Can a computer get damaged if it gets too cold?

A computer or laptop is more likely to become damaged from heat than it is cold. In fact, a computer may operate more efficiently in cooler conditions. However, taking a computer that was in a cold temperature to a warmer temperature can cause condensation in the computer that causes damage. For example, this could happen when leaving your laptop overnight in the car during winter, then moving it to a warm building and powering it up immediately.

To help prevent this situation from occurring, do not leave your laptop in a car for any length of time during cold or hot weather. When working in cold conditions or transporting your computer through colder weather, keep it in its laptop carrying case. If you're working in extreme cold weather (e.g., -5°C or lower) and move the computer to a warmer room, we suggest keeping the computer off for a few minutes before it's turned on.

Finally, whenever working in any place with extreme weather, it is always a good idea to consult the computer documentation or manufacturer for their recommended operating temperatures. Not all laptops and computers are the same, and each component in them can react differently to temperature.