Laptop batteries are a critical component of modern devices, allowing users to work remotely without the need for constant power connection. However, like all batteries, laptop batteries can encounter issues that may affect their performance and shorten their lifespan. In this blog post, we will explore various reasons why a laptop battery is not charging and offer troubleshooting techniques to help you maximize your laptop battery’s efficiency and longevity.
Reason why your laptop is not charging.
If your laptop isn’t charging, it could be due to several common issues, such as a faulty power adapter, a malfunctioning power outlet, or a failing battery. Start by checking the hardware connections, including the power adapter and outlet. If these seem fine, the problem might lie in your laptop’s power or battery management settings, which may need updating or adjusting to resolve the charging issue. Worry not, we will cover everything in this blog post.
1. Plug the laptop into a different power outlet.
Unplug the laptop, wait a few minutes, and then connect it to an outlet in another room or on a different wall. If it charges in the new location, the issue likely lies with the original outlet, not your laptop or charger.
– To confirm charging, look for indicator lights on your laptop or charger. Many laptops have a light on the side, back, or above the keyboard, while some Mac laptops have a light on the magnetic charging cable.
– If your power adapter works briefly and then shuts off, there may be interference from the outlet; in this case, unplug it for 30 seconds and try again.
– Additionally, if the adapter or laptop feels unusually warm, allow it to cool completely before reconnecting it to a power source.
2. Check the power adapter.
Inspect the entire length of your power cord for any signs of damage, such as tears, dents, or worn-down insulation. If you spot any flaws, or if the power brick appears warped or smells like burnt plastic, the cord is likely faulty. In this case, you should take your laptop to the repair shop and test it with a working power adapter.
– For newer laptop models that support USB-C charging, ensure you’re using the correct USB-C post, as only one port typically supports charging while the others are for data transfer.
3. Check the power jack on the laptop.
When the power adapter is connected to your laptop correctly, it should fit securely and not jiggle or fall out. If the connection feels loose, there may be a bent pin inside the power jack or the entire jack might have loosened from the motherboard. In such cases, it’s best to take your laptop to technicians for an accurate diagnosis.
– Power jack issues, like bend pins, are often specific to your laptop model. While you can search for repair instructions online, fixing this typically involves buying a new power jack and soldering it onto the motherboard, which could void your warranty (if any).
4. Start your laptop without a battery.
Shut down your laptop, remove the battery, and then plug the laptop into a power source. If the laptop powers on without the battery, this indicates that the battery may be faulty and in need of replacement.
– If your laptop’s battery is non-removable, you can skip this step and try other troubleshooting methods before considering a repair.
5. Review your Screen and Sleep options.
Checking your screen and sleep settings can help you control how your laptop uses power, especially when it’s not in use or sleeping. Changing them might stop your laptop from going into a low-power mode that could mess with charging, so your laptop charges properly even when it’s not being used.
To check your screen and sleep options follow these steps:
– Open your Windows settings.
– Head towards the System.
– In System find Power & Battery.
– Select the Screen and Sleep option Under Power.
Check the values in the “Screen” and “Sleep” menus. Make sure the setting for “When plugged in” isn’t set too low. For example, if you have 10 minutes selected under the Sleep section, your laptop will go to sleep after 10 minutes of inactivity while plugged in. Increase this time to avoid unexpected shutdowns.
6. Update battery drivers.
Just like other parts of your laptop, the batter is controlled by drivers. If these drivers are outdated or corrupted by malware, your battery might not charge correctly. To fix this, try updating the battery drivers.
To update your battery drivers follow these steps:
- Type Device Manager in the search box on the taskbar.
- Click on it bring up the list of components.
- Select Batteries.
- It will reveal AC Adapter and ACPI- Compliant Control Method Battery.
Right- click on each driver and select “Update Driver.” Choose “Search automatically for drivers,” and Windows will handle the rest. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to download the drivers manually from your laptop manufacturer’s website. Then, select “Browse my computer for drivers,” find the downloaded drivers, and click “Next” to finish the process.
7. Reinstall battery drivers.
If updating the drivers doesn’t resolve the issue, uninstalling and reinstalling them might help.
To reinstall your battery drivers follow these steps:
- Type Device Manager in the search box on the taskbar.
- Click on it to bring up the list of components.
- Select Batteries.
- It will reveal AC Adapter and ACPI- Compliant Control Method Battery.
Right-click on “AC Adapter” and choose “Uninstall,” then do the same for “ACPI- Compliant Control Method Battery.”
After uninstalling, reboot your laptop, and windows should automatically detect and install the necessary drivers.
Seek Professional Help.
If none of the previous tips resolve the issues, it’s best to seek professional help. If your laptop is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer for repairs. If the warranty has expired, consider using IndiRepair’s Laptop Repair Service for assistance.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, addressing a laptop that isn’t charging involves a systematic approach to troubleshoot potential issues. Begin by checking the power cord, adapter, and connection points, and ensure that the power settings are correctly configured. If these steps don’t resolve the issues, consider updating or reinstalling drivers and inspecting the battery. By following these steps, you can effectively identify and address common charging issues, ensuring your laptop functions smoothly.
