Laptop Not Charging
The laptop is plugged in, but the battery percentage doesn't increase, the charging indicator doesn't light up, or charging starts and stops inconsistently.
Quick answer: A laptop that won't charge is usually the charger, the cable, the charging port, or the battery itself — roughly in that order of how often each is the actual cause. Try a different outlet and, if you have access to one, a different charger, before assuming the worst.
Likely causes
- A faulty charger or cable, particularly if it's been bent or pinched near the connector
- A charging port that's become loose or damaged, often from years of plugging and unplugging
- A battery that's reached the end of its usable life and can no longer hold or accept charge properly
- A software or driver issue occasionally causing Windows to misreport charging status
What you can safely check yourself
- Try a different power outlet, and a different charger or cable if you have access to one
- Check the charging port for visible damage, debris or a loose fit when the cable is inserted
- Wiggle the cable gently at the port while watching for the charging light to confirm a loose connection
When it needs a proper look
If a known-good charger and outlet still don't produce any charging response, the fault is internal — either the port or the battery — and needs a proper diagnosis rather than more troubleshooting.