How To Fix ‘Laptop Plugged in but Not Charging’ Issue – Guide
You’ve been there: laptop battery running low, so you plug in the charger only to find nothing happens. No lights, no backlit screen, no “battery charge” icon. What’s wrong?
By taking an inside-out approach, you can quickly identify and fix battery life issues on your computer. Simple software tweaks or a new battery may be all that’s needed, but more complex problems may require a shop visit or even a complete system replacement. Knowing what the issue is can save you time and money in the long run.
To repair Laptop Connected but not loading
Check all physical cable connections
Before attempting more complex troubleshooting, start by verifying the basics. Ensure the charging cable is securely connected to your laptop’s port and double-check your connection to the wall socket. If it doesn’t work, try a different one. Additionally, if you’re plugged into a power strip, plug it directly into the wall outlet instead.
Check the connection between the cable and AC adapter for signs of wear. It may have become loose due to tripping or stretching over time.
Remove battery and connect power
Determine if your laptop battery is functioning by removing it from the machine. Pull the tabs on the bottom of your laptop to remove the battery, or consult your manual or online instructions for guidance.
To ensure your laptop is properly powered down, unplug the charger and all accessories, remove the battery, then press and hold the power button for several seconds. After doing this, plug in the charger and attempt to turn on your laptop.
If the device isn’t charging, check the battery compartment for dirt or debris and clean it if necessary. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the battery.
Removing a laptop battery without professional help can void the warranty and cause serious damage. It’s best to take the computer to a technician for analysis.
Make sure you are using the correct charger and port
Check that your laptop is getting enough energy by ensuring the charger is connected to the correct port. Newer laptops may use USB-C for charging, while older models typically have just one port.
Check all the USB-C ports on your laptop to find the one that can charge your device, as some may only be for data transfer. Look for a small power icon next to the port to identify which one is used for charging.
Using the original charger that came with your laptop is essential for optimal performance. Fake chargers can cause permanent damage to your battery, while third-party models may not provide enough power, leading to slow or no charging. USB-C cables are particularly vulnerable; some are not designed for laptops. If you need a new charger, see section 8 for advice.
Check the cable and ports for damage.
Checking the power cable for damage is key to resolving the “plug in, don’t charge” issue. Take a closer look at it, even if you’ve already done a quick check.
Check your laptop’s power cord for signs of damage. If it’s frayed, bulging, or deformed, replace it. Additionally, if the AC adapter part of the charger emits a burning smell, stop using it immediately and get a new one.
Check the charger port of your laptop for a snug fit when connecting the charger. If it feels loose, try shaking it to see if you can get a good connection. Additionally, inspect the port with a flashlight for dirt or other debris that could be preventing a solid connection.
To keep your door’s internal parts safe, use a cotton swab or toothpick to gently clean any dirt inside. Additionally, make sure to leave some slack in the cable when charging and avoid leaving the AC adapter block hanging on a table, as this can put pressure on the loading port and damage it over time.
Reduce resource usage
The battery may not charge even when plugged in, and this is not due to hardware issues. If your computer is running a lot of programs or processes, it can consume more power than the charger can provide, resulting in a lack of charge.
If your computer is running slowly, you can check the resource usage in Task Manager. Click More Details if needed, and on the Processes tab you can see how many resources are being used. To improve performance, try closing some programs or shut down your PC to cool it down. When it’s back up and running, check if the charger can keep up with the battery under normal workloads.
If your computer is struggling to keep up with your workload, it may be time to upgrade. Ensure you don’t block the laptop’s vents, as this can cause overheating.
Update or reinstall battery drivers
If your computer is still not loading after attempting the above steps, updating or removing the drivers that Windows uses to interface with external devices may help get it running again.
To update your laptop’s battery drivers, right-click on the Start button or press Win + X and select Device Manager. Expand the Batteries section and right-click on Microsoft AC Adapter and Microsoft ACPI Compliant Control Method Battery to attempt an automatic driver update. If unsuccessful, you may need to manually search for a specific driver from your computer manufacturer.
To fix your computer’s interaction with the battery, right-click each of the battery drivers and select Uninstall Device. Restart your computer after uninstalling each device; this will reinstall the driver and stop any further interaction with the battery.
Rebooting Windows may help resolve a battery that won’t charge. If the first attempt doesn’t work, unplug the charger and remove the battery after shutting down, then reassemble and restart.
get another Laptop Charger
If all other solutions have failed, the only remaining option to fix a laptop that won’t load is to get a new charger or borrow one from someone with the same model.
Using a genuine charger is the safest option for charging your computer, but if that’s not possible, be sure to choose a high-quality replacement. Reviews can help you determine which chargers are safe, but watch out for fake reviews on random products.
Buying the wrong charger for your laptop can be costly. Ensure you get one rated for the correct amount of energy by consulting official specifications or manufacturer documentation.
Final note
If your laptop isn’t charging, this guide can help. Have questions? Reach out to us. Share the love and spread the word about this helpful resource.
