Laptop Says Low Battery Even When Plugged In

Laptops are integral to our daily lives, so running into an issue like the “low battery” warning while plugged in can be incredibly frustrating.

If your laptop shows a low battery even when plugged in, try resetting the embedded controller (EC) by disconnecting devices and removing the battery. If the battery remains faulty, it might need replacement. Check hardware or firmware for errors affecting charging.

Let’s examine the most common reasons, methods for diagnosing the issue, and actionable solutions to prevent it from happening again.

Table of Contents

Common Causes of “Low Battery” Error

1. Charger or Power Supply Issues

One of the most straightforward causes could be a malfunctioning charger. If the charger is damaged or the power outlet isn’t delivering adequate voltage, your laptop might not be charging correctly. Ensure the charger is compatible with your device, and try different outlets to rule out electrical issues.

2. Battery or Charging Port Problems

The laptop’s charging port or internal battery might sometimes be damaged. If the port is loose or the battery has reached the end of its life, the laptop might display a low battery message even when plugged in.

3. Power Settings Glitches

Sometimes, the issue can be traced back to incorrect power settings or an operating system glitch. These can cause your system to misinterpret battery signals, leading to false low-battery warnings.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Perform a Hard Reset

A hard reset can resolve many charging-related issues. This drains the laptop’s capacitors and might help reset its internal components:

Shut down your laptop.
Unplug the charger and remove the battery if possible.
Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds to one minute.
Reconnect the battery and charger, then power it on.

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2. Try a Different Charger and Socket

A faulty charger or power socket might not provide adequate power. Try a different compatible charger or switch sockets to see if the problem persists.

3. Update Battery and Chipset Drivers

Corrupted or outdated drivers can interfere with the charging process. To fix this:

Open Device Manager and uninstall the Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery driver.
Restart your laptop, and it will automatically reinstall the driver.
You can also check the manufacturer’s website for the latest chipset or BIOS updates.

4. Run a Battery Test

Running a diagnostic test helps identify whether the battery is faulty. Many laptops have built-in diagnostic tools, or you can use third-party software to check the battery’s health. Replace it if it begins to show signs of failing.

Advanced Fixes for Persistent Issues

1. Calibrate the Battery

Battery calibration can help resolve issues related to inaccurate battery readings. Follow these steps:

Charge your laptop to 100%.
Turn off the charger and let the battery to run entirely flat.
Once the laptop shuts down, plug it back in and charge it to total capacity without interruptions.

This helps recalibrate the system’s ability to track battery charge levels accurately.

2. Update Battery and Power Management Drivers

Outdated drivers can occasionally lead to problems with charging. To fix this, update the battery and power management drivers:

Open Device Manager.
Locate the Batteries section and uninstall the Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery.
Restart your laptop, allowing it to reinstall the driver.
Optionally, other related drivers, such as the chipset and BIOS,should be updated.

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3. Test the Battery Health

Most laptops have built-in diagnostic tools to test battery health. Running a battery diagnostic test can help identify if the battery is faulty or if there are other underlying problems:

On Windows, search for Power & Battery Settings.
Use the Battery Report option to generate a detailed battery health report.
If the report shows signs of battery degradation, replacing the battery might be the best solution.

BIOS and Firmware Updates

1. Update BIOS

In some cases, an outdated or corrupt BIOS can cause hardware communication errors between the system and the battery. Updating the BIOS might resolve the issue:

Visit your laptop manufacturer’s support website and download the latest BIOS version for your model.
To upgrade the BIOS, carefully follow the instructions.

BIOS should be updated cautiously, as an improper update could lead to serious system malfunctions.

2. Reset BIOS to Default Settings

If you recently changed BIOS settings or installed new hardware, resetting the BIOS to default can help resolve charging problems:

Restart your laptop and enter BIOS by pressing the key indicated during startup (usually F2, F10, or Del).
Find the Restore Defaults option, save, and exit.

How to Diagnose the Problem

1. Step-by-Step Guide to Troubleshooting

Test with a different power adapter and cable.
Check for visible damage to the cable or adapter.
Inspect the battery health in your laptop’s settings.
Ensure that your power settings are correctly configured.
Update or reinstall battery-related drivers.

2. Using Third-Party Diagnostic Tools

Several third-party tools can help diagnose battery health and charging issues, such as BatteryInfoView or HWMonitor.

Battery and Charger Replacement

1. Replacing the Battery

Replacing it is often the best solution if all else fails and your battery is old or damaged. To avoid compatibility issues, purchase a compatible battery from the manufacturer or authorized sellers.

2. Use Original Chargers

Using third-party or non-genuine chargers might cause problems with voltage delivery. Always opt for original chargers or manufacturer-approved replacements to ensure optimal charging.

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Preventive Measures

Keep Drivers and Software Updated : Ensure your battery, power management, and chipset drivers are regularly updated. This prevents potential issues arising from outdated software.
Avoid Overcharging Continuously charging your laptop past 100% can degrade the battery over time. Aim to unplug your laptop to extend battery life once it’s fully charged.
Use Genuine Accessories: Always use chargers and batteries recommended by the manufacturer. Generic or third-party accessories may not deliver consistent power, leading to issues like low-battery warnings.

Laptop says low battery even when plugged in Windows 11

If your Windows 11 laptop shows low battery while plugged in, it might be due to a faulty charger, outdated drivers, or power settings issues. Check the charger and update drivers to resolve the problem. Calibrating the battery may also help.

Laptop says low battery even when plugged in Windows 10

For Windows 10, a low battery warning when plugged in could indicate a hardware issue or a system glitch.

Try resetting the power settings, updating drivers, or recalibrating the battery. Ensure the charger is functioning correctly and matches your laptop’s requirements.

Laptop says low battery even when plugged in Dell

A faulty charger, outdated BIOS, or damaged battery could cause Dell laptops to show a low battery error even when plugged in.

Run Dell diagnostics, update the BIOS, and try a different charger. If the issue still exists, you might want to get a new battery.

Your battery is very low plug in your PC now

When you see “Your battery is very low, plug in your PC now,” it means your laptop’s battery level is critically low.

Immediately connect it to a power source to avoid shutdown. If the issue repeats while plugged in, check your charger and settings.

Your battery is very low keeps popping up

If the “Your battery is very low” message keeps popping up, even when your laptop is charging, it might indicate a faulty charger or battery. Check for driver updates or perform a battery calibration. Replacing the battery could also fix the issue.

Laptop shuts down low battery when plugged in

If your laptop shuts down due to a low battery even when plugged in, it could be a hardware issue, or the charger may not provide enough power. Verify your charger’s output and try another one if possible. Perform a battery health check or replace it.

How to fix critical low battery error

To fix a critical low battery error, check the charger and battery. Then, run a battery diagnostic, update drivers, and recalibrate the battery. If the problem persists, replacing the battery or updating the BIOS may be necessary.

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How to enable low battery notification alert in Windows 11

To enable low battery notifications in Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Power & Battery. Under the battery settings, adjust the low battery level percentage and ensure notifications are turned on. This will alert you when your battery reaches a critical level.

FAQs

1. Why is my laptop battery draining even with the charger plugged in?

This could happen due to a faulty charger, issues with power settings, or an ageing battery. Check the charger first.

2. Why is my laptop battery not charging but working when plugged in?

A faulty charger, damaged battery, or outdated drivers could cause the issue. Try replacing the charger or updating drivers.

3. How do I get my laptop out of low battery mode?

Plug in your laptop, then adjust power settings to exit low battery mode. Ensure your battery is properly charging.

4. How do I reset my laptop battery level?

To reset, fully charge your battery, drain it, and recharge. This helps recalibrate battery performance.

5. Why is my battery discharging even when plugged in?

Your laptop might be using more power than the charger provides. Check the charger, battery, or power-hungry applications running.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a “low battery” warning while plugged in can result from various issues, including faulty chargers, outdated drivers, or power management errors. Troubleshooting these factors, from resetting your battery to updating firmware, can typically resolve the issue and restore proper charging.