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Windows Laptop Isn’t Charging

Updated
If your Windows laptop isn’t charging, e.g. no battery increase, no charging light, or it only charges when the cord is moved, don’t worry. This guide will help you figure out whether the problem is the charger, the port, or the laptop itself and what steps to take to resolve the issue.

 

What You’ll Need

  • Your Windows laptop
  • The original HP charger (or a compatible replacement)
  • Another outlet to test, if available

 

Quick Steps (Overview)

  1. Check the outlet and power strip.
  2. Inspect the charger cable and brick.
  3. Check the laptop’s charging port.
  4. Try a compatible charger with enough wattage.
  5. Look for charging-light behavior.
  6. Do a hard reset (power drain).
  7. If still not charging, contact Support.

 

Step 1: Check the Wall Outlet

Plug something else into the outlet (like a phone charger) to confirm the outlet works. Many reports of “not charging” are caused by a bad outlet or power strip.

 

Step 2: Inspect the Charger

Look closely at:

  • Cable damage
  • Wiggle-dependent charging (only charges when held a certain way)
  • Damage near the connector tip
  • Excessive heat from the power brick
Note: If moving the cord makes the charging light flicker, there’s a loose connection. This can come from either the charger or the laptop’s charging port.

 

Step 3: Check the Laptop’s Charging Port

Make sure the port is clean and the connector sits firmly. Look for:

  • Loose connection
  • USB-C connector not fully inserting

 

Step 4: Try a Different Charger

To isolate the issue, try using a different but compatible charger cable. If a different charger works, the issue most likely is with the cable itself. 

Note: Your laptop requires a certain wattage to charge properly. Phone chargers or low-power adapters will not charge a Windows laptop, even if they physically fit. Make sure the charger provides enough wattage. 

 

Step 5: Watch the Charging Light

Different lights mean different things:

  • Solid white/amber: Charging normally
  • Flashing or blinking: Low power or connection issue
  • No light at all: Not receiving power

 

Step 6: Do a Hard Reset (Power Drain)

This clears the laptop’s internal power state and can fix charging or power-related issues.

  1. Unplug the charger.
  2. Press and hold the Power button for 15 seconds.
  3. Release the button.
  4. Plug the charger back in.

  5. Press Power once.

     

 

Need Help?
Contact the Student Technology Services (STS) team:
 

  • Call: (888) 888-8888
  • Email: support@campus.edu
  • Hours: Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm (PT)

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