Why Is Laptop Keep Turning Off While Plugged In? – Fixed

Laptops have become indispensable for work, entertainment, and communication in today’s fast-paced digital world.

It can be annoying and inconvenient when your computer suddenly shuts down while connected to a power source. This perplexing issue not only disrupts your productivity but also raises concerns about the health and dependability of your device.

Suppose you are experiencing the aggravating problem of your laptop turning off while plugged into a power outlet. In that case, this comprehensive troubleshooting guide aims to help you identify the power causes behind this issue and provide practical solutions to keep your laptop running without interruptions.

Why Is Laptop Keep Turning Off While Plugged In?

That happens due to a faulty battery or charger, a faulty GPU, overheating, dirt, faulty fans, misconfigured battery settings, excessive overheating, outdated drivers, viruses and malware, and fast startup settings in Windows. All these issues could cause serious problems.

Faulty Battery or Charger

Defective or deteriorating computer batteries can result in unexpected shutdowns, even if the computer is connected to an external power source. If your computer is equipped with a removable battery, try withdrawing it and operating it solely on AC power.

• How To Fix It

If your battery or charger is faulty, both components cannot provide a specific voltage. They must be replaced. Even if the issue is resolved, the battery must be replaced as it is defective.

For laptops with non-removable batteries, consult the manufacturer’s support for battery diagnostics and potential solutions. You can also check the battery model on the internet before purchasing.

Faulty GPU

A computer’s graphics processing unit (GPU) is responsible for rendering pictures and offloading complicated calculations related to visual output. When the GPU breaks down, it could stop the system from running normally and cause it to shut down unexpectedly. This breakdown could be due to overheating or sudden voltage fluctuations.

• How To Fix It

A GPU fault in a laptop is not easy to resolve. If it is permanent, you must disable the GPU permanently. Some professionals recommend removing the GPU connections from the circuit board. Some GPUs can develop errors and bugs that can appear again and again. That is why they recommend permanent removal.

Excessive Overclocking

Overclocking increases the clock rate or running frequency of a computer part, like a CPU or GPU, above what the manufacturer recommends. It can boost overall performance but is also risky and problematic whenever it is excessive.

Extreme overclocking can exceed the thermal limits of a computer’s hardware components. Increased clock frequencies generate more heat; thermal overload may result if the computer’s cooling system cannot remove this heat efficiently.

In order to protect itself from potential damage, the computer’s thermal sensors initiate a shutdown mechanism, causing it to beep.

Overclocking will increase the power consumption of the CPU and GPU, requiring more power from the computer’s power supply. In some instances, the laptop’s power supply may not be designed to accommodate the increased power consumption caused by excessive overclocking.

When the power supply cannot provide enough energy to meet the demands of overclocked components, the computer may shut down abruptly because it does not receive an adequate power supply.

• How To Fix It

The one and only solution to excessive overclocking is to disable the overclocking. Overclocking changes the custom values, and the only way to bring these custom values to default is by disabling the overclocking.

Overheating

Laptops generate heat during operation, and if the cooling system fails to dissipate it effectively, the device can overheat, resulting in automatic shutdowns. To combat this, ensure that the computer’s air vents are free of grit and other debris.

Use compressed air to clear the apertures of any accumulated dust. Consider purchasing a laptop cooling pad to improve ventilation and maintain optimal temperatures.

• How To Fix It

Check your hardware thoroughly; if any of the hardware is damaged, replace it immediately. Additionally, if your ventilation fans are covered with dust and debris, you must clean them to prevent overheating. You can use an air blower or a brush to clean the fans. Finally, if you still face an overheating problem, add more fans to your PC case for proper ventilation.

Dirty and Faulty Fans

There are numerous reasons why this could occur, but a common cause is unclean or malfunctioning fans. The fans in a computer play a crucial role in keeping the system cold by dissipating heat generated by the internal components.

When these fans become faulty or malfunction, they cannot effectively perform their cooling function, leading to overheating and subsequent shutdowns.

• How To Fix It

To resolve these issues, you have to clean the fan properly. There are two safe options to clean the ventilation fans: a soft bristle brush or an air blower. Using both methods, you can clean the fans.

Misconfigured Battery Settings

Incorrect energy management settings may cause laptops to power down when plugged in. Adjust your computer’s energy parameters by navigating to the control panel or settings menu. If your laptop is not getting enough power from the battery due to misconfigured settings, then you might face this turn-off issue.

• How To Fix It

Ensure the energy plan is set to “High Performance” or an equivalent setting that enables the laptop to operate at peak performance when connected. Additionally, check to see if any advanced energy-saving settings are activated and disable them to prevent unexpected shutdowns.

Outdated Drivers

Issues with software and drivers Older or incompatible drivers and software can lead to instability and sporadic device shutdowns. Drivers are responsible for transferring data between hardware and software. If your drivers are not responding properly, your laptop won’t be able to turn on properly.

• How To Fix It

Update your computer’s drivers by visiting the manufacturer’s website or utilizing automated driver update software. Keep your operating system and software programs up-to-date to ensure compatibility and resolve any identified issues causing the termination issue.

Virus and Malware

Malicious applications can consume excessive system resources, increasing CPU and GPU utilization. It can cause a computer to overheat, activating thermal protection mechanisms that shut down the device.

Malware can cause overheating when it intentionally uses the device’s resources or interferes with the cooling mechanisms, disrupting fan operations.

• How To Fix It

You have to scan your laptop for viruses and malware. Open the Windows menu and type “virus & threat protection.” Once you are in the Window, select “Quick Scan” to run a thorough scan. If you find any virus, follow Windows instructions to eliminate it.

Inadequate Energy Supply 

Inadequate energy delivery is one of the primary reasons laptops shut down when connected. Verify that your power adapter conforms to the laptop manufacturer’s specifications. Additionally, inadequate power leads to component malfunctions and a sudden shutdown.

• How To Fix It

Consider determining if the adapter’s wattage output meets the laptop’s power requirements. Inspect the power cable for signs of damage, such as fraying or exposed wires, as this could disrupt the power supply.

Hardware Malfunctions

In some instances, hardware malfunctions can cause the computer to shut down. Defective RAM modules, a malfunctioning hard drive, or a complex motherboard can cause computer instability. Hardware issues are not so simple to resolve. Sometimes you have to replace the whole piece of hardware to stabilize other components.

• How To Fix It

Perform a thorough hardware examination. Use appropriate software or consult a technician to identify and resolve hardware-related issues. You can also use applications and tools to detect any hardware errors.

Power Surges

Consider evaluating the electrical outlet or surge protector you’re utilizing if you’ve ruled out all other capacity-related causes and the problem persists. Computer power delivery can be interrupted by faulty electrical connections or surges, resulting in unexpected shutdowns.

• How To Fix It

Try plugging the computer into a different outlet or circumventing the surge protector to determine whether the problem is with the power supply. You can also use power cables with a fuse in them to protect the laptop from sudden power surges.

Is It Ok To Use a Laptop While Plugged In?

It is totally fine to use a laptop while it is plugged in. In fact, laptops are designed to function both on battery power and when connected to an AC power supply. When you plug your computer in, it simultaneously charges the battery and provides a constant power supply for its components.

In fact, on the direct AC supply, laptops give you more resources as the components, especially the CPU and GPU, get the maximum power needed to perform functions. That is why sometimes you plug in your laptop and feel a performance boost. 

Is It Bad To Keep Laptop Plugged In When Fully Charged?

Keeping a fully charged computer plugged in is not always a bad idea. Modern laptops are designed with built-in mechanisms to prevent overcharging so that the charging process ceases automatically when the battery reaches its maximum capacity. 

Consequently, you can leave your computer connected without worrying about the battery. Lithium-ion technology is typically utilized in laptop batteries, just as in portable digital devices. 

Lithium-ion batteries have a limited number of charge cycles, the number of times a battery can be charged and discharged before its capacity diminishes. 

The number of charge cycles varies depending on the battery manufacturer and model but is typically between three hundred and five hundred cycles.

How Do I Check Health of My Laptop’s Battery?

Many computer producers offer personal battery diagnostic tools or software utilities. These are mainly designed for his or her emblem’s batteries and may provide accurate data on battery fitness and performance. But you can also use the Windows battery report method to check battery health.

Open the Windows start menu and type “CMD,” right-click on the command prompt and then select “Run as administrator.” Now type “powercfg /batteryreport” and hit enter. It will generate a report about your battery health and power time in a specific folder. 

Copy the link to the folder and open “This PC.” Paste the link, and you will be redirected to the report folder. Open the battery report to know the status.

Conclusion

Having a computer turn off while plugged in is annoying and distracting. However, by identifying the causes and applying appropriate solutions, you can resolve this issue and ensure smooth device performance.

Battery or charger failures might trigger unexpected shutdowns. Try running your computer on AC power if you have a replaceable battery. Laptops can also shut down due to GPU issues. If the problem persists, disable the GPU permanently or seek professional help.

Overclocking might cause overheating and power outages. Ensure your laptop’s cooling device and energy supply can handle overclocking’s power draw. Overheating owing to clogged air vents or broken fans causes unexpected shutdowns. A PC cooling pad and vent cleaning can increase ventilation and prevent overheating.

Misconfigured battery settings, obsolete drivers, and viruses or malware might cause shutdown troubles. Adjusting electricity management settings, upgrading drivers and software, and routinely scanning for malware can fix these issues. 

Inadequate power supply, hardware failures, and energy surges are also key factors. Check your energy adapter’s specs, hardware, and outlet or surge protector.

Using a laptop while plugged in is fine and can increase performance as components get maximum juice. Modern computers prevent overcharging, so you can leave it plugged in while fully charged. Use manufacturer-supplied battery diagnostic equipment or software to test your computer’s battery. You may also create a battery fitness and electricity usage file using Windows.