Setting up
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2. Installing TLP on Ubuntu
TLP is a powerful and easy-to-use tool for optimizing battery life on Linux laptops. It applies advanced settings automatically at startup.
sudo apt install tlp tlp-rdw
Once installed, start TLP with:
sudo tlp start
It runs automatically at boot — no configuration needed for most users.
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3. Enabling Auto-CPUFreq for Dynamic CPU Scaling
auto-cpufreq is a modern, intelligent CPU frequency manager that dynamically adjusts performance based on battery or AC power.
git clone https://github.com/AdnanHodzic/auto-cpufreq.git cd auto-cpufreq && sudo ./auto-cpufreq-installer
Then run the daemon installer:
sudo auto-cpufreq --install
This tool works great alongside TLP and is especially helpful on modern laptops.
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4. Optimizing with PowerTOP
PowerTOP by Intel analyzes and helps to reduce power consumption on Linux.
sudo apt install powertop
To start optimization interactively:
sudo powertop --auto-tune
You can also analyze live stats by running:
sudo powertop
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5. Installing Laptop Mode Tools (Optional)
Laptop-mode-tools is another great daemon to control hard drive spin-down, network power saving, and more.
sudo apt install laptop-mode-tools
Then enable and start the service:
sudo systemctl enable laptop-mode
sudo systemctl start laptop-mode
May conflict with TLP — test to see which works best for your setup.
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6. Additional Tips to Save Battery
- Lower Screen Brightness — Use Fn keys or brightness applets.
- Disable Bluetooth when not in use:
rfkill block bluetooth
- Turn Off Wi-Fi if not needed:
nmcli radio wifi off
- Use Lightweight Desktop Environments — XFCE and MATE consume less power.
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