Battery Won't Charge (Laptop/Desktop)

Battery Won't Charge (Laptop/Desktop)

Issue [Battery Won't Charge (Laptop) ]

  

Devices [Laptop, MacOS, Windows]

  

Suggested Resolutions [See Steps Below]  


Windows 10:

Step 1: Run Windows 10 Battery Diagnostics

If your battery isn’t fully charging, the first thing you can try is the Battery troubleshooter in Windows 10.

  • Open Start > Settings > Update & security > Troubleshoot
  • Scroll down then click Power
  • Click Run the troubleshooter

Complete the wizard, then restart your device to see if the problem is resolved.



Step 2: Check if Your AC Power Supply is Properly Connected

Sometimes the power cable connected to your AC power supply brick might be loose. Check to make sure it is fitted and secured properly.



Step 3: Try a Different Wall Outlet and Check for Low Voltage and Electrical Issues 



Step 4: Test with Another Charger

The charger might be the culprit. If you have a working spare lying around the home, give it a try to see if it charges. You can also borrow one from your work colleague if you don’t have any. If you don’t have access to another charger, try yours on another laptop to see if it charges the device.

Step 5: Remove all External Devices

If you keep external devices such as a smartphone, a USB external drive, mouse, printer, and anything else attached to your system while charging, it will take longer for your battery to reach 100%. So make sure you disconnect all of those devices, so your system won’t be competing with all the other electronics.


Step 6: Check Your Connectors for Dirt or Damage

If your laptop has a modular battery, remove it, check for any damage, or see if it needs cleaning around the contacts and inside the battery compartment. Also, check if any dust particles inside the charging port might prevent the battery from charging.



Step 7: Check for BIOS and Chipset Driver Updates

Sometimes your system might be overdue for an update for components such as your BIOS and Chipset. Updates can help resolve bugs that might be preventing the battery from charging efficiently.

Step 8: Press and Release Power Button Reset

Sometimes unknown glitches can prevent the battery from charging. An easy way to fix it is to power down your computer, hold down the power button for 15 to 30 seconds, plug in the AC adapter, then start the computer.

Step 9: Disable Apps and Check Battery Usage in Windows 10

Open Start > Settings > Privacy > Background apps. Scroll down, then toggle off the apps that might be preventing your device from reaching a full charge

Still in Settings, open System > Battery > Battery usage by app. This will tell you which apps are using the most battery, and you can decide what to do, whether to let Windows decide if it should run in the background while not sacrificing battery life.


Step 10: Replace Charger or Battery Module

Ultimately, if you don’t see any improvements after trying all the above, it may be best to replace either the charger or the battery itself. This will require contacting your laptop manufacturer and placing an order. Batteries and chargers are not necessarily cheap, especially if it’s an older system. But, if you have no choice, it’s something you will have to do to get your system back in working order.

Windows 11:

Step 1: Check the Battery Adapter

  1. Power Off the laptop.
  2. Disconnect the adapter from the plug or power outlet.
  3. Check the cable connection for any torn marks, abnormal changes due to burning.
  4. If the adaptor seems wet or moist, it might come in contact with water and cause a short circuit. In that case, take it to the repair center and carry out the megger test. If it is surely grounded, replacement is only the way out.
  5. If no physical changes are visible, open the laptop battery and connect the adapter to the device. If an electrical connection is found working without battery, the problem is with battery and you have to replace it to fix the problem.

Step 2: Ensure the Charging Port is Not Defective 

Sometimes charging port can be defective as well and you may experience Windows 11 battery not fully charging issue for that. A laptop, once strongly hit by something or fallen on the ground from a height, hardware issues will be there mostly. The charging port might be loose to hold the pin properly and a loose connection will prevent charging the laptop.

To be sure about this issue, you can check the charging port for any physical damage. Connecting the charger to another laptop of the same brand may also confirm the functionality of the charger. If the port is a problem, contact with repair center for a perfect fix and resolve the problem.

Step 3: Run Windows Power Troubleshooter 

  1. Press Windows key and I.
  2. On the right-side pane, click on – Troubleshoot.
  3. Select – Other troubleshooters on the next window.
  4. Scroll down to Power on the following page.
  5. Click – Run
Fix Windows 11 battery not charging - Run Power troubleshooter

  1. Follow the on-screen guidelines and complete troubleshooting.

Step 4: Reinstall Windows 11 Battery Driver

  1. Press – Windows key + X.
  2. Select – Device Manager.
  3. When the app opens, double click on – Batteries.
  4. Right-click – Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery.
  5. Choose – Update driver.
Fix Windows 11 battery not charging

  1. From the next window, select – Search automatically for drivers.
  2. After Windows finds a suitable battery driver for you, it will install the update from the manufacturer’s website.
If updating the driver doesn’t resolve the issue, you have to uninstall the driver and Windows will re-install the same once restarting is carried out. To do so, follow the below steps –

Step 5: Uninstall Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery Device 

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Double click on Batteries.
  3. Right-click Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery and choose – Uninstall device.
Uninstall battery driver

  1. From the confirmation dialog box, click – Uninstall.
  2. Restart the laptop to make the changes effective.

Step 6: Update Microsoft AC Adapter Driver

  1. Right-click on the Start button.
  2. Click on – Device Manager.
  3. Once the Windows tool appears, double click on – Batteries.
  4. Right-click on – Microsoft AC adapter.
  5. Select – Update driver.
  6. From a wizard that prompts, click on – Search automatically for drivers.
  7. Restart the PC and see if the problem is solved.
  8. If the issue still persists then again launch the Device Manager.
  9. Expand ‘Batteries’ by double-clicking on it.
  10. Right click on – Microsoft AC adapter.
  11. Select – Uninstall device.
  12. On the prompt, click on – Uninstall.
  13. Reboot the system

Step 7: Update the BIOS

  1. Press – Windows + R keys.
  2. Type – msinfo32.
  3. Hit Enter.
  4.  When System Information window appears, click the text field present next to Find what.
  5. Type – BIOS Version and click – Find.
Check BIOS version

  1. Once you see the highlighted result, take a note of the BIOS version.
  2. Open a web browser and navigate to the manufacturer’s website for BIOS.
  3. Look for suitable versions of BIOS using the info you have noted.
  4. Download and install once found.
  5. After completing the process successfully, restart Windows 11.

Step 8: Change the Charging Type to Standard from Adaptive

[This method will help in the case of Dell laptop; for other manufacturers, there will be resembling steps. Follow the way accordingly.]
  1. Completely Shut down the laptop.
  2. Turn it on and press Esc or Del.
  3. From the next screen, enter the BIOS by choosing the option out there.
  4. On the BIOS, go Advanced.
  5. Select – Battery charge configuration.
  6. From the Options, select Standard and Save it.

Step 9: Install Windows Update

  1. Click on – Search.
  2. Type – Updates.
  3. Press – Enter.
  4. Click on – Check for updates.
  5. Once any update is downloaded click on Restart now after you are asked.

Step 10: Uninstall Windows Update

  1. Press – Winkey + I.
  2. Select Windows Update from the left pane of Settings.
  3. Go to the right, click on – Update history.
  4. Move down on the next page and click on – Uninstall updates.
  5. Now, click on Uninstall link.

Step 11: Drain the Battery Fully and Put it to Charge

Another great idea to fix the Windows 11 battery not charging issue is to drain the battery fully and then put it to charge. Leave the battery to become fully charged for a few more hours to see if this works. The same trick has been found to be effective for several people suffering from battery issues. However, this is an indication that you have to replace the battery as soon as possible.

Step 12: Cool Down the Battery

Sometimes laptop becomes really hot to get fully charged and end up triggering Windows 11 battery not charging to 100 percent problem. This is how overheating affects your laptop battery and damages it easily.

What you have to do is, detach the battery from the laptop and leave it for a few hours until it gets cold. Insert the battery with the device and put the same to charging. Hope this will fix the issue.

Step 13: Remove the Battery and Reinsert

here is a feasible fix to get the battery charging again is to remove the battery and then reinsert it. For this, power off the device and remove the battery unlocking the sliding pin from the laptop. Wait for a couple of minutes and then connect the battery with the machine and put the same to charging. Try checking the battery integrity after you have removed it and also the wear level.

Try to connect the laptop with an active power source after removing the battery. This will confirm whether the issue is with the battery or the adapter is the one causing trouble. Replace the defective one if required based on the detected fault.

Step 14: Clean the connection ends properly

Some users have claimed that Windows 11 battery not charging problem occurs from very simple causes like accumulation of dust on the adaptor as well as connectors. Therefore, you must keep these precise things clean always, keep them covered as possible and never let moisture come in contact.

There are some alcohol sobbed pads for cleaning available in the stores, you can use them for this purpose. Rubbing alcohol or electric cleaning chemicals can be used but do not spray directly in the contact point. Cotton or lint-free cloth can be handy to clean the dirt and accumulated dust powder. Make sure to disconnect the device from the power source before cleaning to avoid any mishappening. Once the adaptor and the connectors are completely clean, you can expect the charging will start again.

Step 15: Connect the Charger to the Direct Power Source 

Many of us use a multi-plug or extension cable in order to charge the laptop instead of connecting to a direct power source. This is because the charging points are not always in a convenient place or the workstation is a shared one.

However, these cables or the plug used for ease of access can often be faulty and you may have Windows 11 battery not charging problem. Try avoiding these extensions if possible and connect the charger directly to the power plug. If you have to use it, buy good quality one to avoid charging issues afterward.

macOS:

Step 1: Update the Software and Firmware 

In some cases, software or firmware updates might be available for your computer that improve communication with your power adapter. 
  1. From the Apple menu  in the corner of your screen, choose System Settings or System Preferences.
    • If you chose System Settings, click General on the left side of the window. Then click Software Update on the right.
    • If you chose System Preferences, click Software Update in the window.
  2. Software Update then checks for new software. 
    • If Software Update finds new software, click the button to install it. The button might be named Update Now, Upgrade Now, Install Now, or Restart Now, for example. You might then be asked to enter your administrator password.
    • If Software Update says that your Mac is up to date, then no new software is currently available for your Mac model. Software Update shows only software that is compatible with your Mac.
Software Update window in macOS Monterey

Step 2: Reset the SMC

Reset the System Management Controller (SMC), which controls how your Mac manages power. If you have a Mac with Apple silicon, just restart your computer. 

Laptop Computer with the T2 Chip:

Before resetting the SMC, follow these steps:

  1. Shut down your Mac, if possible.
  2. Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds, then release the button.
    Every Mac has a power button. On laptop computers that have Touch ID, press and hold Touch ID.
  3. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button to turn on your Mac.

If the issue persists, reset the SMC:

  1. Shut down your Mac.
  2. On your built-in keyboard, press and hold all of the following keys. Your Mac might turn on.
    • Control  on the left side of your keyboard
    • Option (Alt)  on the left side of your keyboard
    • Shift  on the right side of your keyboard
  3. Keep holding all three keys for 7 seconds, then press and hold the power button as well. If your Mac is on, it will turn off as you hold the keys.


  1. Keep holding all four keys for another 7 seconds, then release them.
  2. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button to turn on your Mac.

Desktop computer with the T2 chip

If your Mac isn't a laptop computer, follow these steps:

  1. Shut down your Mac, then unplug the power cord.
  2. Wait 15 seconds, then plug the power cord back in.
  3. Wait 5 seconds, then press the power button to turn on your Mac.

If you don't have a Mac with Apple silicon or the T2 chip

Follow these steps on older computers that have neither Apple silicon nor the Apple T2 Security Chip.


Laptop computer
  1. Shut down your Mac.
  2. On your built-in keyboard, press and hold all of these keys:
    • Shift  on the left side of your keyboard
    • Control  on the left side of your keyboard
    • Option (Alt)  on the left side of your keyboard
  3. While holding all three keys, press and hold the power button as well.
Notebook keyboard with all 4 keys pressed
4. Keep holding all four keys for 10 seconds.
5, Release all keys, then press the power button to turn on your Mac.

Desktop computer

If your Mac isn't a laptop computer, follow these steps:

  1. Shut down your Mac, then unplug the power cord.
  2. Wait 15 seconds, then plug the power cord back in.
  3. Wait 5 seconds, then press the power button to turn on your Mac

Step 3: Turn off Battery Health Features

It’s normal for your Mac laptop to stop charging before 100% to optimize or extend the lifespan of the battery. You may be able turn off these features in Battery settings.

Step 4: Check the Battery Condition

Your Mac laptop may not be charging because of an issue with the battery. All rechargeable batteries become less effective as they age

Step 5: Inspect the Hardware

Make sure everything is plugged in and undamaged. Check the port, the charging cable, the power adapter, and the AC wall adapter. If anything is damaged, stop using it.

Step 6: Let it Cool Down

 Move your Mac to a cool, well-ventilated spot. Mac laptops work best at 50° to 95° F (10° to 35° C) ambient temperatures. If you use your Mac in a poorly ventilated space like under a blanket or on thick carpeting, the adapter might turn off to prevent overheating. If the recommended battery temperatures are exceeded, charging may stop at 80%.

Step 7: Clean the Port

 Make sure the port is clean and free of debris. Disconnect it from the power adapter and clean it with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.

Step 8: Use a Different Cable

 You can find out if the cable is causing the issue by trying another cable. Not all cables can charge, so make sure the cable you’re using is designed for charging. For best results, use the cable that comes with your Mac.

Step 9: Use a Different Power Adapter

Your computer may be connected to a power source that gives it enough power to run, but not enough power to charge the battery. For example, your Mac might not charge when it’s connected to a low-wattage adapter. For best results, use the power adapter that comes with your Mac.

Step 10: Use a Different AC Wall Adapter

our power adapter comes with a removable AC wall adapter that has the blades you insert into an electrical outlet. If your Mac doesn’t charge when using the AC wall adapter with the power adapter, try it with another Apple AC wall adapter, or try using an Apple Power Adapter Extension Cable.'

Step 11: Use a Different Power Outlet

Make sure that you’ve connected your power adapter to a working power outlet. Unplug your power adapter from the power outlet, then plug in a device that you know works, such as a lamp, to confirm that the power outlet works.

Step 12: Check for Line Noise

Unplug the power adapter from the wall, wait 60 seconds, then plug the adapter back in. If the adapter works after this interval, there is most likely a line noise issue with the power source. Reset the adapter periodically by repeating this process. Some possible sources of line noise include lights with ballasts, refrigerators, or mini-refrigerators that are on the same electrical circuit as your computer.

Step 13: Leave it Plugged in for a While

If you recently removed your computer from long-term storage, it may be in a low-battery state. It may require 20 minutes of charging with its power adapter before you can use it again.

Step 14: Run Diagnostics 

You can use Apple Diagnostics to help determine which hardware component might be at fault. Apple Diagnostics also suggests solutions and helps you contact Apple Support for assistance.

Step 15: Get your Mac Serviced

If the battery still won’t charge, your Mac may need to be serviced. Contact Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider for service. Repairs performed by untrained individuals or using non-genuine Apple parts may affect the safety and functionality of the device.

ChromeOS:

Step 1: Perform a Visual Inspection

If the Chromebook is not charging, check for damage to the charging port or for signs of oxidation. In addition, check for a crack in the display or for other signs of physical damage to the laptop.

  • The Chromebook is damaged: Contact HP to replace the damaged part or unit. To check the warranty for your computer, go to HP Customer Support.

  • The Chromebook is not damaged: Proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Verify Power to the Computer

Ensure that the computer is connected to working power.

  1. Plug the AC adapter into a functioning wall outlet.

  2. Connect the AC adapter to the computer.

  3. Check whether the computer and AC adapter lights turn on.

    • No lights turn on: Try another HP AC adapter and another wall outlet.

      If the lights turn on using another AC adapter, proceed to the next step. Otherwise, contact HP to replace the damaged part or unit. To check the warranty for your computer, go to HP Customer Support.

    • Lights turn on: Proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Verify the Battery Charging Status

The Chromebook not charging might indicate that the battery is in a deep discharge state. Although the battery indicator light is off, a smaller than normal charge current is being sent. Charge the laptop for at least 10 minutes, or for up to 24 hours.

NOTE: 

When a Chromebook is used for the first time, if a white LED near the AC power connector blinks, the battery is still in shipping mode. Turn off the notebook, connect the AC adapter, allow the battery to charge for at least 30 minutes, and then start the computer.

NOTE: 

For information about battery tests, see HP Chromebooks and HP Chromebases - HP Support Assistant for Chrome operating system.

  • If the Chromebook turns on, it is performing normally. Leave the laptop connected to the AC adapter until it is fully charged. You can check if the battery is charging in the lower-right status area of the screen.

Battery charging status

  • If the Chromebook won’t turn on, periodically press the power button. In some cases, it can take up to 24 hours for the battery to charge.

    If the device does not turn on after 24 hours of charging, contact HP to replace the damaged part or unit. To check the warranty of your computer, go to HP Customer Support.

  • If the battery indicator light above the AC power connector turns on, you can use the color to identify the issue.

BATTERY INDICATOR LIGHT STATUS

Battery indicator light color

Battery indicator light status and action

Green or white

The remaining capacity is 94% or higher, or the charger is initializing (15 seconds after plugging in the AC adapter).

Wait 15 seconds, then turn on the computer and allow it to charge fully.

Amber

The remaining capacity is 94% or lower.

Charge for up to 24 hours, periodically attempting to turn on the computer. If the device does not turn on after 24 hours of charging, contact HP to replace the damaged part or computer. To check the warranty of your computer, go to HP Customer Support.

Red

The computer cannot communicate with the battery.

Contact HP to replace the damaged part or computer. To check the warranty of your computer, go to HP Customer Support.


Step 4: Perform a Hard Reset

A hard or forced reset erases all information in the computer memory. This forces the system to clear and re-establish the software connections between the BIOS and the hardware.

A hard reset does not remove any local files or settings.

  1. Turn off the computer.

  2. Press and hold Refresh, and then press Power while continuing to hold Refresh.

  3. After the Chromebook turns on, release Refresh.

If a hard reset does not resolve the issue, contact HP support to replace the damaged part or computer. To check the warranty for your computer, go to HP Customer Support.


External Websites/Sources 

Links Verified On: 4/24/2023
macOS SMC Reset Steps: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295 [Article Date: N/A]
macOS Software Update Steps: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201541 [Article Date:N/A]

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