Laptop Connected But Not Charging? Here’s How to Resolve It

One of the most frustrating issues laptop users can face is when their device is plugged in, but not charging. This problem can stem from various causes, including faulty hardware, outdated drivers, or even software settings. If your laptop shows that it’s plugged in but the battery isn’t charging, don’t panic—there are several troubleshooting steps you can follow to resolve the issue. This guide will walk you through these steps to get your laptop charging properly again.

1. Check the Power Source and Connections

Before diving into more complex solutions, it’s essential to check the basics: the power source and connections.

Steps:

1. Inspect the Power Outlet:
   • Ensure that the power outlet is working correctly by plugging in another device to see if it powers on.
2. Check the Charger and Cable:
   • Inspect the charger and cable for any visible damage, such as fraying or bent connectors.
   • If possible, try using a different charger that is compatible with your laptop.
3. Reconnect Everything:
   • Unplug the charger from both the laptop and the power outlet.
   • Wait for a few seconds, then plug it back in securely, ensuring a snug fit.
4. Try a Different Power Outlet:
   • If the current outlet isn’t working, switch to another one to rule out outlet issues.

2. Restart Your Laptop

A simple restart can sometimes resolve charging issues, especially if they’re caused by a temporary software glitch.

Steps:

1. Shut Down Your Laptop:
   • Click on the Start menu, select the Power icon, and choose Shut down.
2. Unplug the Charger:
   • Disconnect the charger from the laptop.
3. Restart and Reconnect:
   • After waiting for about a minute, turn your laptop back on and reconnect the charger.
   • Check if the battery starts charging.

3. Update or Reinstall Battery Drivers

Outdated or corrupted battery drivers can cause charging issues. Updating or reinstalling these drivers can often fix the problem.

Steps:

1. Open Device Manager:
   • Press Win + X and select Device Manager from the menu.
2. Expand the Battery Section:
   • In Device Manager, expand the Batteries section.
3. Update or Uninstall Drivers:
   • Right-click on both Microsoft AC Adapter and Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery.
   • Select Update driver and follow the prompts to search for updated drivers.
   • If updating doesn’t work, right-click and choose Uninstall device for both, then restart your laptop. Windows will automatically reinstall the drivers upon restart.

4. Perform a Battery Reset

Resetting the battery can recalibrate the hardware and software, potentially resolving the charging issue.

Steps:

1. Turn Off the Laptop:
   • Shut down your laptop completely.
2. Disconnect All Power Sources:
   • Unplug the charger and, if possible, remove the laptop’s battery (if it’s removable).
3. Hold the Power Button:
   • Hold down the power button for about 30 seconds to drain any residual power.
4. Reconnect and Restart:
   • Reinsert the battery (if removed) and plug in the charger.
   • Turn on your laptop and check if it’s charging.

5. Check for Windows Updates

Sometimes, a Windows update can fix bugs or compatibility issues affecting your laptop’s ability to charge.

Steps:

1. Open Settings:
   • Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Update & Security:
   • Click on Update & Security and then select Windows Update.
3. Check for Updates:
   • Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
4. Restart Your Laptop:
   • After the updates are installed, restart your laptop and check if the charging issue is resolved.

6. Examine the Battery Health

If your laptop is older, the battery itself might be the issue. Over time, batteries degrade and may lose their ability to hold a charge.

Steps:

1. Check Battery Health:
   • Some laptops come with built-in software to check battery health, or you can use third-party tools like HWMonitor or BatteryInfoView.
2. Review Battery Status:
   • Look for indicators like Full Charge Capacity versus Design Capacity. A significant difference might indicate a failing battery.
3. Consider Replacing the Battery:
   • If the battery health is poor, consider replacing it with a new one.

7. Visit a Professional Technician

If none of the above solutions work, the issue might be hardware-related, requiring professional assistance.

Steps:

1. Consult with a Technician:
   • Visit a certified technician to diagnose the problem. They can check for internal issues, such as faulty charging ports or motherboard problems.
2. Get a Repair or Replacement Estimate:
   • If repairs are necessary, get an estimate and decide whether it’s worth repairing or replacing the laptop.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should be able to fix the “Laptop Plugged In, but Not Charging” issue and restore your laptop’s charging functionality. Whether it’s a simple restart, updating drivers, or checking battery health, these methods cover a range of potential solutions to get your laptop back to normal. Regular maintenance and keeping your system updated can help prevent such issues in the future.