The chemical energy stored in laptop batteries is called “chemical energy”. This energy is then converted to electrical energy to power your laptop. These chemical batteries are susceptible to temperature changes, charge cycles, wear, and other factors. This can lead to issues such as slow charging, degrading capacity, or even not charging at all. There are several options depending on the severity and type of problem. We will guide you with some ways to troubleshoot your laptop’s battery.
The basics
We hope that you are familiar with the basics of the problem before we go into detail. Before you make any modifications to your laptop, ensure that you first switch to a different outlet. If this doesn’t work, you can check your charger for loose connections between the brick or power cord. You should also inspect the cable for damage.
Troubleshoot Windows
Windows 10 offers many troubleshooting options and features. Microsoft’s operating system is able to detect and fix problems automatically. It is worth checking out Windows’ Power Troubleshoot feature. To access this feature, click the Windows Button and type Troubleshoot Settings. You will be presented with the Troubleshoot menu by clicking on it. As shown in the screenshot, select Additional Troubleshooters.
Tap on “Power” and then tap on “Run the troubleshooter”. Windows will attempt to identify the problem and provide a solution. If that doesn’t work, you can move on to the next option.
Updating Battery Drivers
The driver that controls the battery works in the same way as any other component on your laptop. The battery might not charge properly if these drivers become corrupted or outdated. You can try updating the driver for your battery.
Click on the Start Button and type Device Manager. To open the components list, click on it. Select Battery to reveal AC Adapter or ACPI Compliant Control Method Battery.
Right-click each one and choose Update Driver. Select Search automatically to find drivers, and Windows will take care of the rest. If this fails, you can manually download drivers from the manufacturer of your laptop. Select the Browse My Computer for Drivers option. To finish the process, locate the drivers and click Next.
Reinstall battery drivers
If the driver update doesn’t fix the problem, you can uninstall the old drivers and reinstall the new ones. Similar to the instructions above, go to Device Manager then click on Battery. Right-click on AC Adapter, and select Uninstall. Next, click on ACPI Compliant Control Method Battery. Tap on Uninstall. After rebooting your computer, Windows will automatically locate and install compatible drivers.
MacBook Battery Health Check
Apple notebook users have the option of checking their battery health with the built-in tools. This feature can be accessed by clicking on the Apple Menu and then selecting System Preferences. Click on Battery and then click Health. You will see the following messages on your MacBook:
Normal: The battery appears to be functioning normally according to MacOS. Service Recommended: Your battery could have a problem. To have the battery evaluated further, contact an Apple authorized service center.
Reset SMC On MacBooks
The System Management Controller (SMC) regulates power management in MacBooks. An error in this system could cause the battery to stop charging. Sometimes, the charging problem can be solved by resetting your SMC.
Turn off your MacBook to perform the SMC Reset. Make sure that the charger is connected and the plug point is turned on. Hold the Control (left), Option(left) and Shift (+ (left) keys). Holding these keys, press and hold the Power Button while you continue to hold them. For 10 seconds, press and hold the four keys. Release these keys for 10 seconds, then turn on your MacBook. This procedure will resolve any issues with your laptop that are related to the SMC.
Get in touch with the professionals
If none of the above tips work, it is worth contacting professionals. Contact the manufacturer if your laptop is still under warranty. Onsitego offers a Laptop Repair service if the warranty is expired. Here are some additional tips if you decide to solve the problem yourself.
Disconnect the Battery
If none of the above solutions work, you may need to remove the battery. Be aware that your laptop’s warranty may be void if the battery is removed. Only do it if you feel confident. Let’s get that out of the way. Here are some steps to follow.
Turn off your laptop and disconnect the charger. Locate the battery release latch by turning your laptop upside down. Some laptops have one latch, while others have two as shown in these images. To release the battery, slide both latches simultaneously. Pull out the battery once the locks have been released.
Some laptops, such as the MacBook line-up have the battery hidden under the back panel. To remove the panel, you will need the correct screwdriver as shown in this gallery.
Look for a ribbon connecting the battery to the mainboard if it’s a MacBook. The tab should be made of clear plastic. It can be used to gently remove the connector from your board.
Plug the laptop in and verify that it is able to connect to mains power. If it does, the charger is working properly. Otherwise, the battery must be replaced.
Replace the Battery
First, make sure you order the battery through a reliable source like the manufacturer’s website. Use the number of your battery’s battery model to find the correct battery. If the sticker isn’t legible, you can locate the battery by looking at your laptop’s model number.
For the model number of your laptop, look at the back or click on the Start button – Settings – System – About.
To remove an existing battery, make sure you follow the steps in the “Disconnect the Battery” section. The new battery will be installed and the release locks will automatically engage. To replace the battery on a MacBook you’ll need to remove some screws.
