How to Solve 'Laptop Doesn't Charge with New Charger' - A Simple Guide
Encountering charging issues with your laptop can be a frustrating experience, especially after you've just bought a new charger, expecting it to solve all your power problems. But before you toss that charger or laptop out the window, take a breath. There’s a good chance that this issue can be resolved with a little troubleshooting. So let's dive into the simple steps you can take to get your laptop and its new charger to play nice.
Step 1: Check the Basics
Before diving into more complex troubleshooting, let's start with the basics:
- Ensure Compatibility: Make sure that the charger you've purchased is compatible with your laptop. Check the voltage (V) and amperage (A) ratings on the new charger against your laptop's requirements, usually found on the bottom of your laptop or in its manual.
- Inspect for Physical Damage: Look over the charger and the charging port on your laptop. Any bends, breaks, or debris could be preventing a proper connection.
- Try Different Outlets: It's possible the issue isn’t with your laptop or charger at all but with the power outlet. Try plugging the charger into a different outlet to rule this out.
Step 2: Reboot and Reconnect
Sometimes, the solution is as simple as starting from scratch:
- Turn off your laptop and unplug the charger.
- Disconnect Every Peripheral: Unplug any USB devices, external displays, or anything else that’s plugged into your laptop.
- Remove the Battery (If Possible): If your laptop has a removable battery, take it out.
- Press and Hold the Power Button: Do this for about 15 seconds to drain any residual power from the laptop.
- Reassemble and Reconnect: Put the battery back in (if you took it out), plug the charger in, and try turning on the laptop.
This process can sometimes refresh your system's internal hardware and solve charging issues.
Step 3: Update Your Drivers and BIOS
Out-of-date software can lead to a myriad of issues, including charging problems. Here’s how to make sure everything is up to date:
- Update Drivers: Go to the Device Manager (you can search for it in the Start menu), and look for "Battery". Under this, you should see something like "Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery". Right-click on this and choose "Update driver".
- Update BIOS: Updating your BIOS can be a bit more involved and varies between laptop brands and models. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Generally, you'll find the BIOS update on your laptop manufacturer's website under the "Support" or "Downloads" section.
Step 4: Check for System Issues
Sometimes, the problem might stem from your laptop’s operating system:
- Run a Battery Report (Windows): Search for “cmd” in the Start menu, right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator”. Type
powercfg /batteryreportand press Enter. This will generate a report that you can review to check your battery’s health. - Check Power Settings: Make sure your laptop's power settings are not preventing it from charging properly. You can find power settings in the Control Panel or System Settings, depending on your OS.
Step 5: Seek Professional Help
If you’ve walked through all the previous steps and your laptop still refuses to charge with the new charger, it might be time to seek professional help. The issue could be with the laptop's internal hardware, such as the charging port or motherboard, which are best handled by a certified technician.
Final Thoughts
Having your laptop not charge with a new charger can be a daunting problem, but in many cases, it's one that can be solved with a little patience and some simple troubleshooting steps. Start with the basics, such as ensuring compatibility and checking for physical damage, and work your way up to checking for system issues and updating drivers. If you’ve tried everything and your laptop still isn’t charging, remember that professional help is just a step away. With these tips, you're well on your way to getting back to full power.