% before plugging it off to avoid higher life cycles as Caring for your Surface battery - Microsoft Support states that "It is common for the capacity of lithium-ion cells to diminish after a certain number of charge/discharge cycles. This will result in shorter intervals between charging and lower battery capacity." 

With regards to overnight charging where it is possible to overcharge a battery, under How to maximize battery health section in Caring for your Surface battery - Microsoft Support, it is stated "Batteries maintained at a high charge state will lose capacity faster. You can help prevent this accelerated process by not leaving your device connected to AC power for extended periods." that is why we also recommend avoiding charging the device 24/7. 

However, the Surface has its own features also that would help you optimize the battery longevity like the Battery Limit mode (Enable "Battery Limit" for Surface devices plugged in for extended periods - Microsoft Support) which is advisable for those scenarios where the Surface must be connected to power at all times. Another feature is the Smart Charging where the device would automatically enable smart charging whenever it would detect that it needs to enable the said feature. Third feature is the Battery Lifespan Saver where it works also with Smart charging, and this would help protect your battery from the cumulative negative effects of consistent and recurrent use at high temperatures or high states of charge just like if leaving the Surface plugged in for extended periods.

Answer 2

Hi Alessio Ferrarotti,

Thank you for reaching Microsoft Community.

Check this article for more details on How to charge Surface.

Care for your Surface Battery Heath. All rechargeable batteries wear out eventually. Here's how to get the longest life from your battery:

• Several times a week, let your battery drain below 50% before charging it.
• Avoid having your Surface plugged in 24/7.
• Store your Surface in a cool, dry room when you're not using it.

For more info about battery health, see Caring for your Surface battery.

Kind regards,

Lavenia

Answer 3

Hi

Thank you for the answer but I'm sorry, it doesn't match my specific question.

Again, what is the best way, according to MS, to charge Surface devices battery with care allowing Windows 11 optimization tasks?

Please, I ask assistance specifically to my request.

Thanks!

Answer 4

There is no specific recommend way to charge the Surface since the Surface has its own features to optimize battery longevity such as Smart Charging and Battery Life span saver explained on this page Battery life saver Surface.

Answer 5

Smart Charging works ONLY when the device is power on and plugged in for prolonged time; how much time is not reported. When Surface is used with battery alltime since discharge, Smart Charging does not activate (as from article and my usage scenario).

According to multiple studies, let battery plugged in overnight could results in "overcharging" and, when power on by reduced charge-discharge cycles, that lead into increased aging. So the conclusion that is better recharge a battery to 100% and then unplug it is correct?

According to these considerations and scenario, what is the best way suggested by Microsoft to recharge battery devices?

It is impossible Microsoft can't know and answer about.