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My plugged in laptop does not charge, what should I do?

  • A laptop that is plugged into power should show an active charge almost immediately
  • If that does not happen, there are several things that may be happening and preventing the load
  • How to rule out the potential causes one by one until you find a solution?

Normally, when we connect any of the devices that we have at home and that have an internal battery to the mains, they immediately start charging it. But it is possible that there is some inconvenience and that is not happening. By case, the problem of the plugged in laptop that does not charge is more common than we would like. What options do we have to solve the problem and get it to recover all its autonomy?

Of course, this topic is essential because a laptop that cannot be charged is practically useless equipment. We know that its batteries do not usually age well, and after just a couple of years of use you will probably be forced to have to charge it almost constantly, so finding that it does not respond will be exasperating.

Hardware solutions to the plugged in laptop that does not charge

Before we dive into repairing your laptop and charging it, let’s review some troubleshooting steps that will save you time. Usually when a laptop won’t charge there are three main reasons namely: Charging cable not working properly, battery failure, or software error that prevents it from responding.

The interesting thing about the case is that even when it is not easy to diagnose a software problem if we are not experts, we will always be able to rule out the other two drawbacks just by performing a few very simple tests.

You don’t need too much guidance, and it’s just that it is enough to test the same laptop with another charging cable to discover if it has any partial or complete failure. If so, you have to change the charging cable for a new one, making sure it is official to prevent another generic or replica type from damaging your laptop’s battery.

Next, checking the battery will depend on whether you can turn on the device, but even if you can’t, you should pay attention to whether it gets hot during charging, discharges too quickly or swells. These three are irrefutable evidence that you already have to change the battery of your laptop for a new one.

Software solutions to the plugged in laptop that does not charge

Your operating system may be the real culprit for a battery that won’t charge as it should. Eventually, on both Windows and MacOS we have solutions for these common problems.

on Windows

If you have a Windows laptop, there is a common issue with Windows 7 and later generations related to the battery controller. But don’t worry, because there is a tutorial to solve it:

  • Type “Device Control Manager” in the Windows search engine
  • Effectively open Windows Device Manager
  • Under Battery, open the menu and enter the ACPI Compliant Control Method Battery Controller
  • Right-click and select Uninstall
  • In the top menu of Device Manager select Scan for hardware changes
  • Windows will scan the device, and reinstall the laptop driver

We suggest you do this with the battery completely drained, consuming it all the way.

on macOS

If you have a MacOS laptop, there is also another common drawback that also has its own trick. We are referring to Reset SMC, which will reset some customizations by removing errors.

  • Turn off your MacBook and connect the power adapter
  • Press the Shift + Control + Option keys and the power button
  • Release all keys and you will see the adapter light suddenly change color
  • Restart your MacBook, see if it works

As in Windows, we suggest you do this with the battery completely drained.

When you can, try to disconnect it and, if you don’t have that option, think about replacing its battery soon.

Other frequently asked questions

What can you do if the cable does not work?

If the charging problem of your laptop was in the cable, first of all you have to be thankful that it is so, because it is probably the least serious thing that could happen to it. Look for a new charging cable, remembering that it must be official. You can order official cables from either the manufacturer or buy from reputable sellers on Amazon.

Should you leave your laptop plugged in all the time?

If your laptop is your primary PC, then you won’t have much choice but to have it plugged in all the time. It is not the most recommended, it is true, because the battery will greatly reduce its useful life in the medium or long term. When you can, try to disconnect it and, if you don’t have that option, think about replacing its battery soon.

What to do if your battery is swollen?

Electronic equipment uses lithium batteries which are quite volatile and can swell or even explode. Being aware of variations in its size or an excessive increase in temperature is key to avoiding serious damage to your laptop. Whenever you detect any anomaly, do not hesitate to take it to the technical service.

How long do laptop batteries last?

laptop batteries last an average of two to four years, depending on the intensity of use. Unplugging it when charged or keeping it in a heated environment will extend its lifespan in the future.

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