How to Fix a Laptop That Won’t Charge

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

LaptopCharging IssuesTroubleshootingPower ManagementHardwareBatteryPerformanceDevice ManagementWindowsMac

A laptop that won't charge can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you depend on it for work or school. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to diagnose and potentially fix the problem. This guide is designed to help you troubleshoot and resolve issues with a laptop that won't charge, using simple methods that don't require advanced technical knowledge. Follow these step-by-step instructions to learn why your laptop isn't charging and how to fix it.

Step 1: Check the basics

Verify the power source

First, make sure the outlet you're using is working. Plug another device into the same outlet to make sure it's providing power. If the outlet isn't working, try another one. Also, make sure any power strips or surge protectors are on and working properly.

Inspect the charger connections

Check that the power cable is securely connected to the power brick (the large rectangular part of the charger) and that the charger is firmly plugged into the laptop's charging port. Check for any obvious damage, such as frayed wires or bent prongs.

Check the laptop's charging port

Sometimes the laptop's charging port may become loose or damaged. Check the port for any signs of damage or debris that might be preventing the charger plug from connecting properly. Use a flashlight if needed to get a better look inside the port.

Step 2: Check the charger and cable

Test with a different charger

If possible, try another charger that is compatible with your laptop. Borrow a charger from a friend or use a spare charger if you have one. If the laptop starts charging with another charger, it means your charger is faulty and you should replace it.

Check for damage to the charger

Inspect the charger carefully for any signs of wear and tear. Check the cable for any kinks, frays, or breaks. If there is any significant damage to the charger or cable, this may be the reason why your laptop is not charging. In such cases, it may be necessary to purchase a new charger.

Use a multimeter

If you have a multimeter and know how to use it, you can check if the charger is outputting the correct voltage. Check your charger's label to find out the expected voltage output and compare it to your multimeter reading.

Step 3: Inspect the battery

Remove and reinsert the battery

If your laptop has a removable battery, turn off the laptop, remove the battery and then press and hold the power button for about 30 seconds. Reinsert the battery, plug in the charger and see if the laptop begins to charge.

Test the laptop without battery

If your laptop can run without a battery (when plugged into a charger), remove the battery, plug in the charger, and turn on the laptop. If this works, the problem may be with the battery. Consider replacing the battery with a new one.

Check battery health

Some laptops have built-in battery health diagnostics. Check your laptop's BIOS/UEFI settings or use any battery diagnostic tool provided by the manufacturer to assess the health of your battery. Windows users can also generate a battery report using the following steps:

powercfg /batteryreport

Open Command Prompt as administrator, type the above command and press Enter. The generated report will be saved to the specified location on your computer and can provide information about the battery status.

Step 4: Update or reinstall the battery drivers

Update battery driver

Outdated or corrupted battery drivers can sometimes cause charging problems. Follow these steps to update the driver:

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Batteries category.
3. Right-click on Microsoft AC Adapter and select Update Driver.
4. Do the same for the Microsoft ACPI-compliant control method battery.
5. Restart your laptop and check if it is charging.

Reinstall battery driver

If updating the drivers didn't help, try reinstalling them:

1. Open Device Manager, as described in the previous steps.
2. Expand the Batteries category.
3. Right-click on Microsoft AC Adapter and select Uninstall device.
4. Right-click on Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery and select Uninstall device.
5. Click the Scan for hardware changes button in Device Manager to reinstall the drivers.
6. Restart your laptop and check if the issue is resolved.

Step 5: Check for software or firmware issues

Update BIOS/UEFI

Updating your laptop's BIOS or UEFI can sometimes fix charging problems. Visit the laptop manufacturer's website, search for your laptop model, and find the latest BIOS/UEFI update. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to update the firmware carefully.

Operating system issues

Sometimes, the operating system itself can cause problems. Make sure your operating system is up to date. In Windows, go to Settings > Update & Safety and click Check for Updates. Install any available updates and restart your laptop.

Step 6: Hardware problems

Inspect the internal hardware

If none of the above steps work, there may be a serious hardware problem. This could be a problem with the laptop's motherboard, charging circuitry, or other internal components. In such cases, it is best to take your laptop to a professional technician for diagnosis and repair.

Warranty and professional repair

If your laptop is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer or the retailer where you purchased the laptop. They may provide repair services or offer a replacement if a hardware problem is found. If the laptop is no longer under warranty, seek out a reputable computer repair service to get a professional evaluation.

Troubleshooting summary

Fixing a laptop involves a variety of troubleshooting steps, ranging from basic checks of your power source and charger to inspecting the battery, updating drivers, and checking for firmware or hardware issues. Here's a brief overview of the steps:

1. Make sure the power outlet is working and the connections are secure.
2. Check the charger and cable for damage.
3. Try using another charger to see if the laptop charges.
4. If the battery is removable, remove it, reinsert it and test.
5. Check the health of the battery using diagnostic equipment.
6. Update or reinstall the laptop's battery driver.
7. Update the BIOS/UEFI and operating system.
8. Consider professional repair services for internal hardware problems.

By following these steps, you can identify and potentially fix many common charging problems with laptops. Always remember to handle your laptop and its components with care to avoid causing further damage.

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