If your laptop battery is plugged in but not charging, it can be due to various reasons. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially fix the issue:
### 1. **Check the Basics**
- **Ensure the Charger is Properly Connected**: Make sure both the laptop’s charging port and the power adapter are securely connected. Sometimes a loose connection can cause charging issues.
- **Inspect the Power Adapter**: Check if the power adapter is functioning properly. Try using a different power outlet or a different power adapter if you have one available.
### 2. **Examine the Battery Health**
- **Check Battery Health Status**: Many laptops have built-in diagnostics or battery health check tools. On Windows, you can use the `Battery Report` by running `powercfg /batteryreport` in Command Prompt.
- **Battery Condition**: If your battery is old or degraded, it may not charge properly. In such cases, replacing the battery might be necessary.
### 3. **Update or Reinstall Battery Drivers**
- **Device Manager**: Go to Device Manager, find the battery section (under "Batteries"), right-click on "Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery," and select "Update driver." If updating doesn’t work, you can try uninstalling the driver and then restarting your laptop, which will reinstall the driver.
### 4. **Check Power Settings**
- **Power Management Settings**: On Windows, go to `Control Panel > Power Options > Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings`. Ensure that the battery settings are not set to limit charging.
- **Battery Saver Mode**: Make sure the battery saver mode isn’t restricting the charging.
### 5. **BIOS/UEFI Settings**
- **Update BIOS/UEFI**: Sometimes updating the BIOS/UEFI can fix battery-related issues. Check your laptop manufacturer’s website for instructions on how to update the BIOS/UEFI.
### 6. **Perform a Power Reset**
- **Power Cycle**: Shut down your laptop, unplug it from the power source, and remove the battery (if removable). Hold down the power button for about 30 seconds to discharge any remaining power. Reinsert the battery, plug in the charger, and start the laptop.
### 7. **Inspect the Charging Port**
- **Check for Physical Damage**: Look for any damage to the charging port or bent pins. If the port seems damaged, it might need to be repaired or replaced by a professional.
### 8. **Test with Another Battery**
- **Try a Different Battery**: If possible, test your laptop with a different battery. If the new battery charges without issues, the problem may be with your original battery.
### 9. **Consider Software Conflicts**
- **Check for Software Conflicts**: Occasionally, certain software can interfere with battery charging. Ensure your system is free of malware and that all recent software installations are compatible with your hardware.
### 10. **Consult Manufacturer Support**
- **Contact Support**: If none of the above solutions work, it may be best to contact your laptop’s manufacturer for support, as there could be a hardware issue that requires professional attention.
By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and potentially fix the issue with your battery not charging. If you're still having trouble, seeking professional help might be the best course of action.