- Fixing the Dell computer not charging but plugged in issue is tricky because it can be caused by a variety of factors.
- Before replacing the battery or AC adapter, follow these steps to troubleshoot software issues first.
- If you need help to repair common PC issues, check out our thorough Fix section.
- Bookmark out How To hub and refer to it whenever you run into hardware or software issues.
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If your Dell computer plugged in but not charging? This problem can be a result of various factors, such as a faulty AC adapter, dead battery, outdated software, and so on.
The first thing to do when you notice battery issues on your machine is to run 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.
How can I fix my Dell Inspiron 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
- Turn off the laptop.
- Remove the laptop’s battery.
- Unplug the AC adapter from power.
- Disconnect the AC adapter from your laptop.
- Press the Power button on the laptop and hold it for 10 seconds.
- Put your battery back into the laptop.
- Connect the AC adapter to the laptop and wall socket.
- Boot the laptop.
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. Use this detailed guide to learn how to update your BIOS on Windows 10.
5. Update your battery drivers
- Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type in devmgmt.msc and hit ENTER.
- Expand the Batteries section on the list.
- Right-click on Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery.
- Click on Uninstall device from the context menu.
- Hit the Uninstall button.
- Click on Action from the menu bar and select Scan for hardware changes.
- Right-click on Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery again.
- Select Update Driver Software this time.
- On the new window, click on Search automatically for updated driver software.
You can also use dedicated updater software like DriverFix. You can set it up to regularly update your drivers, so you won’t experience this issue in the future.
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, 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, making use of lint-free cloth dabbed in rubbing alcohol (optional), 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 on how to fix the charging problem on these brands.
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