Laptop battery not charging but plugged in? Here are the proven fixes, causes, quick steps, and expert troubleshooting methods to solve the issue fast.

When your laptop battery is not charging but plugged in, it’s frustrating — especially when you need to work, study, or game. This problem is extremely common on Windows laptops from brands like HP, Dell, Lenovo, Asus, Acer, and even MSI.
The good news? Most of the time, it’s fixable at home.

Quick Fixes (Try These First)

If you’re in a hurry, try these fast solutions before diving deeper:

1. Restart your laptop — fixes temporary power bugs.
2. Try a different power socket — faulty outlets are common.
3. Reconnect the charger tightly at all ends.
4. Remove and reinsert the battery (if removable).
5. Let the laptop cool down — overheating stops charging.

If the laptop battery not charging but plugged problem remains, follow the deeper fixes below.

Why Your Laptop Battery Is Not Charging (Common Causes)

The issue can occur due to hardware glitches, software errors, or battery health problems. Here are the most common reasons:

1. Faulty Charging Cable or Adapter

Frayed cables, bent pins, or a loose connector can prevent proper charging.

2. Weak or Dead Battery

Over time, lithium batteries lose capacity. A weak battery may show “Plugged in, not charging.”

3. Charging Port Damage

Dust, debris, or physical damage stops current flow.

4. Windows Power & Battery Bugs

Sometimes Windows misreads battery status.

5. Outdated or Corrupt Battery Drivers

Battery ACPI drivers may stop communicating correctly.

6. Overheating

Laptops won’t charge if the temperature sensor detects high heat.

7. BIOS / Firmware Issues

Old firmware can cause incorrect charging logic.

How to Fix Laptop Battery Not Charging But Plugged In (10 Proven Fixes)

Below are the best, expert-tested solutions.

1. Check the Charger, Cable & Socket

First confirm the basics.

Steps:

1. Unplug the charger from both sides.
2. Inspect the cable for cuts or burn marks.
3. Clean the charging port with a soft brush.
4. Try plugging the adapter into a different wall socket.
5. Test another compatible charger if available.

Most charging issues come from faulty adapters.

2. Perform a Power Reset (Works Surprisingly Well)

This drains leftover static electricity that blocks charging.

Steps:

1. Turn off the laptop.
2. Disconnect the charger.
3. Remove the battery (if removable).
4. Hold the Power button for 20–30 seconds.
5. Reconnect everything and power on.

This simple trick fixes the laptop battery not charging but plugged issue for many users.

3. Remove & Reinsert the Battery (If Detachable)

Loose contacts can prevent charging.

Steps:

1. Shut down the laptop.
2. Slide the battery latch and take it out.
3. Clean the metal contacts with a dry cloth.
4. Insert the battery back in place.

4. Cool Down Your Laptop

If your laptop is overheating, the battery controller disables charging to protect the system.

How to cool it quickly:

• Shut down and let it rest for 10 minutes.
• Use a cooling pad.
• Clean internal fans (if comfortable opening the device).

Laptops from Dell, HP, and Lenovo often show “Plugged in, not charging” during heat spikes.

5. Update Battery Drivers (ACPI Driver Fix)

Corrupt drivers can stop charging completely.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + X → Device Manager
2. Expand Batteries
3. Right-click Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery → Uninstall
4. Restart your laptop
5. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically

This is one of the most effective fixes for the laptop battery not charging but plugged in Windows 10/11 problem.

6. Reset Battery Settings in Windows

Windows can misread battery percentage or charging state.

Steps (Windows 10/11):

1. Open Settings
2. Go to System → Power & Battery
3. Under Battery Saver, turn it Off
4. Under Battery Health, disable any Battery Protection Mode (Lenovo, Asus, Dell have this)

Some laptops limit charging to 60% or 80% to extend lifespan.

7. Run the Built-in Battery Troubleshooter

Windows includes automated diagnostics.

Steps:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters
3. Run Power

Let Windows detect and fix charging problems.

8. Check Battery Health Status

You can generate a battery health report using Command Prompt.

powercfg /batteryreport

This creates a report in:
C:\Users\YourName\battery-report.html

If the Full Charge Capacity is much lower than Design Capacity, your battery is weak and may need replacement.

9. Update BIOS / Firmware

Outdated BIOS can cause charging malfunction because the battery controller logic lives in firmware.

Steps:

1. Search for your laptop model on the manufacturer website.
2. Download latest BIOS/firmware update.
3. Plug in your charger before updating (critical).
4. Install carefully following instructions.

BIOS updates often fix “Plugged in, not charging” issues on HP, Dell, and Lenovo machines.

10. Replace the Battery (If All Else Fails)

If your battery is swollen, overheats, or the health report shows major degradation, replacement is the safest option.

Look for original OEM batteries for your model.Advanced Fixes (For Technical Users)

These are optional but highly effective.

1. Disable & Re-enable Battery Charging Threshold Features

Some brands like Lenovo, Asus, MSI include features like:

• Conservation Mode
• Battery Care Mode
• Charge Limit Mode

Disable them temporarily to test charging.

2. Inspect the DC Jack (Charging Port)

A loose or damaged jack prevents charging even if everything else is fine.
This requires opening the laptop or visiting a repair shop.

3. Test Charging with Battery Removed (If Supported)

Remove the battery and run only on AC power.
If the laptop runs fine, the adapter is working — the battery is the issue.

Troubleshooting Table

FAQs

1. Why is my laptop plugged in but not charging?

Common reasons include bad chargers, driver issues, overheating, charging port damage, or battery wear.

2. How do I fix “Plugged in, not charging” in Windows 11?

Reinstall the ACPI battery driver, disable battery protection mode, and update BIOS.

3. Can BIOS cause charging issues?

Yes. Faulty or outdated BIOS can prevent proper charging and show incorrect battery status.

4. How do I check if my laptop battery is healthy?

Run:

powercfg /batteryreport

Then compare full charge vs design capacity.

5. Is it safe to use a laptop without a battery?

Yes, but you lose backup power. Any power cut will shut down the laptop instantly.

6. When should I replace the battery?

If it’s swollen, extremely hot, or health falls under 40%.