Commonly, you get shorter battery life (run time on a full charge) on GNU Linux compared to other operating systems, as your favorite distribution is probably not optimized for laptops, and your laptops are not Linux-optimized. However, as a Linux user, you still can get a better laptop battery life thanks to TLP.
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What Is TLP?
TLP is a free and open-source command-line utility that automatically applies various parameters and settings to reduce power consumption and optimize battery life.
In addition, TLP offers plenty of customization options that allow you to configure its settings depending on your requirements.
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How to Install and Configure TLP on Linux?
Installing TLP on Linux is as easy as typing a few command lines in a terminal:
- Open a terminal window
- Install the TLP package:
- Debian & derivatives:
sudo apt install tlp- Arch & derivatives:
sudo pacman -Sy tlp- Fedora & derivatives:
sudo dnf install tlp- Enable & start TLP service:
sudo systemctl enable tlp.service
sudo systemctl start tlp.service- Check TLP service status (to make sure that the TLP service is loaded and active):
sudo systemctl status tlp.service
If you experience performance issues (e.g., freeze and sudden reboot) after installing TLP, you can uninstall or disable it:
- To uninstall TLP:
- Debian & derivatives:
sudo apt remove tlp- Arch & derivatives:
sudo pacman -Rs tlp- Fedora & derivatives:
sudo dnf remove tlp- To disable the TLP service:
sudo systemctl disable tlp.service
sudo systemctl stop tlp.serviceIn most cases, you do not need to configure TLP settings, but if you decide to do so, make the official documentation your companion.
Bonus: TLP Frontend (GUI) Apps
The Slimbook Battery and TLP-UI applications provide a GTK interface to make tweaking TLP settings smooth and handy.
Also, both apps are open-source and offer user-friendly interfaces with a straightforward menu.
It is worth noting that Slimbook Battery offers extra features and options from AMD and NVIDIA.
💬 Do you know another method to improve battery life on Linux?
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