How to Solve “Plugged in, Not Charging” Problem on Windows Laptop

  • The “plugged in but not charging” problem on a Windows 10 laptop can be caused by a standard charger, firmware or hardware problems, laptop overheating, Windows settings, outdated or corrupted drivers, etc.
  • If your laptop is still plugged in and not charging, updating or removing these drivers may cause it to charge again.

 

Unlock the secrets to reviving your laptop’s power with our expert guide on troubleshooting the “plugged in, not charging” issue that Windows 10 users often encounter.

Run Windows 10 Battery Diagnostics

If you’re experiencing the “Laptop Plugged In Not Charging” problem on your Windows 10 device, you can run Windows 10 Battery Diagnostics to help resolve the issue.

To do this, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “cmd” and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
3. In the Command Prompt, type “powercfg /batteryreport” and press Enter. This will generate a battery report that provides detailed information about your laptop’s battery.

Once the report is generated, you can review it to identify any issues or abnormalities with your battery. This can help you determine if there is a problem with the battery itself or if it’s a software-related issue.

By running Windows 10 Battery Diagnostics, you can gain valuable insights into the health of your laptop’s battery and troubleshoot any charging problems you may be experiencing.

Check if Your AC Power Supply is Properly Connected

To check if your AC power supply is properly connected and fix the “Laptop Plugged In Not Charging” problem on Windows 10, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. First, ensure that your laptop is connected to a power source using the AC adapter. Check if the adapter is securely plugged into both the laptop and the power outlet.

2. If the connection seems fine but your laptop still isn’t charging, try disconnecting and reconnecting the AC adapter to reset the connection.

3. If the issue persists, try using a different power outlet or AC adapter to rule out any potential issues with the power source or adapter.

4. Another troubleshooting step is to check the charging port on your laptop for any debris or damage. Use a can of compressed air to clean out any dust or dirt that may be blocking the connection.

5. If none of the above solutions work, try updating your battery drivers. Open the Device Manager, expand the “Batteries” category, and right-click on “Control Method Battery.” Select “Update driver” and follow the on-screen instructions.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the “Laptop Plugged In Not Charging” problem and ensure that your laptop is charging properly on Windows 10.

Try a Different Wall Outlet and Check for Low Voltage and Electrical Issues

If your laptop is plugged in but not charging, there are a few things you can try to fix the problem. First, try plugging your laptop into a different wall outlet to make sure the issue isn’t with the power source.

Next, check for any low voltage or electrical issues that could be affecting your laptop’s charging. Make sure there are no loose connections or damaged wires.

If these steps don’t solve the problem, you can try running the battery troubleshooter on Windows 10. To do this, go to the Start menu, type “battery troubleshooter” and select the option to run the troubleshooter.

If none of these solutions work, it’s possible that there is a problem with your laptop’s battery or charging port. In this case, it may be necessary to contact support for further assistance.

Test with Another Charger

If your laptop is plugged in but not charging on Windows 10, try testing with another charger to see if the problem lies with your current charger. Start by borrowing a charger from a friend or family member, or use a charger from another device if it is compatible.

Once you have the new charger, follow these steps:

1. Plug in the new charger to your laptop.
2. Check if your laptop starts charging. If it does, then the issue is with your original charger and you may need to replace it.
3. If your laptop still doesn’t charge, it could be a problem with the battery or the charging port. In this case, we recommend contacting support for further assistance.

Remember, it’s important to use the correct charger for your laptop model and to avoid using chargers that are damaged or not designed for your laptop.

Remove All External Devices

To fix the “Laptop Plugged In Not Charging” problem on Windows 10, begin by removing all external devices connected to your laptop. This includes any USB devices, external hard drives, and peripherals.

Next, follow these steps:

1. Hold down the Windows key and press “R” to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “devmgmt.msc” and press Enter to open Device Manager.
3. Expand the “Batteries” category.
4. Right-click on the “Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery” option and select “Uninstall device.”
5. Check the box that says “Delete the driver software for this device” and click “Uninstall.”
6. Restart your laptop.

After the restart, Windows will automatically reinstall the battery drivers. Check if the laptop is now charging. If the problem persists, try updating your laptop’s BIOS or contact the manufacturer for further assistance.

Remember, always use caution when working with your laptop’s hardware and consult the manufacturer’s documentation if you are unsure about any steps.

Check Your Connectors for Dirt or Damage

1. Inspect the connectors on your laptop charger and the charging port on your laptop for any dirt or damage. Dirt or debris can prevent a proper connection, while damage can disrupt the flow of power.

2. If you see any dirt or debris, use a soft brush or a can of compressed air to gently clean the connectors. Be careful not to apply too much pressure or use any liquids that could damage the connectors.

3. For damaged connectors, it may be necessary to replace the charger or have your laptop repaired. Contact the manufacturer or a certified technician for further assistance.

4. Once the connectors are clean and undamaged, firmly plug the charger into the charging port of your laptop.

5. Check if your laptop is now charging. If not, try a different power outlet and ensure that the power cable is securely connected to both the charger and the wall outlet.

Remember, maintaining clean and undamaged connectors is essential for proper charging.

Check for BIOS and Chipset Driver Updates

To check for BIOS and chipset driver updates on your Windows 10 laptop, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “msinfo32” and press Enter to open the System Information window.
3. In the System Information window, look for the BIOS Version/Date and Chipset listings.
4. Visit the manufacturer’s website (e.g., Dell, Acer, Lenovo) and navigate to the support section.
5. Search for your laptop model and locate the drivers and downloads page.
6. Look for BIOS and chipset driver updates specific to your laptop model and download them.
7. Once downloaded, double-click the files to install the updates.
8. Restart your laptop for the changes to take effect.

Updating your BIOS and chipset drivers can often resolve the “plugged in, not charging” issue on your Windows 10 laptop.

Press and Release Power Button Reset

To fix the “laptop plugged in not charging” problem on Windows 10, try performing a power button reset. This can help resolve any temporary issues that may be preventing your laptop from charging properly.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Make sure your laptop is turned off.
2. Locate the power button on your laptop.
3. Press and hold the power button for 10-15 seconds.
4. Release the power button.
5. Turn on your laptop and check if the charging issue has been resolved.

Performing a power button reset can help reset the charging circuitry and resolve any software glitches that may be causing the problem. If the issue persists, it may be worth considering other troubleshooting steps or seeking technical support.

Disable Apps and Check Battery Usage in Windows 10

To disable apps and check battery usage on Windows 10, follow these steps:

1. Open the Start menu and click on “Settings.”
2. In the Settings window, click on “System” and then select “Battery.”
3. Under the “Battery usage by app” section, you’ll see a list of apps and their corresponding battery usage percentages.
4. To disable an app from running in the background, click on the app and toggle the switch to “Off.”
5. If you’re experiencing issues with your laptop not charging, try the following troubleshooting steps:
6. First, unplug your laptop from the power source.
7. Shut down your laptop completely.
8. Remove the battery (if it’s removable), wait for a few seconds, and then reinsert it.
9. Plug your laptop back into the power source.
10. Turn on your laptop and check if it’s charging now.
11. If the problem persists, try updating your battery driver. Go to the manufacturer’s website (e.g., Dell, Acer, Lenovo) and download the latest driver for your laptop model.
12. Install the driver and restart your computer.
13. If none of these solutions work, it’s recommended to contact the manufacturer’s support for further assistance.

Replace Charger or Battery Module

To replace the charger or battery module on your Windows 10 laptop, follow these steps:

1. Make sure your laptop is turned off and unplugged from any power source.
2. Locate the charger port on your laptop. It is usually on the side or back of the device.
3. If you are replacing the charger, unplug the old charger from the laptop and remove it from the power outlet.
4. If you are replacing the battery module, find the battery compartment on the bottom of your laptop. Some laptops have non-removable batteries, in which case you cannot replace the battery module yourself.
5. If your laptop has a removable battery, carefully remove it from the compartment.
6. Take your new charger or battery module and connect it to the appropriate port or compartment.
7. Plug the charger into a power outlet or insert the battery back into the compartment.
8. Turn on your laptop and check if it is charging properly.

If you continue to experience the “plugged in, not charging” problem, it may be related to a software or hardware issue. Consider updating your laptop’s drivers or seeking professional assistance.

Check All Physical Cable Connections

Physical Cable Connections
Check if the power cable is securely connected to the laptop and the power outlet.
Inspect the power adapter for any visible damages or loose connections.
If using an extension cord or surge protector, ensure that it is functioning properly and the laptop is plugged in correctly.
Try using a different power cable or adapter to rule out any issues with the current one.
Examine the charging port on the laptop for any debris or dirt that may be obstructing the connection.
Ensure that the laptop’s battery is inserted correctly and securely.
Check for any loose connections between the battery and the laptop.
Inspect the battery for any signs of damage or swelling.
Try removing the battery and running the laptop solely on AC power to see if the issue persists.

Remove the Battery and Connect to Power

To fix the “Laptop Plugged In Not Charging” problem on Windows 10, follow these steps:

1. Remove the battery from your laptop.

2. Connect your laptop to a power source using the charger.

3. Make sure the charger is plugged into a working power outlet.

4. Wait for a few seconds and then reinsert the battery into your laptop.

5. Check if the charging issue is resolved.

If the problem persists, try the following steps:

1. Update your laptop’s battery driver.

2. Check if the charger is compatible with your laptop.

3. Try using a different charger or power adapter.

4. Restart your laptop and see if the issue is resolved.

If none of these steps work, it may be a hardware issue and you should contact your laptop manufacturer for further assistance.

Make Sure You’re Using the Right Charger and Port

Make sure you’re using the right charger and port for your laptop to fix the “plugged in, not charging” problem on Windows 10.

First, check that you’re using the charger that came with your laptop or a compatible one. Using a different charger can prevent your laptop from charging properly.

Next, inspect the charging port on your laptop for any damage or debris. If you see anything, gently clean it with a soft cloth.

If your laptop has a removable battery, try removing it and then reinserting it. This can sometimes reset the charging system.

If you have a non-removable battery, you can try a power cycle. To do this, shut down your laptop, unplug it, and then hold down the power button for 15 seconds. Then, plug it back in and turn it on.

If these steps don’t work, it’s possible that there may be an issue with your laptop’s battery driver. In this case, you may need to update or reinstall the driver.

Remember, if you’re still experiencing issues, it’s always a good idea to reach out to the manufacturer or a professional for assistance.

Review Your Cable and Ports for Damage

To fix the laptop plugged in not charging problem on Windows 10, it’s important to review your cable and ports for any signs of damage. Start by inspecting the charging cable for any frayed wires or bent pins. If you notice any damage, replace the cable with a new one.

Next, check the charging port on your laptop for any debris or obstructions. Use a can of compressed air to clean out any dust or dirt that may be blocking the connection.

If your laptop has a removable battery, consider removing and reinserting it to ensure a secure connection. For laptops with non-removable batteries, try a power reset by disconnecting the power adapter, removing the battery if possible, and holding down the power button for 15 seconds before reconnecting everything.

Additionally, make sure you’re using the correct charger for your laptop model. Using an incompatible charger can prevent your laptop from charging properly.

By reviewing your cable and ports for damage, you can address potential issues that may be causing your laptop not to charge properly.

Reduce Resource Usage

To reduce resource usage and fix the “Laptop Plugged In Not Charging” problem on Windows 10, follow these simple steps:

1. Start by checking the power adapter and cable for any signs of damage. If there are any issues, replace them with a new one.
2. Next, try resetting the battery driver. Open the Device Manager by pressing Win + X and selecting Device Manager. Expand the “Batteries” category, right-click on the “Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery” option, and select “Uninstall device”. Restart your laptop, and Windows will automatically reinstall the battery driver.
3. If your laptop has a non-removable battery, perform a power cycle. Shut down your laptop, unplug the power adapter, and hold the power button for 15 seconds. Then, plug in the power adapter and turn on your laptop.
4. Update your laptop’s BIOS and battery driver to the latest versions. Visit the manufacturer’s website to download and install the updates.
5. If none of the above steps work, it may be a hardware issue. Contact your laptop’s manufacturer or a professional technician for further assistance.

By following these steps, you can resolve the “Laptop Plugged In Not Charging” problem and ensure that your laptop’s battery charges properly on Windows 10.

Check Windows and Manufacturer Power Options

To fix the “Laptop Plugged In Not Charging” problem on Windows 10, follow these steps:

1. Check the Windows Power Options and make sure it is set to the correct settings. Go to the Start menu and search for “Power Options”. Click on it to open the Power Options window.
2. In the Power Options window, make sure the selected power plan is the one you want to use. If not, select the desired plan.
3. Click on “Change plan settings” next to the selected power plan.
4. On the next screen, click on “Change advanced power settings”.
5. In the Advanced Power Options window, scroll down and find the “Battery” option.
6. Expand the “Battery” option and then expand “Battery Critical Level”.
7. Make sure the “On battery” and “Plugged in” percentages are set to a reasonable level.
8. If the problem still persists, try updating the battery driver. Go to the manufacturer’s website and search for the latest driver for your laptop model.
9. Download and install the driver, then restart your laptop.
10. If none of the above steps work, it may be a hardware issue. Contact the manufacturer or bring your laptop to a professional for further assistance.

Update or Reinstall Battery Drivers

To update or reinstall battery drivers on Windows 10, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select “Device Manager” from the menu.
2. In the Device Manager window, expand the “Batteries” category.
3. Right-click on the “Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery” option and select “Update driver”.
4. Choose the “Search automatically for updated driver software” option.
5. Windows will search for the latest driver and install it if available.
6. If no updates are found, right-click on the “Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery” option again and select “Uninstall device”.
7. Restart your laptop.
8. Windows will automatically reinstall the battery driver.

If updating or reinstalling the driver doesn’t solve the “plugged in not charging” problem, you may need to contact your laptop manufacturer for further assistance.

Get Another Laptop Charger

If your laptop is plugged in but not charging on Windows 10, there are a few steps you can take to resolve the issue.

1. Check the power source: Ensure that the charger is properly connected to both the laptop and the power outlet.

2. Inspect the charger: Look for any signs of damage or wear on the charger itself. If you find any issues, consider getting another laptop charger.

3. Restart your laptop: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix charging problems. Turn off your laptop, unplug the charger, remove the battery (if possible), and then hold down the power button for 15 seconds. Reinsert the battery, plug in the charger, and turn on your laptop.

4. Update your battery driver: Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager. Under the Batteries category, right-click on Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery and select Update Driver. Restart your laptop and see if the charging problem is resolved.

5. Contact customer support: If none of the above steps work, it may be necessary to contact your laptop manufacturer’s customer support for further assistance.

Remember to always use genuine chargers and follow proper charging practices to ensure the longevity of your laptop’s battery.

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Mark Ginter is a tech blogger with a passion for all things gadgets and gizmos. A self-proclaimed "geek", Mark has been blogging about technology for over 15 years. His blog, techquack.com, covers a wide range of topics including new product releases, industry news, and tips and tricks for getting the most out of your devices. If you're looking for someone who can keep you up-to-date with all the latest tech news and developments, then be sure to follow him over at Microsoft.