Self HelpBoise Computer Care

Laptops

Laptop battery draining fast

Laptop battery draining fast? Find power-hungry apps, check battery health with a battery report, and spot a swollen or worn-out battery.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
10-20 min
Steps
6
Updated

Sounds like this?

  • Battery lasts a few hours or less
  • Percent drops quickly
  • Battery health warning
  • Laptop dies at 20-30%

Step by step

  1. Windows: Settings › System › Power & battery › Battery usage shows which apps use the most power. Mac: System Settings › Battery.
  2. Lower screen brightness and turn on Energy saver (Windows) or Low Power Mode (Mac).
  3. Close apps that run in the background, and disable unneeded startup apps.
  4. Check battery health. Windows: in Terminal run powercfg /batteryreport and open the HTML file it creates; compare Full charge capacity to Design capacity. Mac: System Settings › Battery › Battery Health (the i).
  5. If full charge capacity is under about 60-70% of design, the battery is worn out.
  6. Update BIOS and drivers from your maker; power management fixes are common.

Related error codes & messages

Quick answers

When should I stop and get professional help with "Laptop battery draining fast"?

Stop and get help if: The battery is swollen, very hot, or smells. Stop using it. Health is low and you need longer battery life (battery replacement). The laptop shuts off at 20-30% shown remaining. Boise Computer Care can diagnose it for a $60 fee; call 208-996-3508.

How long does this fix take and how hard is it?

Plan on 10-20 min. Difficulty: Easy.

Is it safe to try this myself?

Mostly, if you follow these precautions: If the battery is swollen (case bulging, trackpad lifting, screen not closing), stop using it and unplug it. A swollen lithium battery is a fire risk. Use the original or a certified charger.

Which error messages or codes does this guide cover?

Plug in your PC, Service Recommended, Consider replacing your battery.

Still stuck?

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  • Diagnostic$60
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  • On-site$100/hr + $100 visit

10504 W Fairview Ave, Boise ID · Fri–Wed 10 AM–8 PM · Closed Thursday

Book a repair at BCCCall 208-996-3508

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