Common causes

Problems with the charger and power cable

Check the entire cable for visible damage such as kinks, fraying or exposed wires. Feel whether the adapter gets unusually hot.

Dirty or damaged charging port

Inspect the port with a flashlight. Use compressed air to carefully remove dirt.

Software problems

Outdated battery drivers can disrupt communication.

Step-by-step solutions

1. Check the adapter

Check that the charger is plugged firmly into the wall outlet. See whether the LED light on the adapter is on.

2. Perform a battery reset

For laptops with a removable battery:

  1. Shut down and unplug the charger
  2. Remove the battery
  3. Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds
  4. Put the battery back and connect the charger

For laptops with a built-in battery:

  1. Shut down and unplug the charger
  2. Press and hold the power button for 15 to 30 seconds
  3. Connect the charger and start the laptop

3. Update battery drivers

  1. Press Windows + X > "Device Manager"
  2. Expand "Batteries"
  3. Right-click "Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery"
  4. Select "Uninstall device"
  5. Restart your laptop

4. BIOS/UEFI reset

  1. Restart and press the BIOS key (F2, F10, F12, Del or Esc)
  2. Look for "Load Setup Defaults"
  3. Confirm and save
  4. Restart

5. Check power settings

Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot and run "Power".

Hardware problems

Faulty battery

Signs of a worn-out battery:

  • Only charges up to a certain percentage
  • Laptop suddenly shuts off
  • Physical swelling (stop using it immediately!)

Generate a battery report: powercfg /batteryreport

Faulty charging port

If the port is loose or wobbles, professional repair is needed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use my laptop while it isn't charging?

Yes, as long as the laptop runs on mains power. However, this is not a permanent solution.

My laptop only discharges. What does this mean?

The adapter is probably not delivering enough power. Check your adapter's wattage.

How do I know if my battery needs replacing?

Generate a battery report and compare the "Design Capacity" with the "Full Charge Capacity". If it is below 40%, replacement is recommended.