Laptop batteries don’t last forever. Over time, their capacity decreases and you may notice that your laptop doesn’t stay powered for as long as it used to.
But how do you know when it’s actually time to replace the battery?
Here are some simple signs to check.
1. Your Battery Drains Very Quickly
If your laptop used to last several hours but now lasts only a short time, the battery may have lost much of its original capacity.
A battery that needs frequent charging during normal use is worth checking.
2. The Laptop Shuts Down Suddenly
Does your laptop suddenly switch off even when Windows shows that there is still battery power remaining?
This can be a sign of a worn or failing battery. However, sudden shutdowns can also be caused by overheating or other hardware problems, so it’s worth diagnosing the laptop before buying a replacement.
3. Check Battery Health in Windows
Windows has a built-in battery report that can help you understand the condition of your battery.
Open Command Prompt and enter:
powercfg /batteryreportWindows will generate a battery report showing information such as the battery’s design capacity and full charge capacity.
If the full charge capacity has fallen significantly below the original design capacity, the battery has lost a substantial amount of its capacity.
Microsoft provides additional information about Windows battery reporting and power management in its Windows support documentation.
4. Your Laptop Only Works When Plugged In
If the laptop immediately switches off when you disconnect the charger, the battery may be completely worn out or faulty.
In some cases, Windows may also display messages such as:
“Plugged in, not charging.”
This doesn’t always mean the battery is bad. The charger, charging port or charging circuitry can also cause charging problems.
5. The Battery Is Swollen
A swollen laptop battery should not be ignored.
You may notice the laptop’s bottom cover lifting, the trackpad becoming difficult to click, or gaps appearing around the casing.
If you suspect the battery is swollen, stop using the laptop and have it inspected or replaced by a qualified technician. Do not puncture, squeeze or attempt to open a swollen battery.
6. Check the Battery’s Age
Laptop batteries gradually lose capacity through normal use and charging cycles.
If your battery is several years old and you’re experiencing short battery life or other battery problems, replacement may be worth considering.
Should You Replace the Battery?
If your laptop has very short battery life, shuts down unexpectedly, or the battery has become swollen, it’s worth having the battery checked.
Before buying a replacement, find the exact laptop model and battery part number. This helps ensure you get a compatible battery.
If you’re looking for a laptop battery in Nairobi, Lapsol Technologies supplies replacement batteries for various laptop models.
Browse Lapsol Technologies laptop batteries or contact us with your laptop model and battery part number.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my laptop battery is bad?
Rapid battery drain, unexpected shutdowns, failure to hold a charge and a swollen battery are common warning signs.
Can a laptop battery be repaired?
Most laptop batteries are replaced rather than repaired. A technician can check the battery and determine whether replacement is necessary.
How can I check laptop battery health?
Use the Windows battery report by opening Command Prompt and running powercfg /batteryreport.
Is a swollen laptop battery dangerous?
A swollen lithium-ion battery can be hazardous. Stop using the device and have the battery safely inspected and replaced.
Final Tip
Before replacing your laptop battery, check the battery report and make sure the problem isn’t actually caused by the charger or charging port. If the battery has clearly lost capacity or is physically swollen, it’s time to consider a replacement.
