Laptop batteries are essential for portability, but like all rechargeable batteries, they degrade over time. If you’re noticing a decrease in battery life or other issues, your laptop battery may be failing. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common signs of a failing laptop battery and provide solutions to fix or replace it. Whether you’re experiencing slow charging, quick battery drain, or other issues, we’ve got the solutions you need.
Why Laptop Battery Health is Important
1. Impact of Battery Health on Performance
A failing laptop battery can impact more than just portability. As the battery degrades, your laptop may experience slower performance, overheating, or even forced shutdowns. Keeping your battery healthy ensures that your laptop performs optimally and that your battery holds a charge for longer periods.
2. The Lifespan of a Laptop Battery
Typically, laptop batteries last between 2 to 5 years, depending on usage patterns, battery type, and the manufacturer’s recommendations. However, batteries can begin to degrade much sooner if exposed to extreme temperatures, frequent charging cycles, or poor maintenance.
Signs Your Laptop Battery Is Failing
1. Shorter Battery Life
One of the most common signs that your laptop battery is failing is a noticeable reduction in how long it lasts between charges. If your laptop used to last for hours but now runs out of power in a short time, it’s likely that the battery is nearing the end of its lifespan.
2. The Battery Doesn’t Charge or Charges Slowly
If your laptop isn’t charging at all, or it charges very slowly even when plugged in, there could be an issue with the battery or the charging circuit. A slow charge often indicates that the battery is failing, while a completely unresponsive battery might require replacement.
3. Overheating Issues
When your battery is struggling to hold a charge, it can cause excessive heat build-up inside your laptop. This heat can damage internal components and lead to permanent damage if not addressed.
4. Battery Draining Quickly While in Use
Another indication of battery failure is when your laptop’s battery drains rapidly, even if you’re using basic applications like browsing or word processing. If the battery drops significantly in a short time, it may be due to the battery’s reduced capacity.
1. System Shuts Down Unexpectedly
If your laptop unexpectedly shuts down despite showing enough battery life, this could be a clear sign of a failing battery. This is often caused by the battery no longer being able to maintain a consistent power supply.
2. Swollen Battery
A swollen battery is a serious issue and one of the most obvious signs that it’s time for a replacement. A bulging battery can affect the laptop’s performance and even cause physical damage to the internal components. If you notice any swelling, power off your device immediately and seek a replacement battery.
How to Test Your Laptop Battery Health
1. Using Built-in Battery Diagnostics Tools
Many laptops come with built-in tools to check battery health. For instance:
- Windows: You can run a battery report by opening the Command Prompt and typing
powercfg /batteryreport. This will generate a detailed report of your battery’s health. - Mac: On macOS, click the Apple logo and select “About This Mac.” Then, click “System Report” and select “Power.” Here, you can find the battery’s cycle count and condition.
2. Third-Party Software to Check Battery Health
Several third-party tools can help you assess your laptop’s battery health:
- BatteryCare: A free application that provides detailed information about your battery’s health and allows you to monitor its charge cycles.
- CoconutBattery: A macOS tool that gives you detailed stats about your battery’s current health and charging cycles.
How to Fix Your Failing Laptop Battery
1. Calibrate Your Laptop Battery
Sometimes, recalibrating your laptop battery can help improve its performance. To do this:
- Charge your battery to 100%.
- Discharge it completely by using the laptop until it shuts down on its own.
- Recharge it back to 100% without interruptions.
This process helps the laptop’s software recognise the correct battery capacity.
2. Optimise Power Settings
Changing your power settings can extend your laptop’s battery life:
- Windows: Go to Control Panel > Power Options and choose a power-saving plan.
- Mac: In System Preferences, go to Energy Saver and select the battery-saving options that work best for you.
3. Update Battery Drivers
Outdated or incorrect drivers can cause battery charging issues. Ensure your battery drivers are up to date by visiting the device manager on Windows or checking for updates in macOS.
4. Replace the Battery (When to Do It)
If none of the above solutions fix the problem, the battery may need replacing. If your laptop is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer for a replacement. If not, you can purchase a compatible battery and replace it yourself or take it to a professional.
How to Extend Your Laptop Battery’s Life
1. Battery Care Tips to Prevent Future Failures
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Don’t leave your laptop in hot or freezing environments.
- Avoid charging to 100% or draining to 0%: Try to keep your battery between 20% and 80% for optimal longevity.
- Unplug when fully charged: Keep the laptop plugged in only when needed.
2. Use Battery-Saving Features
Most laptops have battery-saving modes that can extend battery life:
- Windows: Turn on Battery Saver under Settings > System > Battery.
- Mac: Use the “Low Power Mode” available on newer macOS versions.
3. Adjusting Power Settings for Maximum Efficiency
Modify your laptop’s power settings to ensure it runs more efficiently, such as dimming the screen brightness or closing unnecessary apps when on battery power.
When to Replace Your Laptop Battery
1. Signs It’s Time for a New Battery
- Your battery no longer holds a charge for a reasonable amount of time.
- You’re frequently having to charge your laptop to full power to use it for a few hours.
- Your laptop shuts down unexpectedly despite having sufficient charge.
2. Choosing the Right Replacement Battery
When selecting a new battery, make sure it’s compatible with your specific laptop model. Many brands offer official replacement batteries, or you can purchase from trusted third-party sellers.
Conclusion and Final Tips
Laptop batteries don’t last forever, but with proper care and attention, you can prolong their life and avoid complete failure. By recognising the early signs of battery issues and implementing simple fixes, you can restore your battery’s performance or decide when it’s time for a replacement. If you need help with battery replacement or further assistance, contact our team at Perth Computer Experts today. We’re here to provide expert support for all your laptop needs!
