A laptop battery that won’t charge can be a major inconvenience. Not only does it limit your ability to use your laptop on the go, but it can also be a sign of a more serious problem.
So, let’s uncover the common reasons and what should you do when the laptop battery is not charging.
Common Reasons for Laptop Battery Not Charging
There are several reasons why your laptop battery might not be charging. Some of the most common include:
Faulty power adapter
The power adapter is the device that converts AC power from the wall outlet to DC power that your laptop can use. If the power adapter is damaged or malfunctioning, it will not be able to charge your battery.
Battery degradation
Laptop batteries are not designed to last forever. Over time, they will degrade and eventually need to be replaced. If your battery is old, it may not be able to hold a charge as well as it used to.
Software issues
Sometimes, software issues can prevent your laptop battery from charging. This could be due to a corrupted driver, an outdated BIOS, or a problem with the operating system.
Troubleshooting Steps for Laptop Charger not Charging
Before you take your laptop to a professional, there are a few things you can try to troubleshoot the problem yourself. Here are some steps to follow:
Check the power source and adapter
Make sure that the power adapter is securely plugged into both the wall outlet and your laptop. Try using a different outlet to rule out a problem with the outlet. If you have another power adapter, try using that to see if it makes a difference.
Restart the laptop and update the software
Sometimes, simply restarting your laptop can fix the problem. You should also make sure that your laptop’s software is up to date. This includes the operating system, BIOS, and all of your drivers.
Calibrate the battery
Calibrating the battery helps to ensure that the battery gauge is accurate. To calibrate the battery, let it drain completely until it turns off automatically. Then, plug it in and let it charge until it reaches 100%.
Clean charging port
The charging port on your laptop can get clogged with dust and debris over time. This can prevent the power adapter from making a good connection. Use a can of compressed air to clean out the charging port.
Replace the battery if needed
If you have tried all of the other troubleshooting steps and your battery still will not charge, it may need to be replaced. You can purchase a new battery from the manufacturer of your laptop or from a reputable third-party retailer.
When to Seek Professional Help?
If you have tried all of the troubleshooting steps and your battery still will not charge, it is time to seek professional help. There are a few reasons why you might want to do this:
- Persistent issues after troubleshooting: If you have followed all of the troubleshooting steps and your battery still will not charge, there is likely a hardware problem. A professional can diagnose the problem and repair or replace the faulty hardware.
- Physical damage to laptop or battery: If your laptop has been dropped or otherwise damaged, it is possible that the battery has been damaged as well. A professional can inspect the battery and determine if it needs to be replaced.
- Hardware repairs or replacement: If the problem is with the laptop’s hardware, such as the charging circuitry or the motherboard, a professional will need to repair or replace the hardware.
Conclusion
A laptop battery that won’t charge can be a frustrating problem, but there are a few things you can try to fix it yourself. If you have tried all of the troubleshooting steps and your battery still will not charge, it is time to seek professional help.