If you are plugging your laptop computer into charger, but it does not appear to be charging there are a number of problems you could be having. This article will help you to figure out why your laptop battery will not charge.

Not Plugged In

This may seem simple, but before you try to figure out if there is a problem with your computer or battery, make sure that you are actually plugging your computer in. Check that the cord is all the way pushed in to both your computer and the outlet. Check that any detachable parts of your cord are attached all the way. If you are plugging your computer into a power strip or extension cord, make sure that the power strip/extension cord is plugged into the wall. If there is a switch, make sure it is turned on. Also, make sure that your battery is properly seated inside your computer. If everything is plugged in, you should also try plugging your computer into a different outlet to see if there is a problem with your outlet.

Battery not Working

To check whether or not your battery is working, remove it from your computer and then plug your computer into an outlet. If it turns on and works correctly, then the problem is your battery and you will probably have to get a new one. If it is a new computer, contact wherever you bought it and let them know they sold you a defective battery.

Problems With Your Charger

Inspect your power cord. Are there any kinks or breaks? Have any parts been chewed by a pet or caught in a vacuum cleaner? Is the brick discolored, warped, or expanded? Does it smell like burnt plastic? If you said yes to any of these questions, you will likely need to replace your charger. If there are detachable parts, you may only have to replace the part that is broken.

Laptop Overheating

Overheating can cause the battery not to charge until it has cooled down, especially if you are using an older laptop with outdated cooling technology. Your laptop may also overheat if you have it on a blanket, your lap, a couch, or a bed. If your laptop feels hot, turn it off, unplug it, and rest it on a flat, fully ventilated surface until it cools down. After it has cooled down, check to see if it will charge properly.

Update Your Drivers (Windows)/SMC (Mac)

If none the above things are working, the problem is most likely coming from inside your computer. If you are using a Windows computer, you can try updating your drivers.

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Click on Device Manager.
3. Open each option under Batteries (battery, charger, and “Microsoft ACPI Compliant Control Method Battery”), bringing up a Properties window for each.
4. In each Properties window, go to the Driver tab and click Update Driver.
5. When you have updated the driver in all three, restart your laptop and try plugging it in again.

If you are using a Mac computer, you can try restarting your System Management Controller (SMC).

1. Shut down your computer.
2. Unplug your charger from your computer, if it’s still connected.
3. Remove the battery.
4. Press and hold the power button for five seconds.
5. Release the power button.
6. Reconnect the battery and charger.
7. Press the power button to turn on the computer.

Contact a Computer Repair Professional

If you have tried everything above and your laptop is still not charging when you are plugging it in, you may have to contact a computer repair professional. With the help of TalkLocal, you can receive phones calls within minutes from up to three high quality computer repair professionals in your area that are available when you are.

This entry was updated on Wednesday, July 1st, 2015 at 1:42 pm. This entry was originally posted on Monday, December 3rd, 2012 at 4:00 pm and is filed under Computer Repair. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.