How to Fix a Laptop That Won't Charge

In Singapore’s fast-paced business environment, a laptop that won’t charge can throw a serious spanner in the works. Whether you’re preparing for a crucial presentation at Marina Bay Sands or working remotely from a café in Tiong Bahru, a functioning laptop is essential. If you’ve found yourself in the frustrating situation where your laptop isn’t charging, don’t worry. This guide will help you understand why this might be happening and provide you with 8 practical tips to get your laptop charging again.

Why did my laptop battery stop charging?

Before we delve into the solutions, it’s important to understand the potential causes of a laptop that won’t charge. While there could be numerous reasons, we’ve narrowed it down to three main culprits:

Power cord issues

With Singapore’s compact living spaces, you might find yourself constantly moving your laptop and charger between your home office and your workspace. This frequent movement can lead to wear and tear on your power cord. If your laptop’s charging light doesn’t illuminate when plugged in, you might be dealing with a faulty or damaged cord.

Software malfunction

Windows 10 is generally quite self-sufficient, capable of diagnosing internal issues and initiating important updates. However, it can sometimes miss things. Your computer’s settings might be configured to shut down at a low battery level or slip into sleep mode after a few minutes of inactivity. While these aren’t exactly “malfunctions”, they can appear to be.

Software issues can also arise when your computer’s drivers become outdated. An old driver can cause your computer to reject your AC adapter’s power. Reinstalling the battery driver is often a quick and easy fix for this type of problem.

Declining battery health

Just like your smartphone, laptop batteries don’t last forever. One of the most common reasons for a laptop to stop charging is simply that the battery is reaching the end of its lifespan. Before complete battery failure, you might notice your laptop:

• Overheating while charging
• Losing charge quickly
• Taking longer to fully charge

If you’ve observed any of these issues, it’s likely a sign that your battery is ageing out. 

How to fix a laptop that won’t charge

Now, let’s get into the troubleshooting. Here are 8 tips that might save you a trip to Sim Lim Square or a call to your PC manufacturer.

1. Check to see if you’re plugged in

It might sound obvious, but it’s worth checking if your laptop and charger are actually plugged in properly. With Singapore’s reliable power grid, it’s easy to assume that if something’s plugged in, it should work. However, loose connections can happen.

Check each contact point, from the outlet to the AC adapter, and from the adapter to your laptop port. Everything should be securely plugged in with minimal wiggle room. Don’t forget to check that the battery is firmly seated in your laptop.

Also, make sure the problem isn’t with the outlet itself. Try another outlet or reset the surge protector after confirming all contact points are intact.

2. Confirm you’re using the correct port

Modern laptops, including many HP models, now feature USB-C ports. While these slim ports are great for sleek designs, they can sometimes cause confusion.

Laptops with two USB-C ports often have specific functions for each port. Generally, one is for charging and the other for data transfer. If your charger is plugged into the data transfer port instead of the charging port, no charging will occur.

Make sure your cords are in their designated spots before assuming there’s a hardware problem.

3. Remove the battery

If your laptop has a removable battery, try these steps:

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

If your laptop turns on without issues, the problem likely lies with the battery, not the charger. To confirm, you can reinstall the battery and try booting up again.

For laptops without removable batteries, like the HP Pavilion x360 14-ek2029TU, you may need to consult a professional 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 can easily be damaged. Examine your cords by feeling along their length for any unusual bends, breaks, or warped flexing that might indicate physical damage.

If you discover that your cord has been bent out of shape, perhaps from getting caught in your office chair wheels, replacing the affected end of the power cord will be your easiest fix.

5. Update your drivers

Sometimes, all your PC needs is a driver update to restore it to full health. Here’s how to update your Windows 10 laptop’s battery drivers:

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

Windows will ask how you want to search for drivers. You can 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 inability to make a secure connection from your adapter to your computer.

If your PC jack is dirty, try cleaning out your AC power port with a toothpick or compressed air. If the connector points are wobbly, your problem may be more serious. This could indicate that your power jack has broken from inside the chassis. For this, you might need to visit a computer repair shop in your area for a quick, affordable solution.

7. Let your PC cool down

Batteries generate heat while powering your laptop, but overheating can cause a host of problems. Rising battery temperatures may lead to sensor misfires, which can make your system think the battery is either fully charged or missing.

If your laptop feels unusually hot 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 again.

8. Seek professional assistance

If you’ve tried all these tips and your laptop still won’t charge, it might be time to seek professional help. Computers are complex machines and sometimes require expert attention.

Reach out to your PC’s manufacturer or visit the HP Store for assistance. If you need immediate in-person help, consider scheduling an appointment with a tech repair service that can diagnose and repair on-site.

Choosing a reliable laptop

To avoid charging issues in the future, consider investing in a high-quality laptop known for its reliability. The HP ENVY x360 14-fc0082TU is an excellent choice for Singapore professionals. With its long battery life and innovative design, it’s less likely to encounter charging problems.

For those who need a more powerful machine, the HP Spectre x360 16-aa0001TX offers top-tier performance and battery life, perfect for demanding tasks in Singapore’s competitive business landscape.

Remember, regular maintenance and careful handling of your laptop and its accessories can go a long way in preventing charging issues. By following these tips and choosing a reliable device, you can ensure that your work is never interrupted by a laptop that won’t charge.