Having your computer quickly shut down or refuse to turn on can be very stressful, causing a huge wave of panic. However, do not fret; battery and power issues are typical issues that are not too hard to fix. We at On The Spot Computer Repairs (OTSCR) have seen it all and can help you figure out what’s wrong and fix it.
There are many things that can go wrong with batteries and electricity. All of a sudden, your laptop lost its charge, or your PC wouldn’t turn on even though it was plugged in. These issues could be caused by broken hardware, program bugs, or bad cables.
Are any of these problems happening to you? If so, let’s look at some possible reasons why and provide some do-it-yourself answers.
Make sure that the power source works before you start working on your device. It might be as easy as making sure the plug socket in your home or office works. In order to do this, plug in something else to make sure it works. That way, you’ll know if the problem is with the socket or your computer.
Often, the issue is just a circuit breaker that has tripped or a power strip that isn’t working right.
Verify that the charger and power cord are not broken. If the cable has frayed wires, metal that can be seen, or burnt marks, it may be broken and needs to be replaced. If your power adapter is broken, your device might not get the power it needs. The problem might be fixed by just getting a new power adapter.
The best thing to do is buy an official power adapter for the device.
If an official charger is too expensive or no longer manufactured, a good universal charger can work just as well. However, not all universal chargers work the same or perform the same.
Different computers need different amounts of power. So, make sure that the power wattage of the new universal charger fits the power wattage of the old adapter that isn’t working.
We highly recommend the Targus brand for a universal power adapter. We have used Targus power adapters as a backup for years when customers forget to bring in their own for repairs. They are reliable, and the adapters work with all major laptop brands. They also last a long time. Here’s a link to the Targus power adapter we use:
Targus 90 Watt AC Laptop Charger with USB Fast Charging Port
We suggest Anker as a trusted brand for newer universal USB Type-C power adapters. Here is a link to their Amazon store where you can find all of their products: Anker Store
To troubleshoot battery and power issues on a laptop, remove the battery (if it’s removable). Next, press and hold the power button for 30 seconds to drain any power that is still left. Then, plug the charger back in without the battery and try to turn on the laptop again.
If it turns on, the problem might be with the battery instead of the computer, and you might need to get a new battery.
The power jack is where you connect your charger to the laptop. Over time, this port can become loose or damaged. Move the charger’s plug around gently while it’s plugged into the laptop to see if the charging light blinks. The power jack may be broken if it does.
If you are experiencing these issues with a USB Type-C adapter, it may require a component-level repair. Some computers, like newer Apple MacBooks, have detachable USB Type-C adapters that can be replaced and swapped out for an easier repair.
If you checked the ports and found that they were loose or broken, that could be what’s wrong. Please contact us or book an appointment so that we can investigate further.
Most computers come with built-in diagnostic tools. For Windows, you can use the Battery Report feature by typing powercfg /batteryreport in the Command Prompt.
Mac users can check the battery status by following the guide below. Here’s the link to official webpage.
To view your battery’s condition, choose Apple menu 
in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.)
Look at Battery Health on the right. You may see any of the following conditions:
To reset a non-removable battery, follow these steps: Start by turning off your laptop. Then, take the charger out of the wall and press and hold the power button for 30 seconds. Next, plug the charger back in and turn on the laptop. This may assist in resolving minor power problems.
Updating your computer’s BIOS can fix most power management problems. To get the latest version, go to the website of the company that made your computer. Make sure you carefully follow their directions so you don’t damage your computer indefinitely.
For help, please make an appointment or call us if you feel uncomfortable doing this procedure.
To make sure your battery stays healthy and works right, follow these steps:
Do not forget to repeat these steps every few months.
It may be time to get professional assistance if you’ve attempted these fixes and your device’s battery and power problems persist. Here at OTSCR, we specialize in locating and fixing power and battery-related issues. We can quickly identify and fix the problem so your device can return to peak performance.
Most battery and power problems can be avoided with routine maintenance. Cleaning the fans and vents on a regular basis can prevent overheating and stress on the power system.
DataVac is only used by us as a repair shop for heatsinks, fans, and vent cleaning. With a 500-watt motor and 70 CFM airflow, this air blower is extremely strong and safer than canned air. In order to make cleaning difficult-to-reach places easier, it also includes helpful attachments like an air pin pointer and a micro-cleaning tool kit.
DustOff is the recommended product to use if you prefer using can dusters.
Do not forget to apply a surge protector to shield the device from unexpected spikes in power. This multiport surge protector is highly recommended since it features four USB ports, one Type-C port, and five outlets. When on sale, it typically costs less than $10 and is sleek and compact.
Always the charger that came with your device or one that the manufacturer recommends if it is compatible. Your battery and other power components may get damaged if you use the wrong charger. Using cheap travel adapters might also lead to battery and power issues.
Never use a substitute charger other than the original.
Targus power adapters are a dependable option if you’d want a more reasonably priced universal one. They have served us well for more than ten years, with no problems.
Using built-in monitoring tools or third-party apps, keep an eye on the health of your battery. To keep the battery from dying on you suddenly, replace it if you notice significant wear or contact us for service.
Remember not to put your device in places that are too hot or too cold. This could harm the battery (making it grow) and damage power components, which will shorten the device’s life.
Power and battery issues can be annoying, but if you know what to look for and have the right tools, you can fix most of them yourself. If your laptop is having trouble with something more complicated, OTSCR is here to help.
We pride ourselves on offering transparent, fast, and dependable laptop repair services in Cambridge, MA, and its surrounding cities.
Don’t forget that good care and regular maintenance can prevent a lot of battery and power issues.
Do what you need to do, and your device will thank you by working well.
David is the owner of OTSCR and has been building and fixing computers for over 20 years. Starting as a hobby, his expertise has evolved into a successful small business. He now shares his knowledge through blogging and continues to provide top-notch computer services.
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