A dead laptop battery can be a frustrating problem, especially when you need to get work done. If your Hewlett Packard laptop battery is not charging when plugged in, there are several potential reasons for this issue. In this article, we will explore some of the common causes of a non-charging battery and provide steps you can take to resolve the problem.
Rule Out Charging Cord Issues
The first thing you should do is ensure that the problem is actually with your battery and not the charging cord. Check if the LED light on your laptop lights up when you plug it in. If it does, this means that your device is receiving power, indicating that the cord and power source are functioning correctly.
If the LED light does not come on, check your charging cord. Ensure that all connections are secure and try plugging it into a different outlet. Sometimes, the charging port on the laptop can become loose or damaged from frequent use, causing a poor connection and preventing the battery from charging.
Review Your Software Options
Check the power and sleep settings on your laptop to make sure they are not causing any issues. On Windows 10, go to the Power and Sleep Settings and review the battery and power savings settings. Look for any settings that could cause the computer to shut down at a low battery level or trigger sleep mode prematurely.
You should also update your battery driver. Open the Device Manager, select Batteries, and identify the driver for your battery. Right-click on the driver and choose Update Driver. If a newer version is available, it will update the driver, potentially resolving any issues with charging.
How Healthy is Your Battery?
If your battery is still not charging after checking the charging cord and software settings, it is likely that you have a faulty battery. Over time, laptop batteries can degrade and lose their ability to hold a charge effectively.
There are a few signs that indicate a worn-out battery:
- The battery gets hot when charging
- The battery loses charge quickly
- The battery takes a long time to charge
You can visually inspect the battery for any signs of damage, such as cracks, swelling, or leakage. If you notice any of these issues, it is best to stop using the battery and order a replacement.
Another option is to run a battery health check using Windows This will provide more information about the condition of your battery. To run a battery report, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + X key at the same time
- Select Windows Powershell (Admin)
- Click yes when prompted to give permission to make changes to your device
- Type powercfg/batteryreport/output C\battery-report.html in the pop-up window and press Enter
- Locate the battery report file, which will be saved as a browser file (e.g., battery-report.html)
- Open the file in a browser window to view the report
In the battery report, look for the battery's actual capacity compared to its intended charging capacity. If there is a significant difference, it indicates that your battery has degraded. Additionally, check the battery life estimation to see if it aligns with the expected lifespan of your battery.
When It's Time to Get a New Battery
If your battery is no longer functioning properly and cannot hold a charge, it is time to replace it. It is important to purchase a replacement battery from an authorized reseller for your brand of laptop, such as HP. Third-party batteries may be low quality and can potentially void your warranty.
Replacing a laptop battery is a relatively simple fix compared to replacing the entire laptop. If you have a broken charging jack, many computer repair shops can easily solder in an approved replacement. If you have an HP Care Pack, the cost of battery replacement may be covered by your plan.
A Hewlett Packard laptop battery not charging can be a frustrating issue, but it is often solvable. Start by ruling out charging cord issues and reviewing your software settings. If the problem persists, it is likely that your battery is faulty and needs to be replaced. Remember to purchase a replacement battery from an authorized reseller to ensure quality and preserve your warranty. With a new battery, you can get back to using your laptop without any charging issues.