Suddenly your ubuntu machine shuts down due to a lack of battery life when you are in the middle of a steam game like Dota, CSGO, or Apex Legends.
Isn’t it frustrating?
Being an Ubuntu user, I have spent weeks discovering why Ubuntu consumes more battery than windows. And guess what?
I discovered some effortless ways to increase your laptop battery life on Ubuntu which helps you almost the same as Windows.
If you don’t have any previous experience, my article will help you to understand why ubuntu consumes more battery than windows and how you can fix it.
Let’s get started.
Why does Ubuntu Consume More Battery than Windows?
Poor graphics driver support in Linux is one of the primary reasons for less battery life in Ubuntu. Lack of hardware and software optimization also consumes more power in Ubuntu. Linux users need to optimize settings by themselves to consume less battery, whereas Windows is already optimized.
You can enhance your Ubuntu battery life by installing TLP, Simbook battery, and applying effortless ways such as disabling the graphics drivers.
But the bad news is that no GPU companies are providing proper support drivers for Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, and Arce Linux because they don’t care about the open-source community.
Most Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, Arch Linux, and many more depend on donations or subscriptions. For this reason, GPU companies don’t earn so much revenue by making proper driver support.
Check out the 5 Quick Ways to Disable Windows File Encryption.
How to Increase Battery Life in Ubuntu?
Increasing battery life in Ubuntu is challenging for a new or old Ubuntu user because Linux users need to optimize some settings to consume less battery for both hardware and software, which seems complicated. And Windows has built-in optimization for both hardware and software.
But the good news is that there are some methods or techniques you might feel handy while implying them. Let’s talk about them and increase your battery life.
Here are some methods to increase your battery life in Ubuntu:
1. Install TLP
When your Ubuntu consumes more power than Windows, installing TLP is better to increase your power management.
Are you worried about your installation system on your ubuntu by using the command line interface? Don’t panic. I have already provided you with some guidelines on how to install TLP on your Ubuntu machine using the root terminal.
If you don’t want to use the root terminal for installing TLP, you need to go to the Linux window and install TlP from your software manager.
Also read, Windows: Open Website with Specific Browser.
Here are some steps on how to install TLP on Ubuntu:
- Open your root terminal (ctrl+alt+T) and type:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:linrunner/tlp
- Type your root password and then press Enter.
- Install TLP and type:
sudo apt install tlp
- Start TLP on your root terminal by using this command:
sudo tlp start
Command line and graphical are two types of interfaces in TLP.
Suppose you cannot manage your power manager using the root terminal. In that case, you need to install the tlpui application in contrast with tlp, which helps you manage your power appropriately.
Here are some steps to install tlpui on ubuntu:
- Use this command to add your application repository:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:linuxuprising/apps
- Type this command to update your system kernel:
sudo apt-get update
- Install tlpui and run this command:
sudo apt-get install tlpui
- Start tlpui:
sudo tlpui
- Use this command to reboot your system:
sudo reboot
Follow our guide on how to Fix Windows is Stuck at the Lock Screen Before Login.
2. Install PowerTop
PowerTop is a great application used for diagnosing issues with power consumption and power management. You can experiment with various power settings in this application, but the Linux distribution has not enabled those settings.
Here are some steps to install PowerTop:
- Open your root terminal and update your system using this command :
sudo apt-get update
- Install your powertop command-line app using this command:
sudo apt-get install powertop
- Run this command for opening your application:
sudo powertop
Also read, Windows Command Prompt: How to Change the Font and Colors.
3. Disable graphics driver
Before continuing this step, you need to ensure that your laptop or PC has a graphics card. Disabling the graphics driver will be your best playmate when you want to improve your battery life.
Most Linux distributions like Ubuntu do a great job automatically installing all those graphics drives.
If you don’t find any drivers on your existing system, you need to install them. But you must check your dedicated graphics card name and then install it.
Here are the following steps to disable your graphics drivers:
- Hit the meta key or windows key on your keyboard.
- Search for drivers.
- Click on Additional Driver.
- Switch the tab on Additional Drivers and look for GUI drivers.
- Check your GUI drivers.
- Search for Nvidia (if you have another one, please search by graphics card name).
- Go to PRIME profiles and switch Nvidia (performance mode) to Intel.
- Reboot your system.
Ubuntu vs. Windows: Which one is the best for you?
Recently I have been using Linux distributions like Ubuntu 20.04. I feel Linux is better than Windows. But it is not preferable for a regular average user.
Ubuntu can provide you with stable software packages that help increase productivity and scalability and guarantee a smooth transition from development to the production line. Ubuntu’s most popular Linux distro for both development and deployment.
Before using Linux, you need proper research and accurate information about it. If you are a regular average user, I will not recommend using it.
Here I list down some causes:
- Installing Linux is the most common problem for a newcomer.
- A command-line application like Terminal is another problem to use.
- Lack of proprietary software.
- Difficult to troubleshoot.
- Have no proper GPU support.
- Lack of technical support (but Ubuntu community supports you a lot).
If you are in the software development field, I recommend Linux distribution for developing your system.
But if you are a professional gamer, Linux is not for you because Windows have proper GPU driver support for gamers.
FAQs
Why is Linux not more common than Windows or mac?
Linux is a community-based project which is maintained by some non-profitable organizations.
Can I play games on Linux?
Yes, of course, you can play games on Linux. The streaming platform now officially supports ubuntu Lts.
How can I increase my battery saver on Linux mint?
You need to install tlp, powertop, or disable the graphic card drivers on your system to increase your battery server on Linux mint.
Wrapping up
The battery’s life depends on proper driver support and your device configuration. The lack of supporting drivers on Linux is the most deadly reason for less battery life.
If you want to boost your battery life, you require opening the terminal and installing tlp, and towertop, which will help you control your power management.
Whenever you have any graphics card on your device, you need to disable their drivers immediately.
Apply the steps accordingly and see the changes yourself. For further queries, comment below.
