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  1. Home
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  3. Productivity
  4. My Laptop Battery Won't Hold a Charge

My Laptop Battery Won't Hold a Charge

By: Kallie Johnson
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Most laptop batteries have a life expectancy of two years or 400 to 450 charge and discharge cycles. After this time, the battery may lose the ability to charge or to hold a charge for substantial periods of time. When this happens, it's likely the battery needs replacement. However, troubleshooting can narrow the problem and ensure you are not wasting money on a battery replacement.

Check Power Adapter

Step

Turn the laptop off. Remove any power cords or power sources.

Step

Separate the battery from the bottom of the laptop. Slide or press the locking mechanism to unlock the battery. Slide the battery out of the battery compartment.

Step

Plug the power adapter into an electrical outlet. Insert the opposite end of the adapter into the charging outlet on the side of a laptop.

Step

Power on the laptop. If the laptop does not turn on, the power adapter is not correctly working. If the power adapter is not working, the battery can not charge. Replace the power adapter. If the laptop powers on, the power adapter is properly working.

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Clean Battery Contacts

Step

Turn the computer off. Remove any power cords or sources.

Step

Take the battery out of the battery compartment.

Step

Dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol. Rub the dampened swab on the battery compartment and battery contacts. Dust and buildup can prevent battery contacts from properly charging.

Step

Slide the battery back into the battery compartment.

Charge and Test Battery

Step

Plug the power adapter into the laptop.

Step

Charge the battery for six hours.

Step

Remove the power adapter.

Step

Turn the laptop on. If the laptop turns on and stays on for at least 30 minutes, the battery is holding a charge. If the laptop doesn't turn on or the battery doesn't power the laptop for at least 30 minutes, the battery should be replaced.

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