How to Fix a Laptop That Won't Charge

Imagine your digital world without your trusty laptop. Your ultra-portable PC is the key to staying connected, whether you’re working from home in Mumbai, attending online classes in Delhi, or catching up on emails during a train journey from Bangalore to Chennai. You rely on your laptop’s battery to keep you productive throughout the day, but what happens when it suddenly stops charging?

Typically, when you plug your laptop into a power source, you’re greeted by a cheerful chime or a small LED light that reassures you all is well in the battery department. However, if connecting your laptop’s AC adapter brings no such response, there may be cause for concern.

While a laptop that won’t charge can be frustrating, don’t let your worries escalate just yet. You might assume that a non-charging laptop battery translates to a costly visit to a PC repair shop, but that’s not always the case. In this guide, we’ll help you understand why your laptop battery won’t charge and provide 8 helpful tips to fix it, tailored for our tech-savvy Indian readers.

Why did my laptop battery stop charging?

Before we delve into fixing your laptop charging issues, it’s essential to understand why it might have stopped charging in the first place. Computers require hundreds of working components to function properly, so when one thing goes wrong, it can leave you puzzled.

While there are numerous variables that could contribute to your laptop battery losing its charge, we’ve narrowed down the most common causes to three key culprits: power cord issues, software malfunction, and declining battery health.

Power cord issues

Taking your laptop from place to place means taking your laptop charger along with you, too. Whether you’re packing it for a business trip to Hyderabad or setting it up in a crowded coffee shop in Pune, your cord can easily get bent out of shape.

Key components work together to successfully power your laptop. Many PC chargers have a two-in-one-piece AC adapter; one piece that connects to the wall and another that connects to your computer. If both are securely connected and your PC’s charging light doesn’t illuminate, you may be dealing with a faulty or damaged cord.

Software malfunction

Windows 11 has proven to be one of the most self-sufficient operating systems in PC history. It’s able to diagnose itself when internal problems arise and initiate important updates to ensure all of your software is up to date. However, it can occasionally miss things.

It’s possible that your computer’s settings are configured to shut down at a low battery level or slip into sleep mode after minutes of inactivity. While these settings aren’t quite “malfunctions” per se, they can appear to be.

Software malfunctions can also arise when your computer’s drivers become outdated. An obsolete driver can force your computer to reject your AC adapter’s power. Reinstalling the battery driver is a quick and easy fix for this kind of problem.

Declining battery health

Just like any other piece of technology, laptop batteries don’t last forever. One of the most common reasons for a laptop battery to stop charging is its declining health. The same way an old smartphone has trouble holding a charge, an aging laptop battery struggles too.

Prior to battery failure, did you notice your laptop started to:

• Overheat while charging?
• Lose charge quickly?
• Take longer to fully charge?

If so, each of these issues is a clear sign that your battery is aging out.

How to fix a laptop that won’t charge

Now it’s time to take troubleshooting into your own hands. With these 8 tips, you may be able to save yourself a trip to the repair shop or a call to your PC manufacturer.

1. Check to see if you’re plugged in

It may sound obvious, but it’s worth checking if your laptop and charger are actually plugged in. There’s no hope of charging a laptop that’s disconnected from a power source, so be sure to double-check that everything is hooked up as it should be.

Examine each contact point, from the outlet to the AC adapter, and from the adapter to your laptop port. Everything should be tightly plugged in with minimal wiggle room. Don’t forget to check the bottom of your laptop to ensure the battery is firmly seated in the PC frame.

Also, make sure that the problem isn’t with the outlet itself. Power fluctuations are common in some parts of India, so try testing another outlet or resetting the surge protector after confirming all contact points are intact.

2. Confirm you’re using the correct port

Modern computers are evolving more rapidly today than ever before. The introduction of the USB-C port has been a game-changer and is now featured on the majority of the latest laptop computers. These ultra-thin ports are great for sleek devices like the HP Pavilion Plus 14-ew0116TU, though newcomers to the port may be confused by their multi-purpose functionality.

Computers that come with two USB-C ports likely have specific functionality designations that you may not be aware of. Generally speaking, one USB-C port is meant for charging, while the other is meant for data transfer. If your laptop charger is plugged into the data-transfer port rather than the charging port, no charging will occur.

Ensure your cords are connected to their designated ports before blaming the hardware.

3. Remove the battery

If your laptop comes with a removable battery, follow these steps:

Step 1. Remove any bolts or screws and take out the battery
Step 2. Hold the power button down for 10-15 seconds
Step 3. Plug the charger in
Step 4. Power the PC on

If your laptop turns on without a problem, you can safely assume that it’s not your charger at fault, but a damaged battery that’s causing your PC headache. To confirm this theory, you can always re-install the battery and try booting up again.

If your laptop does not have a removable battery, as is the case with many modern laptops like the HP Envy x360 14-fc0078TU, you may need to consult a professional technician who can open up your hardware and run a diagnosis.

4. Examine your power cords for any breaks or unusual bending

Power cords are delicate and sensitive PC accessories that may very well be the cause behind your laptop not charging while it’s plugged in. Examine your power cords by feeling along the length of the cord for any atypical bends, breaks, or warped flexing that may indicate physical damage.

If you discover that your cord has been bent out of shape from excessive use or accidental damage, replacing the affected end of the power cord will be your easiest fix. Many authorized HP service centres across India can provide you with genuine replacement cords.

5. Update your drivers

Sometimes all your PC needs is a quick update of its drivers to be restored to its original health. Follow these steps to update your Windows 10 or 11 laptop’s battery drivers:

Step 1. Right-click the Start menu to open the Quick Access menu and select Device Manager
Step 2. Under Batteries, open the drop-down menu and right-click Microsoft ACPI Compliant Control Method Battery
Step 3. Within the new selection window, press Update Driver

Windows will ask you, “How do you want to search for drivers?” and you’ll have the option to let Windows search automatically or browse your PC manually for the appropriate software.

Once updated, reboot your PC and try charging again.

6. Survey the health of your charging port

Plugging your AC adapter into the laptop’s power connector should be a straightforward and snug experience. If you face any difficulty, be it dust build-up or a wobbly fit, your problem likely lies in the fact that you’re unable to make a secure connection from your adapter to your computer.

If your PC jack is filled with dust and debris, common in India’s urban environments, try cleaning out your AC power port with a toothpick or compressed air. If your connector points are wobbly, your problem may be more serious. This could indicate that your power jack has been broken from inside the chassis. To fix this, visit an authorized HP service centre for a reliable and cost-effective solution.

7. Let your PC cool down

Batteries generate heat while working hard to power your laptop, but when they work too hard, overheating can cause a serious slew of problems. This is particularly relevant in India’s hot and humid climate. Rising battery temperatures may lead to sensor misfires, which ultimately communicate to your system that the battery is either fully charged or missing.

If your laptop feels more like a tandoor while plugged in, place it on a cool, open surface with nothing blocking the fans and let it cool down. Once it’s completely settled and cool to the touch, try charging it up again.

8. Seek professional assistance

When you’ve exhausted all options and tried every troubleshooting tip and trick, your next best bet will be seeking professional assistance. At the end of the day, computers are incredibly complex pieces of machinery and sometimes require expert attention when it comes to fixing and configuring.

Reach out to HP India’s customer support to get in contact with a knowledgeable professional who may know how to treat your exact make and model. If you’re in need of immediate in-person help, schedule an appointment with an authorized HP service centre in your city for on-site diagnosis and repair.

Choosing the right laptop for reliable performance

While troubleshooting charging issues is important, investing in a reliable laptop can help prevent such problems in the first place. HP offers a range of laptops designed for durability and performance, suitable for various needs and budgets in India.

For students and professionals looking for a versatile device, the HP Pavilion x360 14-ek1010TU is an excellent choice. Its 2-in-1 design and long battery life make it perfect for both work and entertainment.

For those needing high performance for demanding tasks, the HP OMEN 16-wf1096TX gaming laptop offers powerful specs and efficient thermal management to keep your system running smoothly.

Remember, regular maintenance and care can go a long way in ensuring your laptop’s longevity and preventing issues like charging problems.

By following these tips and choosing the right device for your needs, you can ensure that your laptop remains a reliable companion for all your digital endeavours, whether you’re working from home in Kolkata, attending online classes in Ahmedabad, or staying productive during your travels across India.

For more information on HP laptops and accessories, visit our Laptops and Tablets and Accessories pages.