Troubleshooting Laptop Battery Issues: Solutions for Unexpected Shutdowns

 

Introduction: Experiencing sudden laptop shutdowns immediately after unplugging it, despite the operating system showing a fully charged battery, can be frustrating. While a faulty battery is a common culprit, there are various factors to consider. In this article, we will explore different solutions to help address this issue and ensure uninterrupted laptop usage.

  1. Downgrade to the previous functional version of Windows: If the problem started after upgrading to Windows 10, particularly the 1809 update, it could be related to the updated version. Consider downgrading to a previous version of Windows to see if that resolves the issue.
  2. Check for a Faulty Battery: A faulty or fully degraded battery can cause immediate shutdowns. Try replacing the battery with a new one or consider the solutions below before opting for a replacement.

Solutions to Try:

#1: Change the Power Management Settings: Improperly configured power management settings can lead to unexpected shutdowns. Resetting these settings can often resolve the issue. Follow these steps:

  • Open the Start Menu and access the power plan settings.
  • Click on “Edit Power Plan” and navigate to advanced power settings.
  • Look for processor power management settings and set the Minimum Power State to 20%.
  • Go to Display settings and enable adaptive brightness.
  • Ensure that both plug-in and battery power options are turned on.

#2: Reinstall Battery Drivers: Corrupted or outdated battery drivers may cause the laptop to turn off when unplugged. Reinstalling the drivers can help. Here’s how:

  • Open the Start Menu and search for “Device Manager” to launch the program.
  • Expand the “Batteries” section.
  • Right-click on the listed ASPI options and select “Uninstall.”
  • Restart your laptop to reinstall the drivers automatically.

#3: Launch Power Troubleshooter: Windows 10 provides an inbuilt troubleshooter to resolve power-related issues. Follow these steps:

  • Press the Win key + 1 to open settings.
  • Navigate to “Update and Security” and select “Find and Fix other problems” under Power Options.
  • Run the troubleshooter to identify and fix any power-related issues.

#4: Perform a Power Reset: Performing a power reset can help resolve various hardware-related problems. Follow these steps:

  • Shut down your laptop.
  • Press and hold the power button until the laptop turns off completely.
  • Disconnect all peripheral devices.
  • Remove the power cord and battery pack.
  • The power light may blink momentarily.
  • Reconnect the power cable and switch on your computer.

By following these solutions step-by-step, you increase the likelihood of resolving the unexpected shutdown issue and ensuring uninterrupted laptop functionality.

Conclusion: Experiencing immediate laptop shutdowns after unplugging could indicate a faulty battery or other underlying factors. Before replacing the battery, try solutions such as adjusting power management settings, reinstalling battery drivers, running the power troubleshooter, or performing a power reset. By systematically applying these solutions, you can troubleshoot the issue and restore your laptop’s normal functionality.