How to Fix a Laptop That Is Not Charging
Is your laptop plugged in but not charging? This common issue can be caused by a faulty charger, battery problems, or internal hardware issues. In this guide, we’ll go through step-by-step troubleshooting to help you fix a laptop that won’t charge.
1. Check the Power Adapter and Charging Cable
Before assuming a battery issue, inspect the charger.
✔ Test the charger with another laptop – If it works, the problem is with your laptop.
✔ Check for visible damage – Frayed cables or bent connectors can prevent charging.
✔ Try a different power outlet – A faulty wall socket could be the issue.
🛑 If your charger is faulty, replacing it with an original adapter is the best solution.
2. Remove the Battery and Try Direct Power
This step helps determine if the battery is the issue.
✔ For laptops with removable batteries:
- Turn off the laptop and remove the battery.
- Plug the charger directly into the laptop and turn it on.
- If the laptop powers on, the battery may be faulty and needs replacement.
✔ For laptops with non-removable batteries:
- Skip this step or check the battery health (explained below).
3. Reset the Power Supply (Hard Reset)
A power reset can fix minor charging issues.
- Turn off the laptop.
- Unplug the charger and remove the battery (if removable).
- Hold the power button for 30 seconds to drain any residual charge.
- Reconnect everything and try charging again.
4. Check Battery Health
If your laptop is old, the battery might be at the end of its life.
✔ Windows:
- Open Command Prompt (Win + R → type cmd → Enter).
- Type:
- Open the battery report file (usually saved in C:\Users\YourName).
✔ Mac:
- Click the Apple menu > About This Mac > System Report.
- Under Power, check the Battery Cycle Count (300–1000 cycles is typical).
🛑 If the battery health is low, consider replacing it.
5. Update or Reinstall Battery Drivers (Windows Only)
A driver issue can prevent charging.
- Open Device Manager (Win + X > Device Manager).
- Expand Batteries and right-click Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery.
- Click Uninstall and restart your laptop. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.
6. Check for Overheating Issues
Laptops stop charging if they overheat to prevent damage.
✔ Let the laptop cool down for 30 minutes.
✔ Clean the air vents with compressed air.
✔ Use a cooling pad to prevent overheating.
7. Inspect the Charging Port for Damage
A loose or broken charging port can prevent proper charging.
✔ Try wiggling the charger plug – If the connection is unstable, the port may need repair.
✔ Use a flashlight to check for dust or bent pins inside the charging port.
🛑 If the port is damaged, professional repair is required.
Final Thoughts
A laptop that won’t charge can be frustrating, but in most cases, the issue is fixable. Start by checking the charger, battery, and power settings before considering professional repair. If your battery health is low, replacing it is the best long-term solution.
