See what is using the battery
Go to Settings → System → Power & battery → Battery usage. It lists which apps used the most power in the last 24 hours or 7 days.
Check the battery's real health
Open Command Prompt, type powercfg /batteryreport and press Enter. Open the battery-report.html file it creates and compare Full charge capacity with Design capacity. Well below 60–70% means the battery is worn.
Turn screen brightness down
The screen is usually the biggest battery user. Even a little lower makes a noticeable difference.
Use battery saver
Settings → System → Power & battery → Battery saver. Turn it on automatically at 20–30%.
Close heavy background apps
Browsers with many tabs, games, video calls and sync apps drain battery fast. Close what you're not using.
Reduce start-up programs
Fewer programs running in the background means less drain. See our start-up guide.
Keep Windows and drivers updated
Updates often include power fixes. Settings → Windows Update.
Watch for swelling
If the case bulges, the trackpad lifts or the laptop wobbles on a desk, the battery may be swollen. Stop charging it and get it replaced — don't keep using it.
Do it in one click — freeAiActions PC Helper checks all of this for you in about a minute and explains what it finds in plain English. Free health check any time, plus one free fix session. Nothing changes without your OK.
Questions
How much does a laptop battery replacement cost?
It depends on the model. Call 0208 459 6264 with your laptop model and we'll give you a price before any work.
Is it bad to leave my laptop plugged in?
Modern laptops manage charging well, but many offer a battery-care setting that stops charging at about 80% — worth turning on if you're plugged in most of the time.