Dell recommends that to make your Dell laptop battery last longer it is best to set the laptop to power saving mode, switch off applications not used such as the bluetooth, reduce screen brightness, and avoid letting the computer get too hot or too cold. Some of the newer Dell Inspiron parts have battery cells with a much higher capacity rating that allow for a much longer run time. Check with your owner’s manual to see what rating your current battery is and if an adequate upgrade is necessary. However all batteries suffer from wear and tear over time and with constant use over the years the battery will stop giving you an adequate run time. In such a situation, it is best to replace the battery with a new Dell laptop battery from a vendor who sells genuine Dell laptop parts.