The absolute worst is when your laptop doesn’t charge. A laptop that just won’t turn on can put a stop to your work, studies, or entertainment. The good news is that there are multiple things you can try to fix a laptop that isn’t charging. This article will guide you through common problems and simple solutions.
Check the power source.
First, make sure your power source is functioning. Check that the electrical outlet is working. To see if it’s working, plug another device, such as a lamp or phone charger, into the same outlet. If the outlet is not providing power, try another one.
If you are using a surge protector or power strip, try plugging the charger directly into the wall. Power strips do, from time to time, stop working or malfunction.
Check the charging cable and charger.
The charging cable is a frequent suspect. Eventually, cables may fray or suffer damage. Check the charging cable and adapter for visible damage. The charging problem you are experiencing may be caused by a bent cable or a cracked adapter.
Look for frayed or broken wires. Replace the cable or adapter with a different new one if you see any damage. Using the correct charger for your laptop model is so important, and therefore you could face charging issues due to an incorrect charger.
Clean the Charging Port
Over time, dirt and dust can build up inside the charging port, preventing the charger from connecting adequately. Then turn off your laptop and unplug it from the charger. After that, use compressed air to carefully clean the charging port. Take care not to damage the port or shove dirt further inside.
You can also gently use a toothpick to clean out debris in the charging port, but be sure to apply very little pressure.
Restart Your Laptop
Sometimes, it’s the software, not the hardware, that’s the problem. Restarting the phone may kick it out of the loop of trivial problems keeping it from charging. Shut all programs and restart your laptop to check if it starts charging.
A restart clears temporary files, refreshes the system, and can assist in fixing charging issues that may be being caused by software glitches.
Check the battery health.
The culprit could be your laptop’s battery. If the battery is old, it may not charge. The first thing you need to do to ensure your battery is healthy is the following:
For Windows:
- Open Command Prompt.
- Using the Command Prompt, type powercfg /batteryreport and hit enter.
- Navigate to where the battery report is saved and open the report.
For macOS:
- Option-click the Apple menu.
- Select System Information.
- The battery condition and cycle count will show under Power.
If the battery is “Replace Soon” or “Replace Now,” it’s time to get a new battery. Most laptops can last for 300-500 charge cycles before the battery starts to wear out.
Reset the Battery
In certain cases, a reset of the battery might resolve charging problems. This may work if the battery management system on your laptop has gone confused.
Here’s how to reset it:
- Shut down your laptop and remove the charging adapter.
- For removable batteries, unplug the battery.
- Make sure to hold the power button down for 15-20 seconds to discharge any residual power.
- Reconnect the battery, attach the charger, and see if the laptop powers on.
If your laptop’s battery is not removable, you can try a similar approach by executing a hard reset. Unplug the charger and hold down the power button for 30 seconds.
Check the power settings.
In some cases, the problem might lie with your laptop’s power settings. For instance, Windows laptops often provide their own power plan that prevents charging. To check your power settings:
For Windows:
- Check on Settings > System > Power & Sleep.
- Select Additional Power Settings.
- Ensure the settings are configured properly and that your laptop isn’t set to limit how much it charges.
For macOS:
- Go to System Preferences, then Energy Saver.
- Check your settings so they are not preventing charging.
These settings may need adjustment for your laptop to charge properly.
Update Your Laptop’s BIOS
Your laptop’s BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) oversees low-level functions, including battery management. A faulty BIOS can cause your laptop not to charge. In some cases, updating the BIOS helps in fixing the charging issue.
Updating the BIOS can be dangerous; use with caution. When done wrong, it could lead to serious trouble. To update the BIOS:
For Windows:
- Go to the manufacturer’s website and find the most recent BIOS version available for your laptop model.
- Make sure to update BIOS per the instructions from the manufacturer and follow the instructions carefully.
For macOS:
- You can configure macOS to automatically update system software, including firmware updates. If a firmware update is available for your model, install it through Software Update in System Preferences.
Remember to make a backup of your data before performing a BIOS update.
Try a Different Power Adapter
If your charger isn’t working, it might be an issue with the adapter itself. Use an adapter related to your laptop. If the new adapter works, then your original charger is most probably faulty, and it would need to be replaced.
Note that the replacement charger must be compatible with your laptop model. It has to be grounded, or the wrong compatible charger can lead to battery or laptop damage.
Perform a System Restore (Windows Only)
If your laptop refuses to start charging because of a recent issue with software, running a system restore can fix the problem. This will revert your system back to an older date when anything and everything was functioning, be it the charging capability.
To perform a system restore:
- Open Control Panel > Recovery
- Choose Open System Restore and follow the prompts.
- Select a restore point where your laptop was charging normally.
Understand that this will undo recent software changes but leave your personal files intact.
Check the laptop’s power jack.
While if your laptop is still not charging, it could be a power jack issue. The laptop charging port loosens or gets damaged with time, and the charger does not connect properly.
If you see that the charger doesn’t fit tightly or that the port moves when you plug it in, it probably needs a repair. If the above methods do not rectify the disabling of the laptop charging port, then you will have to visit a professional technician to repair or replace the charging port of your laptop.
Consider Professional Repair
If none of these steps work, your laptop may have a more serious problem, such as a failed motherboard or charging circuit. Sometimes, it’s better to get professional help. A technician will be able to pinpoint the problem and suggest the right fix.
If you have a warranty on the device, check if your laptop is still covered before taking it for repair. If it is, then reach out to the manufacturer for help.
Conclusion
There could be a number of reasons why a laptop won’t charge, from simple things such as a broken charger or dirty port to more complex problems such as a failing battery or motherboard. First, check the basics—the power source and charging cable. If the problem still exists, reset the battery, restore your power options, and update your BIOS.
If after all that your laptop still won’t charge, you probably need a professional to repair it. Make sure you regularly back up your data so you don’t lose important files in case your laptop has a really serious problem. Follow these steps, and you can troubleshoot charging issues and try to restore your laptop to full power.