If your laptop is your main computer, it may be easier just to keep it plugged in at your desk. But, it is usually not healthy for battery life. Most manufacturers do not recommend leaving the charging/power cord plugged in. Laptop users worldwide agree based on their experiences. It generally kills the lifespan of the battery over time. You go from 3-4 hours per charge to 0.5-2 hours. Ultimately, check with your laptop’s users guide to understand better how to care for your battery correctly. If you’re using a third-party charger, it’s probably a good idea to unplug your computer once charging is complete.
1. Check for Faulty Power Adapter or Charging Cable
Other laptops have similar test features. Check your manual to see how to access yours.
If your laptop is plugged in but not charging, there are a couple of ways to fix it. In this article, you’ll read about all three solutions to help you narrow down and fix the problem. Just keep in mind that basic troubleshooting generally requires different methods until you find the reason behind your laptop charging problem.Check your laptop manual for the hardware test process. On a Dell laptop, switch it off, then turn it on again. After seeing the Dell logo, hit “F12” to launch the boot list. Select “Diagnostics,” then choose the “battery test” feature.If you use a Windows laptop, there is a common problem with the Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery driver. This issue has been around since Windows 7 and can impact the charging process. Here’s what to do.Look for movement where the charger meets the laptop. Connectors often wear out over time. After much use, you may experience a socket that fits loosely and wiggles around. Occasionally, if you exert any variation of force on the power cable where it meets the laptop, it can bend, leading to damaged pins or breaks in the wires. This scenario not only applies to coaxial plugs but also to USB and Lightning.
2. Check for an OS Power Issue
Windows Virtual Driver
A laptop isn’t much good if it won’t charge. Rather than being the portable powerhouse of productivity that it is supposed to be, the laptop is either an expensive paperweight or underpowered desktop replacement.
- Type ‘Device Control Manager’ into the Cortana/Search Windows box and open Windows Device Manager.
- Select Batteries and open up the menu.
- Select Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery driver.
- Right click and select Uninstall.
- Select Scan for hardware changes in the top menu of Device Manager.
- Allow Windows to scan and install the driver once more.
If you know someone else with the same model laptop, borrow their charger to see if it works and fits better.You can also run your laptop without a battery, although it doesn’t prove much. Plug the power charger in and turn on the laptop. If it runs, you know the laptop works fine. However, the test does not tell whether the battery or the charging board is the issue.
- Remove the laptop battery and power cord.
- Hold down the power button on the laptop for 20 – 30 seconds.
- Replace the battery and boot up the laptop.
- Once powered on, plug the power cord into the laptop and see if it charges.
Considering how expensive the average laptop is, the quality of its power adapter is usually relatively low. If your laptop is plugged in and not charging, the power cord and adapter should be your first port of call.
Reset SMC on a MacBook
On a Macbook Pro, you need to run the Apple Hardware Test. Turn the laptop off and then on again. Hold the “D” key on the keyboard until you see Apple Hardware Test. Navigate past the language choice and then select the “standard” test.
- Switch off your MacBook and connect the power adapter.
- Hold down the Shift + Control + Option keys and the Power button at the same time.
- Let go of all the keys and you should see the light on your adapter change color briefly.
- Boot your MacBook and retest.
3. Check for a Faulty Laptop Battery
Confirm that both ends appear securely positioned. If your AC adapter has a status light, ensure it is on while plugged into the power outlet.If the driver doesn’t solve the problem, try fully draining the laptop’s residual power. This process forces the laptop to discharge any residual voltage. It is like a hard reset and can sometimes shake the battery back into life.For those using a MacBook, “Resetting SMC” is a helpful tool not available on Windows. SMC is the System Management Controller, which influences battery and power management, so it is an extra step you can take if your MacBook battery won’t charge. Resetting SMC will reset some customizations, so you will need to configure them again, but aside from that, this process is harmless.Disclaimer: Some pages on this site may include an affiliate link. This does not effect our editorial in any way.
If you know someone with the same laptop, swap batteries to see if it works. This solution is the only real test for the battery aside from buying a new one.If this process doesn’t work, you may have a faulty laptop battery. You can run a few tests to find out, which you’ll read about later.Of course, before rushing out to buy another power adapter, it’s also a good idea to try a different wall outlet. The power coming out of the outlet may seem like common sense, but many users overthink the troubleshooting process and assume the issue is with their computer rather than the wall outlet.
Laptop Not Charging FAQs
What can I do if my cord isn’t working?
A faulty battery is more likely in older laptops rather than new ones, but it is possible on any device. There are two tests you can try.
Should I leave my laptop plugged in all the time?
If you’re using a MacBook, you can easily see if there’s a problem with the battery by holding the “control” button and clicking the “Apple logo” in the upper left-hand corner. Choose “System Information.” A new window opens. Click on “Power.” Check to see the status of your battery. The battery is listed as “normal” under the “Condition” section in the screenshot below.
Laptop users have several options to get back up and running if they’re having a cord issue. If your laptop cord is chewed or frayed, you can try splicing the inner wires together and sealing it with electrical tape. Be careful as this could be a fire hazard if not done correctly, and don’t mess with the cord while it’s plugged in. If the power line seems damaged beyond repair, you can order one from the manufacturer or Amazon. In the case of Mac users, Apple will supply another OEM charger for your MacBook for a cost.
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