If your laptop is not charging, it can be incredibly frustrating and potentially difficult to figure out the underlying cause. However, it’s important to remain patient and methodically troubleshoot the issue to determine what’s causing the problem. Below are several steps you can take to try to determine and resolve why your laptop isn’t charging.
Step 1: Check the Power Cord and Battery
The first step is to check the power cord to make sure that it is properly connected to the laptop and the wall outlet. If the connection appears secure, then unplug the power cord from the laptop and the wall outlet, then plug it back in making sure that it is firmly attached. Make sure that the wall outlet is getting power by plugging in something else that you know works, like a lamp.
If your laptop is still not charging, then you’ll need to inspect the battery itself. First, disconnect the power cord from the laptop. Then, if your laptop has a removable battery, carefully remove the battery from the laptop and inspect it. Make sure there are no visible signs of damage to the battery and that it is correctly seated in its compartment. If possible, try testing the battery with a voltmeter or multimeter to measure its voltage.
If the battery is damaged, beyond repair, or if your laptop has a non-removable battery, then you may have to replace the battery. To replace a non-removable battery, you will likely need to use a professional repair service.
Step 2: Check the Power Settings
If the power cord and battery appear to be in working condition, then it’s important to check your power settings. On Windows laptops, press the Windows key and type “power settings” in the search bar, then open the power settings window. Make sure that the power plan is set to “High Performance,” and that the “Power Saver” setting is turned off.
Also, check the “Settings” page to make sure your laptop is set to charge when plugged in. On Mac laptops, open System Preferences, select “Energy Saver,” and check the box next to “Prevent computer from sleeping automatically when the display is off.”
Step 3: Update the BIOS
Sometimes, a laptop won’t charge simply because it’s not running the most up-to-date version of the BIOS. To update your BIOS, you’ll need to visit the website of your laptop’s manufacturer to download the latest version and follow the instructions on their site to install the new software.
Step 4: Check for Physical Damage
If you’ve followed the above steps and your laptop still isn’t charging, then it’s time to check for physical damage. In some cases, a laptop may not charge due to a broken or loose power port or a faulty charger. To inspect the power port, use a flashlight to get a better look inside and make sure that nothing is blocking it or preventing the charger from connecting securely.
If the port looks ok, but the connector on your charger isn’t making a secure connection, then you may need to buy a replacement charger. Buying a replacement charger from your laptop’s manufacturer is always recommended, as they are designed specifically for that model and are usually of higher quality than generic chargers.
Step 5: Consider Replacing the Motherboard
If all of the above steps don’t work, then you may need to consider replacing the motherboard. A laptop’s motherboard is the main circuit board in the device and can be responsible for a number of problems, including not charging. Replacing the motherboard is usually a last resort, and it’s best to hire a professional to do the job, as it requires taking apart the laptop and making some fairly complicated electrical connections.
In conclusion, if you’re having trouble getting your laptop to charge, don’t panic. Follow the steps outlined above to try and determine the cause of the issue and find a solution. Start by checking the power cord and battery, then move on to checking the power settings and updating the BIOS. Finally, if necessary, consider replacing the charger or the motherboard.