Battery backup reduces gradually over the life of a laptop. What people usually notice is a sudden change — backup that was two or three hours dropping to twenty minutes within a few weeks.
Separate gradual ageing from sudden change
Battery cells have a limited number of charge cycles. A slow decline over two or three years is normal behaviour. A sharp drop in a short period is different and worth checking.
Check how the laptop behaves when unplugged
If the laptop switches off immediately the moment the charger is removed, the battery may not be holding charge at all, or it may not be connected properly internally. Note whether the shutdown is instant or gradual.
Look at what is running
- Screen brightness kept at maximum
- Background sync and update services
- Applications that continue running after being closed
- Connected devices drawing power from USB ports
A swollen battery needs immediate attention
If the trackpad feels raised, the keyboard sits unevenly or the base panel is bulging, treat it as a swollen battery. Stop charging the laptop, avoid pressing on the affected area and mention this clearly when you contact a repair service.
What to share when you enquire
- Laptop brand and model number
- Approximate age of the laptop
- Backup you used to get and what you get now
- Whether the laptop runs normally on the charger