Laptop only works when plugged in? Fix it now!

If you find yourself in a situation where your laptop only works when it's connected to a power source, it can be both frustrating and limiting. Techies Classic guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive step-by-step troubleshooting process to help diagnose and resolve the issue effectively. We will explore the potential causes, possible solutions, and recommendations for fixing the problem.

Many people mistakenly believe that overheating is the cause and resort to using external coolers. However, there are several reasons why this issue occurs, such as a faulty laptop battery, power management problems, or dust accumulation in the battery. Let's delve into this matter in detail.

Steps to check why does your laptop only works when plugged in?

• Understanding the Problem: 

When your laptop only works when connected to a power source, it signifies an issue with the battery or power management system. The laptop's battery is designed to provide power when not plugged in, allowing for mobility and portability. However, if the laptop fails to function without being plugged in, it limits your ability to use it on the go.

This battery problem can occur due to various factors, including a faulty battery, poor battery connection, incorrect power management settings, or outdated battery drivers. Identifying the cause of the problem is crucial for implementing the appropriate solution.

• Identifying the Battery as the Problem:

To determine if the battery is causing the issue, connect your laptop to an external power source using the power cable. Leave your computer connected overnight to allow for a full charge. Then unplug the laptop, check the battery icon on the desktop mode, and observe the battery percentage. If it shows 0%, it indicates that power is not reaching the battery and it is dead.

• Check the battery status

You can check the battery status by clicking on the battery icon on the taskbar or by going to 

Command prompt ( Make sure to run as aministration )

After that type powercfg /batteryreport and click enter

After that you can check out your battery status from C folder

You can see the battery percentage, the estimated time remaining, and whether the battery is charging or not. If the battery status shows that it's not charging, not detected, or has a red X over it, it may indicate a problem with the battery or the power cord

• Check the power cord connection

You can check the power cord connection by unplugging and replugging it from both ends, ensuring it's firmly inserted into the laptop and the power outlet. You can also try by using a different power cord or outlet to see if that makes a difference. If the power cord is damaged, frayed, or loose, it may not deliver enough power to the laptop or the battery.

• Check the power management settings: 

You can check the power management settings by going to 

Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options. 

You can see and change the power plan, which determines how your laptop uses and saves battery power. You can adjust the screen brightness, sleep and hibernation modes, and the advanced settings that affect the battery performance. You may want to choose a balanced or a power saver plan, lower the screen brightness, and extend the sleep and hibernation modes to conserve battery power.

• Resolving Power Management Issues:

Access the display properties, go to the screen saver tab, and click on the "Power" button. In the power schemes field, select the "Rixane Power Scheme" (available for HP laptops) or "Laptop power scheme" (for non-HP laptops) to manage power settings effectively.

• Check the battery drivers: 

You can check the battery drivers by going to 

Device Manager > Batteries. 

You can see and update or reinstall the drivers for your battery hardware. The drivers are software that help your laptop communicate with your battery hardware. They may cause problems with your battery performance if they are outdated or corrupted. 

You can update or reinstall them by right-clicking on them and choosing Update driver or Uninstall device. You can also use Windows Update or your laptop manufacturer's website to get the latest drivers for your battery.

• Physically Cleaning the Battery:

Before considering a battery replacement, clean the battery physically. Turn off your laptop, disconnect cables, and remove the battery. Dust may be obstructing the connection between the battery and the charger. Gently clean the laptop's outer and inner surfaces using a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol.

• Testing Battery Health with Software:

Utilize various tools like Battery Eater, Notebooks, and other battery measuring statistics software to assess your laptop's battery health. These tools provide insights into average charging time, total charge capacity, and battery usage duration.

Laptop manufacturers also offer software utilities for testing and diagnosing battery issues. For instance, Toshiba's PC health monitor or HP's system diagnostic tool. These programs help identify battery health problems and determine why your laptop only operates when plugged in.

• Replace the battery: 

If none of the above methods work, you may need to replace your battery with a new one. Laptop batteries can wear out over time and lose their ability to hold a charge or provide enough power to the laptop. You can replace your battery by removing it from your laptop and inserting a new one. 

Depending on your laptop model, you may have a detachable or a non-removable battery. If you have a detachable battery, you can remove it by sliding or pressing some clips on the back of your laptop. If you have a non-removable battery, you may need to unscrew some screws on the back of your laptop and disconnect a cable from the motherboard.

• Steps to Take Before Replacing the Battery:

Before purchasing a new battery, explore these steps to give your old battery a final chance. Sometimes, the issue lies in the battery-adapter connection, causing your laptop to run solely on power without charging the battery.

• Step 1: Remove the battery and discharge your laptop's static energy by holding the power button for 30 seconds.
• Step 2: If the battery is still removed, plug in the adapter and turn on the laptop. It should function correctly.
• Step 3: Insert the battery after powering on the laptop. The computer should detect the battery and initiate proper charging.

Best Laptop Batteries:

When it's time to replace your laptop's battery, opt for timely replacements to ensure uninterrupted usage. If your laptop has a user-serviceable battery, you can manually remove and replace it with a new one. However, if your laptop has a non-serviceable battery, contact the manufacturer for professional battery replacement.

When purchasing a replacement battery, avoid randomly selecting products or opting for the cheapest third-party batteries. These batteries may be poorly built and undergo insufficient testing, posing safety risks. Always buy official batteries from reputable companies. Check out our list of top replacement batteries by well-known brands to find a suitable option.

TOP 3 PICKS

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Final Verdict:

If your laptop shuts down even when it's fully charged and plugged in, it's time to consider replacing the battery. Continuing to use your laptop while it's plugged in indicates that the charger adapter is not the problem. To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

1. Turn off your laptop and remove the back cover by unscrewing the screws and gently lifting the lid.
2. Locate the battery, which is a sizable rectangular-shaped device.
3. Replace the old battery with a new or working battery.

If replacing the battery doesn't resolve the issue, there may be a problem with the internal wires of your laptop. In such cases, it's recommended to either send your laptop for repairs or seek assistance from a local electronics shop.

Ensure a smooth and uninterrupted computing experience by addressing battery-related problems promptly.