Fix: Laptop Turns Off When Unplugged

Users have reported that their Laptop turns off when they unplug the power cord after upgrading to Windows 10. Some users encountered this error after updating their laptop to the 1809 update released by Microsoft for Windows 10. This issue has been around for quite a while and still troubles someone around the globe now and then, however, Microsoft is yet to release an official response to this. Nonetheless, there are several solutions available on several websites but most of them tend to be ineffective.

What good is a laptop if it cannot be used once it has been charged fully? The degree of agitation this issue causes is high and many users have opted out of Windows 10 due to it. In this article, we’ve listed the most effective solutions that have worked for others, so don’t worry and read through.

What causes your Laptop to turn off when Unplugged?

The causes of this problem aren’t known, if any, other than the following —

  • Windows 10 upgrade or update. If you’ve recently upgraded your operating system to Windows 10 or updated to the 1809 update, that might be the cause of the issue.
  • Faulty battery. If your laptop shuts down once you unplug the adapter, it naturally means your battery is not operating properly.

With that being uttered, let us get into the solutions.

Solution 1: Changing Power Management Settings

Sometimes, when your system turns off after it is unplugged it doesn’t refer to a faulty battery, drivers or computer. They’re all fine and the issue is caused by your operating system’s Power Management settings that can be easily altered. Here’s how to do this:

  1. Go to Start Menu, type in Power Plan and then click ‘Edit Power Plan’.
  2. Click the ‘Change advanced power settings’.
  3. Scroll down and locate ‘Processor power management’, click to expand it.
    Processor power management – Windows Power Options
  4. Now expand the Maximum processor state and reduce the On-battery option to 20%.
  5. After that, expand Display and then click on Enable adaptive brightness.
  6. Turn on adaptive brightness for both on-battery and plugged in options.
    Enabling Adaptive Brightness from Windows Power Options

Solution 2: Reinstall Battery Drivers

Another thing you can do to resolve this issue would be to reinstall battery drivers. Sometimes, your system power offs when you unplug the power cord due to faulty drivers in which case you’ll have to reinstall them. Here’s how:

  1. Go to Start menu, type in Device Manager and open it up.
  2. Click Batteries to expand it, and then right-click each ACPI option one by one.
  3. Select Uninstall.
    Batter Driver Uninstall – Device Manager
  4. After you’ve uninstalled the drivers, reboot your laptop.

Once your system boots, your battery drivers would be installed automatically.

Solution 3: Run Power-Troubleshooter

You can also resolve your problem by running the built-in Troubleshooter in Windows 10. The Power troubleshooter finds and fixes problems in your system’s power settings. Run it by doing the following:

  1. Press Winkey + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Update and Security.
    Windows Settings
  3. Navigate to the Troubleshoot tab.
  4. Under ‘Find and fix other problems’, you’ll see Power.
  5. Click it and then hit ‘Run troubleshooter’.
    Running Power Troubleshooter to Detect Power Settings Flaws

Solution 4: Power Reset your Laptop

Many issues including battery errors can be fixed by decreasing the amount of power stored in your laptop’s hardware components. This is referred to as Hard Reset or Power Reset. To perform a hard reset, do the following:

  1. If your Windows is open, shut it down.
  2. If it is not and the system has power, hold the power button until there’s no power.
  3. Unplug any external peripherals connected to your laptop.
  4. Unplug the power cord and remove the battery from the battery compartment.
  5. Afterward, hold the power button for about 15 seconds.
    Power Reset
  6. You’ll notice the power light blink briefly.
  7. Reconnect the power cord now and turn on your system.

Solution 5: Disconnecting the Battery

Occasionally, the problem can be fixed by disconnecting your laptop’s battery and letting it be for some time and then connecting it again. The procedure may be different and if you are not a tech guru, make sure to skip this solution as you might damage your laptop’s hardware. Here’s how to disassemble your battery:

  1. Shut down your laptop and unplug the power cord.
  2. Get a screwdriver and unscrew all the screws in order to access the battery.
  3. Locate the battery and disconnect it carefully.
    Removed Battery
  4. Let it be for about 15 minutes.
  5. Connect the battery again and screw the screws.
  6. Plug the power cord and turn on your system.

Solution 6: Updating BIOS

Sometimes, if your chipset or BIOS isn’t running the latest driver, it might cause this issue to pop up. If you have an HP laptop, use HP support assistant to search for any updates and install them. It might potentially solve the issue. If you are using a laptop from any other manufacturer, just download their driver support software and check for updates.

BIOS Update

Solution 7: Changing the Battery

If the none of the above-mentioned solutions have worked for you, this can only mean one thing. Your laptop’s battery has died and needs to be replaced. In such a case, make sure to get an original battery from your laptop’s manufacturer and then replace it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kevin Arrows


Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.