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Fix Dell Laptop Plugged In Not Charging in 6 Easy Steps
Find out all you need to know to fix Dell laptop not charging when plugged in
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Is your Dell computer plugged in but not charging? This problem can be a result of various factors, such as a faulty AC adapter, a dead battery, outdated software, and so on.
The first thing to do when you notice battery issues on your machine is torun the troubleshooter.
After running the troubleshooter, if the issue persists, you may have to replace your battery, AC adapter, or both.
However, before shelling out the bucks on new hardware, we’ve put together some troubleshooting steps that you can follow.
Why is my Dell laptop not charging?
This issue can affect any model, and many reported thatDell XPS 13 isn’t changingat all. This can be a big issue, and the cause is usually the adapter itself.
It’s also possible that your battery is damaged and it can’t hold the charge anymore. If this happens, you’ll usually getNo battery is detectedmessage on your PC.
If the battery is damaged, yourlaptop won’t start if the charger isn’t connected, and the only way to fix this is to replace the battery.
Moreover, here are some variations of the error that you may encounter, but nonetheless fix with the solutions below:
Without further ado, let’s jump right into the list of solutions. Follow along!
How can I fix my Dell laptop not charging when plugged in?
1. Connect the PC to a wall socket directly
A surge protector can cause your Dell computer not to charge, even if it’s plugged in. The protector does this to guard the battery.
To be sure that the issue is not caused by this simple factor, you have to power off the machine and plug it directly into a wall socket.
2. Change the power adapter
Another factor that may result in your Dell computer not charging but plugged in is when the AC adapter is faulty.
A common sign of a bad adapter is that it makes a buzzing noise when you plug it into power.
Even if the AC adapter is silent, it could still be faulty or simply not compatible.
To confirm, try using a different AC adapter to charge the Dell battery.
If this new adapter charges your laptop’s battery, then the issue is not from your PC but the AC adapter.
3. Reconnect your battery and adapter
4. Update your BIOS
Updating your BIOS is a delicate operation because if something goes wrong, it can lead to you losing your data and settings.
Therefore, before updating the BIOS, make sure to back up your data.
BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. It manages all the hardware (including your motherboard) connected to your computer and how they interact with your operating system.
If the BIOS malfunctions or gets outdated, it can lead to your Dell computer not charging but plugged in. Usethis detailed guideto learn how to update your BIOS on Windows 10.
5. Update your battery drivers
You can also use dedicated updater software like the Outbyte tool. You can set it up to regularly update your drivers, so you won’t experience this issue in the future.
⇒Get Outbyte Driver Updater
6. Clean your charging port
Dust and lint can accumulate in your laptop’s charging port and cause an obstruction when you connect your AC adapter to the machine.
Even if your Dell laptop charges correctly when plugged in, you should clean the laptop’s ports regularly.
The proper way to do this cleaning is to first power off the system and disconnect the AC adapter from the power source.
Next, make use of lint-free cloth dabbed in rubbing alcohol (optional), and clean the charging port thoroughly.
After this, allow the port to dry completely and then reconnect the AC adapter back. You could also make use of a dry air blower.
These are the recommended steps to troubleshoot and fix the annoying situation when your Dell computer is not charging but plugged in.
Although this guide is for Dell laptops, this issue is common in other laptops, such as HP, Lenovo, etc.
Therefore, you can refer to our troubleshooting guide onhow to fix the charging problemon these brands.
Leave a comment in the section below and tell us what you think. Thanks for reading!
More about the topics:Dell computer issues
Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Passionate about technology,Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world.
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, with a complete expertise in touch-based devices, he is constantly keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest!
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Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.
