If your computer only turns on when plugged in, you may be wondering what’s wrong. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people have this problem, and it’s usually caused by a simple mistake.
If you’re using a laptop, make sure that the AC adapter is securely plugged into the wall outlet and the computer. If you’re using a desktop computer, check to see if the power cord is plugged into the back of the computer and plugged into an outlet.
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If your computer still isn’t working, there may be a more serious problem. But don’t despair! Take it to your local computer repair shop and they’ll help you get to the bottom of it.
How to Fix a Laptop that only Works when Plugged-in
A laptop that only works when plugged in is often suffering from a dying battery or a faulty power adapter. If your laptop only works when plugged in, here are a few things you can try to fix the problem:
1. Check the power adapter
The first thing you should do is make sure that the power adapter is working properly. Try plugging it into another outlet to see if it charges the laptop. If not, then the power adapter may be broken and you’ll need to buy a new one.
2. Replace the battery
If the power adapter is working fine, then the next step is to replace the battery. A laptop that only works when plugged in is often caused by a dying battery. You can buy a new battery for your laptop at most electronics stores.
3. Check for loose connections
If your laptop still only works when plugged in, then there may be a loose connection somewhere between the power adapter and the laptop. Inspect all of the cables and plugs to make sure they’re all securely connected. If you find a loose connection, try tightening it or replacing the cable entirely.
Disabling and Re-enabling the ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery
If your computer only works when plugged in, the most likely cause is a problem with the ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery. You can try disabling and re-enabling the battery to see if that fixes the problem.
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter to open Device Manager.
- Expand the Batteries section.
- Right-click on the ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery and select Disable from the context menu.
- Click Yes to confirm.
- Right-click on the ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery again and select Enable from the context menu.
- Close Device Manager and restart your computer to see if the problem is fixed
Resetting the Profile Power Schemes
The problem may be with the power profile you’re using. To reset the profile, follow these steps:
- In the Start menu, search for and open “Control Panel.”
- In Control Panel, search for “power options” and open the app.
- On the left-hand side of the window, click “Choose a power plan.”
- Next to the power plan you’re currently using, click “Change plan settings.”
- Click “Restore default settings for this plan.”
- Click “Save changes.”
Once you’ve done this, restart your computer and see if the problem persists. If it does, you may need to take additional steps to troubleshoot the issue.
What if these Two Solutions Don’t Work?
If you have tried the above solutions and your computer still does not power on or charge the battery, please contact Support.
1. Laptop Won’t Turn on Unless Plugged In
If your computer only works when it’s plugged in, it’s possible that there’s an issue with the battery. Try these steps to see if they help.

- Press the power button to turn on your computer.
- Unplug the power cord from the computer.
- Press and hold the power button for 60 seconds.
- Plug the power cord back into the computer.
- Press the power button to turn on your computer.
1). Power Management Problems
It could be that your computer is not receiving enough power from the outlet. If the outlet is working properly, check to see if the Power Supply Unit (PSU) is providing enough power to the motherboard. In some cases, the problem could be with the PSU itself.
2). Overheating Issues
Another possibility is that your computer is overheating, which can cause various components to malfunction. Check to see if any of your components are excessively hot to the touch. The CPU and GPU are usually the most likely suspects.
3). Loose Hardware Connections
It’s also possible that one of your hardware components is not properly connected to the motherboard. In particular, check to see if all of your cables are securely plugged in and that there are no loose connections.
4). Incorrect BIOS Settings
Your computer’s BIOS (Basic Input/ Output System) controls a variety of low-level settings for your system, including power management options. If the wrong settings are enabled, it could cause your computer to only work when plugged in.
2. Clean The Battery Physically
If your computer only works when plugged in, the problem could be a loose battery. Try taking the battery out and cleaning the electrical contacts with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. This will help remove any dirt or buildup that could be interfering with the connection between the computer and the battery.
3. Testing Through Your Software
If you’re using a PC, the first thing you should do is check your power settings. It’s possible that your computer is set to “hibernate” or “sleep” after a certain period of inactivity, and that’s why it won’t turn on when you unplug it.
To check your power settings, open the Control Panel and click on “Power Options.” From there, you can see what your computer is set to do when you press the power button, as well as when it receives power from an AC adapter.
If neither of those options are set, then your next step should be to check your computer’s BIOS. The BIOS is a low-level software that controls how your computer starts up. In most cases, you can access the BIOS by pressing a key (usually F2 or Del) during the boot process.
Once you’re in the BIOS, look for an option that controls what happens when your computer loses power. In most cases, you’ll want to set this option to “stay on,” so that your computer doesn’t automatically turn off when it’s unplugged.
4. Things You Should Do Before Buying a New Battery
If you’ve been noticing that your computer only works when it’s plugged in, or that it’s not holding a charge as long as it used to, it might be time to buy a new battery. Here are four things you should do before you purchase a replacement:

- Check for system updates. Out-of-date drivers or firmware could be causing power management issues.
- Check for battery health issues. In Windows, open the Battery Saver tool to see if your battery is reporting any health problems.
- Clean up your disk usage. Fragmented files or too many programs running at startup can put a strain on your battery.
- Review your power settings. Make sure that power-saving features like sleep mode and screen dimming are turned on.
Conclusion
If your computer only works when it’s plugged in, there are a few possible explanations. It could be a problem with the power supply, the battery, the BIOS settings, or something else entirely. In most cases, you should be able to fix the problem by following the steps outlined above.
There are a few different things that could be causing your computer to only work when plugged in. In most cases, it’s either a power management issue or a hardware problem.
If you’re having trouble troubleshooting the problem on your own, you can always take your computer to a local repair shop or contact the manufacturer for help.
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