If an ac outlet is convenient, plug the ac power adapter into the outlet, and then plug it into ac power
connector of the computer. The batteries will be fully charged in about three to six hours. The charging time
is affected by the battery size and the physical environment. You can check the battery charging status at
any time through the battery status icon in the Windows notication area.
Note: To maximize the life of the batteries, the computer does not start recharging the batteries if the
remaining power is greater than 95%.
Maximizing the battery life
To maximize the life of the battery, do the following:
• Use the batteries until the charge is completely depleted.
• Recharge the batteries completely before using it. You can see whether the batteries are fully charged
from the battery status icon in the Windows notication area.
• Always use power-saving modes, such as sleep mode, and hibernation mode.
Managing the battery power
To achieve the best balance between performance and power saving, adjust your power plan settings.
To access power plan settings, do the following:
• For Windows 7: Start the Power Manager program and then click the Power Plan tab. For instructions on
how to start the Power Manager program, see “Accessing Lenovo programs on the Windows 7 operating
system” on page 14
.
• For Windows 8: Right-click the battery status icon from the Windows notication area and click Power
Options. Then click Change plan settings next to your power plan.
For more information, refer to the help information system of the program.
Power-saving modes
There are several modes that you can use at any time to conserve power. This section introduces each
mode and gives tips on the effective use of battery power.
• Screen blank mode (for Windows 7 only)
The computer display requires considerable battery power. To turn off the power to the display and
make the computer enter screen blank mode, right-click the battery gauge icon from the Windows
notication area and select Power off display.
• Sleep mode
In sleep mode, your work is saved to memory, and then the solid-state drive or the hard disk drive and the
computer display are turned off. When your computer wakes up, your work is restored within seconds.
Depending on the model, your computer might support the 30 Day Standby function. When this function
is enabled, the computer consumes even less power in sleep mode and takes only seconds to resume
normal operation when you press the power button. For more information about the 30 Day Standby
function, do the following:
– For Windows 7: Refer to the help information system of the Power Manager program. For instructions
on how to start the Power Manager program, see “Lenovo programs” on page 14.
– For Windows 8: Open the Lenovo Settings program and click Power ➙ 30 Day Standby.
To put your computer into sleep mode, do the following:
– For Windows 7: Use the Start menu shutdown option.
– For Windows 8: Move the cursor to the bottom right corner of the screen to bring up the charms.
Then click Settings ➙ Power ➙ Sleep.
Chapter 2. Using your computer 29