Here's Why You Need to Stop Turning Your Computer Off at Night

You’re in the middle of a long workday, jumping between endless tabs and applications, when your computer suddenly slows to a crawl.

You sigh, close everything, and decide to restart it, hoping that a quick reboot will fix the issue.

But then a question pops into your head—should I actually be turning off my computer more often?

Or is it better to leave it running?

It’s an age-old debate that has divided tech users for decades.

Some say that leaving your computer on all the time shortens its lifespan, while others argue that frequent shutdowns cause more wear and tear.

So, what’s the real answer?

Should you be shutting down your computer every night, or is it better to let it run?

According to Steven Leslie, a tech expert at Geek Squad, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all.

“It depends on how often you use it,” Leslie told Digital Trends.

“If you use your computer multiple times per day, it’s best to leave it on. If you use it for a short time—say an hour or two—just once a day, or even less, then turn it off.”

That sounds simple enough, but the science behind it is more complicated than you might think.

The Hidden Stress of Powering On and Off

At first glance, turning off your computer every night might seem like the obvious choice—after all, it saves electricity, reduces heat buildup, and gives your machine a break.

But here’s the catch: frequent power cycling can actually wear down certain components over time.

Every time you hit the power button, your computer experiences a small surge of energy as it starts up.

This brief jolt helps spin up the hard drive, activate the cooling fans, and bring the system back to life.

Over the course of months and years, these power surges can take a toll on internal components.

For newer computers with solid-state drives (SSDs), this isn’t as big of an issue. SSDs don’t have moving parts, so they don’t suffer from mechanical wear.
For older computers with traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), frequent shutdowns can be more damaging. HDDs rely on spinning platters and moving read/write heads, which experience more stress when starting and stopping frequently.

“Some items have a limited life cycle,” explains Ajay Gupta, Director of Notebook Product Management at HP.

“For instance, if the [LCD] panel is left on all the time, it’s only spec’d for about 15,000 hours, or about two years. The battery and hard drive also have a limited life cycle. Allowing them to turn off (or sleep) and spin down when not being used will extend the life of these components.”

But that’s only one side of the story.

Wait—Is Leaving It On Worse?

If turning your computer on and off every day causes stress, then surely leaving it on all the time is better… right?

Not so fast.

While keeping your computer running avoids power surges, it also means that components are under constant strain.

Heat buildup is one of the biggest concerns. Even with advanced cooling systems, computers generate heat when running for long periods. Over time, this heat can degrade internal components, especially if dust builds up inside the machine.
Leaving the screen on shortens its lifespan. LCD panels are designed to last around 15,000 hours, but that number drops if the screen stays active 24/7.
Batteries wear out faster if they’re constantly charged. If you’re using a laptop plugged into power all the time, the battery may degrade quicker compared to one that cycles between charging and discharging.

So, which is worse—frequent shutdowns or leaving it on?

Sleep vs. Hibernate vs. Shut Down

If neither extreme is ideal, what’s the best way to handle your computer’s power settings?

Experts recommend using Sleep Mode over full shutdowns.

“Using the ‘sleep’ option is much better than letting the machine ‘hibernate,’” Leslie explains. “Hibernate causes similar levels of wear and tear as turning it on and off does.”

Here’s how each option compares:

Sleep Mode: Saves your work in memory and powers down most components. Wakes up in seconds and uses very little energy. Best for short breaks or overnight use.
Hibernate Mode: Saves your session to the hard drive and powers off completely. Uses zero power but takes longer to start up. Best for long periods of inactivity.
Shut Down: Closes all programs and powers off entirely. Best for computers that won’t be used for several days.

So, what should you do?

Use sleep mode if you plan to return to your computer within a few hours.
Shut it down if you’re not using it for a day or more.
Restart it at least once a week to refresh system memory and install updates.
If you have an older HDD-based computer, avoid shutting it down multiple times per day.

Power Surges

Regardless of whether you shut down your computer or leave it running, one thing is absolutely necessary: using a surge protector.

Power fluctuations—especially during storms or unstable grid conditions—can fry your computer’s motherboard, power supply, or other critical components.

If you don’t already have a surge protector, get one immediately.

Even better, use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), which keeps your computer running temporarily during outages so you can safely shut it down.

Pro tip: If you work remotely or rely on your computer for important tasks, investing in a UPS battery backup could save you from losing data or dealing with expensive repairs.

To Shut Down or Not?

At the end of the day, there’s no universal rule—it depends on your usage habits, the type of computer you have, and whether you prioritize longevity or convenience.

Best Practices:

Use sleep mode for daily use—especially if you work long hours.
Shut down your computer at least once a week to refresh system performance.
Avoid overheating by cleaning dust buildup and keeping vents unobstructed.
Always use a surge protector to protect against electrical damage.

So, should you shut down your computer every night? Not necessarily. But should you be more mindful of how you use it? Absolutely.