Yes, keeping a laptop plugged in all the time can affect the battery life over time. Most laptops use lithium-ion batteries, and these batteries are designed to be used regularly and go through charge cycles. When a laptop is constantly plugged in, the battery doesn’t get a chance to go through these charge cycles, which can lead to several issues:

Reduced Battery Lifespan: Lithium-ion batteries have a limited number of charge cycles before their capacity starts to degrade. Keeping the laptop plugged in all the time means the battery isn’t getting discharged and charged as it should, which can lead to a shorter overall lifespan.

Overheating: Constant charging generates heat, which can contribute to overheating issues in the laptop. Overheating can, in turn, lead to performance problems and even hardware damage.

Risk of Overcharging: Many modern laptops have built-in mechanisms to prevent overcharging, but it’s still a risk. Overcharging can lead to battery damage and reduced capacity.

To maximize your laptop’s battery life, it’s recommended to unplug it and let it discharge to around 40-80% before recharging. If you’re using your laptop as a desktop replacement, you might want to set it to a battery conservation mode in your power settings, which will limit the maximum charge level. This can help prolong the battery’s life when the laptop is often plugged in.

Remember that different laptops and battery technologies may have specific guidelines, so it’s a good idea to check your laptop’s user manual or consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for the best practices regarding battery maintenance.