Risks and How to Store Your Pc or Laptop When Not in Use for A Long Time

Know some of the risks when a PC or laptop is left unused for a long time, as well as how to store it and what to do to avoid these risks.

Personal computers, both desktops and laptops, are definitely a part of some people's daily lives. Some people even have more than one PC, such as a desktop PC and a laptop at the same time, or two laptops, for work and for personal use. This sometimes causes one of them to be rarely or even not used for a long time. There are many other reasons when people don't use their PCs for long periods of time. From being on a long trip, either it's a work trip, honeymoon, vacation and others. They may not bring their PC or laptop with them. Until reduced need to use a PC, such as a job change that makes them no longer dependent on a PC, busy with other activities, and so on.

Either way, leaving your PC unused for long periods of time is dangerous. Especially if it's not properly prepared, as it can pose risks such as:

1. Dirt and dust accumulations: Dirt and dust can accumulate inside computer components. This can cause temperature and cooling problems if left untreated, and can even damage other components.
2. Decreased hardware performance: Hardware components such as the hard drive and cooling fans may suffer performance degradation or even broken if not used for a long time. Also, if the battery is not used regularly, the battery life capability may decrease.
3. Moisture damage: If the PC or laptop is stored in a damp place or is not protected from moisture, hardware components such as the motherboard and cooling fans may suffer corrosion. In addition, components made of plastic such as the body of the laptop may be affected by fungus.
4. Data loss: In case of damage to either HDD or SSD storage media, there is a risk of data loss, especially if there are no copies on other storage or cloud storage.
5. Software damage: devices that are not updated with the latest software patches and updates are at risk of being incompatible with new software, which can cause system errors and result in data corruption or loss.
6. Malware attacks: PCs or laptops that don't have the latest security patches can be easy targets for malware or virus attacks. If the device is restarted after a long period of time, the existing virus or malware may reactivate and damage the system.

Taking care of a laptop that is rarely used, or will be left for a long time is important, so that it can avoid the risks mentioned earlier. Here are some ways to take care of it. Let's take a look at the details!

1. Store in the right place: Make sure you store your PC or laptop in a safe and dry place. Avoid places near heat sources or direct sunlight such as near windows. Also avoid places that are humid, as there is a risk of condensation on the components inside which will cause damage. Do not place heavy objects or excessive weight on top of your PC or laptop, as this may damage or strain the hardware.
2. Use a safe container: Use the help of containers such as boxes, laptop-specific bags, or other containers with strong and thick materials. This will provide extra protection for the laptop from other disturbances such as being hit by hard objects or disturbances from animals such as ants, mice, and others.
3. Clean before storing: Make sure you clean your PC or laptop before storing it. To clean it, you can wipe the outer surfaces and keyboard parts with a tissue or a soft and clean cloth. Don't forget to dry it too. If possible, also clean it regularly about once a month to avoid the risk of damage.
4. Turn off and disconnect the battery: Make sure that the PC or laptop is stored in the off state. If possible, unplug the power source as well as the battery before storing. This aims to disconnecting the electricity thoroughly to avoid electrical short-circuits that can damage the laptop. In addition, batteries that are left in a fully charged state can shorten the life of the battery.
5. Turn on the PC regularly: Even though the PC is stored away, it is a good idea to turn on the PC once in a while. If possible, turn it on at least once a week so that the electronic components inside can still stay warm as the stored laptop cools down the components inside. This is also done to avoid short circuiting when turned on at one time.
6. Operating system and antivirus updates: Before saving, it is a good idea to install all the latest operating system and antivirus updates first. Aside from security and data protection concerns, updating before storing your PC can help with performance and compatibility with some software in the future.