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How to Solve 'Laptop Not Charging' Even When Plugged In

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How to Solve 'Laptop Not Charging' Even When Plugged In: A Simple Guide

Picture this: you've had a long day, and all you want to do is kick back, relax, and maybe catch up on some of your favorite shows on your laptop. But as soon as you plug in your charger, you're greeted with the most infuriating situation - your laptop refuses to charge. Before you let frustration take over and consider hurling your laptop out of the nearest window, take a deep breath. This problem is, surprisingly, more common than you think and often, quite solvable.

Here's a simple guide to troubleshoot and fix the issue of your laptop not charging even when it's plugged in.

Step 1: Check the Basics

Before diving into more complex solutions, start with the basics. Ensure that the power outlet you're using is working. Try plugging in another device to see if it gets power. Inspect your charger cable for any signs of damage or wear. Sometimes, the issue could be as simple as a loose plug or a faulty cable.

Step 2: Inspect the Power Adapter

The power adapter is where your laptop draws its power from. If there's an issue here, your laptop won't charge. Examine the adapter for any physical damage or unusual heating. If you have access to another adapter of the same model, try using it to see if your laptop charges. This helps you determine if the adapter is at fault.

Step 3: Battery Check-Up

If your laptop has a removable battery, take it out and inspect it for any signs of damage, swelling, or leakage. If any of these signs are present, it's time for a battery replacement. While the battery is out, hold down the power button for about 15 seconds to discharge any residual power - this can sometimes resolve charging issues.

For laptops with non-removable batteries, a reset routine specific to the manufacturer might be available. Check your laptop's manual or the manufacturer's website for instructions.

Step 4: Refresh Your System

Sometimes, the issue can be within the laptop's system. A quick fix could be performing a hard reset. Turn off your laptop, unplug the charger, remove the battery (if possible), then hold the power button for about 30 seconds to a minute. This process can help clear any software glitches that might be preventing the laptop from charging.

Step 5: Update or Reinstall Battery Drivers

Drivers are software components that enable hardware devices to communicate with the operating system. Outdated or corrupted battery drivers can cause charging issues. Here’s how to update or reinstall them:

  1. Go to "Device Manager" by right-clicking on the start menu.
  2. Expand the “Batteries” section.
  3. You’ll see something like “Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery” - right-click on it and choose "Uninstall device".
  4. After uninstalling, click on the “Action” menu at the top and select “Scan for hardware changes”. This will reinstall the driver.
  5. Alternatively, you can update the driver by right-clicking on it and selecting “Update driver”. Choose to search automatically for updated driver software.

Step 6: Check for BIOS Updates

The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is firmware used to perform hardware initialization during the booting process. An outdated BIOS can cause various issues, including charging problems. Checking your laptop manufacturer’s website for BIOS updates and following their instructions for updating could solve your charging woes.

Step 7: Consider Professional Help

If none of the above steps work, it might be an issue deeper within your laptop's hardware - possibly with the charging port or the motherboard. In such cases, it's best to have a professional technician take a look.

Final Thoughts

It's incredibly frustrating when your laptop won't charge, but more often than not, the issue is fixable. By methodically going through these troubleshooting steps, you stand a good chance of resolving the problem on your own. Remember, patience is key, and sometimes the simplest solution is the right one. Hopefully, with this guide, you’ll soon go from frustration to relief as your laptop happily charges away.

In conclusion, facing a laptop that won't charge even when plugged in is not the end of the world. With a bit of troubleshooting, you might just find a simple solution to get your device up and running again. Whether it’s a basic check, driver update, or a professional assessment, the path to solving your laptop charging issue is just a few steps away.