How To Fix Plugged In Not Charging Error On Windows Laptop

One of the main advantages that a laptop has over a desktop is that it is portable and can be carried anywhere you go. The advances made in laptop components have made them powerful enough to run even the most demanding applications. Your only concern on this device is when its battery runs out of power you will need to charge it. Although the charging process is quite east there are times when certain issues can occur. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will tackle the plugged in not charging error on Windows laptop.

How To Fix Plugged In Not Charging Error On Windows Laptop

Before performing any of the recommended troubleshooting steps listed below it’s best to restart your computer and wireless router first. This action refreshes the operating system and remove any corrupt temporary data that could be causing the problem.

There are several factors that can cause this particular problem ranging from a charger problem or an issue with the Windows operating system. Listed below are the steps you need to perform to fix the problem.

Unplug then plug the charger

One of the quickest troubleshooting steps you can perform is to unplug the charger from the computer and the power outlet sides. If you have a can of compressed air then you should blow some air on the power port of the laptop to remove any debris stuck in it. Plug back the charger.

Check if the  plugged in not charging error on Windows laptop issue still occurs.

Try connecting the charger directly to the power outlet

Sometimes the problem can be caused by the extension cord or power surge protector that the charger is connected to. 

Check your laptop battery

Some laptops have an external battery that can be easily removed. This battery will have a lock switch. Make sure this switch is in the lock position since this problem could occur if the switch is in the release position.

Discharge the battery

Charging your battery up to 100% and leaving the charger connected once it hits 100% can reduce the battery lifespan. Some of the newer laptop models have a protective mechanism wherein it will stop the charging process once the battery level is nearly charged. To check if this is what’s happening right now just remove the charger from the laptop then use your laptop until the battery level reaches around the 60% level. Try connecting the charger.

Check if the  plugged in not charging error on Windows laptop issue still occurs.

Discharge the motherboard

Discharging the motherboard will force the battery to be recalibrated and can usually fix this problem.

  • Shut down the laptop.
  • Disconnect any external peripherals  from the laptop.
  • Disconnect the AC Adapter and remove the battery from the laptop. If your computer does not have a removable battery, there is usually a tiny hole at the back that you can poke with a paperclip to simulate a removed battery (press and hold the pin in position).
  • Press and hold the power button for 20 to 30 seconds to release the residual charge from the laptop. Blowing compressed air into all holes and ports on your laptop might help to remove charged dust particles.
  • Reconnect the AC Adapter.
  • When the system is powered on and booted properly, reseat the battery. 

Check if the  plugged in not charging error on Windows laptop issue still occurs.

Reset the BIOS to its default settings

If this is a firmware related problem then resetting the BIOS might help fix this.

  • Shut down your laptop
  • Press the power button and immediately press F2 or F10 to enter the BIOS
  • Press F9 to load the defaults, press F10 to accept changes or exit while saving changes. You can alternatively exit with defaults.

Check if the  plugged in not charging error on Windows laptop issue still occurs.

Uninstall then reinstall the ACPI-Compliant Control Method battery drivers

  • Turn on your laptop
  • Press Windows + R to open Run
  • Type devmgmt.msc and hit enter to open device manager
  • Expand the Batteries category.
  • Under the Batteries category, right-click the ‘Microsoft ACPI Compliant Control Method Battery’ listing, and select ‘Uninstall’. Do not remove the Microsoft AC Adapter driver or any other ACPI compliant driver.
  • Confirm that you want to uninstall the driver
  • If you are able to remove your battery then do so and wait around 10 seconds and then plug it back in.
  • On the Device Manager toolbar, click ‘Scan for hardware changes’ or, go to Action > ‘Scan for hardware changes’. Your computer will find your battery and reinstall your drivers (this might take a while). You might need to restart your PC and check if your battery is now charging.

Check if the  plugged in not charging error on Windows laptop issue still occurs.

Replace your charger or battery

In case the above steps fails to fix the problem then this might already be caused by a defective charger or battery. Try using a new charger on your laptop first and if this does not work then you should consider getting a new battery.

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