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HP Notebook PCs - Testing and calibrating the battery (Windows)

The capacity of a battery changes over time. To know the condition of your battery, test and calibrate your battery if necessary.

Because of this change in battery capacity, the charge level indicator in Windows might not show 100% charged. To know the condition of your battery, test your battery and calibrate it if necessary. Calibrating the battery resets the battery gauge to accurately display the charge level in Windows. In this document, two methods of testing and calibrating the battery are explained. Also, a manual method for calibrating the battery is presented.

If you notice that your notebook battery is swollen or deformed, go to HP Notebook PCs - Swelling or deformation of notebook battery for more information.

Test the battery using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Windows (preferred method)

HP provides diagnostic software you can use to test hardware components on your computer and confirm hardware failures. The Battery Test checks your system to make sure the battery is functioning properly.

Depending on which version of Windows or HP PC Hardware Diagnostics you are using, the information and graphics in this procedure might vary slightly.

Turn on the computer.
Search for and open HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Windows.

If the app is not installed on your computer or if you have not updated it recently, download the latest version. See What if my computer does not have the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics for Windows? for more information.
Click Component Tests in the main menu.
In the list of Component Tests, click Power.
Select Battery Check, and then click Run once.
Wait while the test is in progress. The Battery Test takes about two minutes.
Click Finish on the Component Tests page.
Select Test Logs to see the results of the battery test.
When the testing is done, review the test logs that display for the status or condition of the battery.
- If your battery passed, click Main Menu or click Details for more information.
- If your battery failed, continue with these steps.

Check the following for suggested actions, and then write down the battery status and Failure ID. Keep the battery status and Failure ID so you have them available if you need to contact HP Customer Support.

The information in the table is also available in the Test Logs section on the main menu.

Battery Check results
Status	Message	Suggested action
Passed	The battery functions properly and as expected.	Read the remainder of the message for more information.
Weak or Very Weak	The battery functions correctly, but due to normal aging of the battery, the battery life between charges is now significantly shorter than when it was new.	This status message is displayed when there is decrease in capacity of battery that occurs over time and with use. The battery should be replaced to get the most working time out of your battery.
Replace	The battery reports a failure and needs to be replaced as soon as possible.	Replace the battery. If your computer is within its warranty period, you can contact HP support to verify if your battery is covered.
Failure with an ID number	The battery experienced a hardware failure.	Write down the battery status and Failure ID. Keep the battery status and Failure ID so you have them available if you need to contact HP Customer Support.
No Battery	HP Battery Check did not detect a battery.	A battery is not installed or detected in the battery compartment. If a battery is installed, remove the battery and inspect the pins to see if there is dirt or other foreign matter blocking the connection. Fully insert a battery into the compartment if a battery was not inserted and you want to test the battery in that compartment.
Unknown	HP Battery Check could not access the battery.	Remove and reinsert the battery. You might need to download and install all the updates from HP Support Assistant.

Test the battery using HP Support Assistant

HP Battery Check is a utility in HP Support Assistant that provides a simple but accurate test of the battery in Windows.

To use HP Support Assistant to check and calibrate the battery, follow these instructions:

In Windows, search for and open HP Support Assistant.

If the app is not installed on your computer, go to HP Support Assistant to download the latest version.
On the My Dashboard tab, click Battery. The battery page is displayed.
Click Run battery check.
Wait while the battery check completes.

HP Battery Check displays the battery status.

Review the HP Support Assistant Battery Check results. Status results you might see include the following:

HP Support Assistant Battery Check results
Status	Message	Suggested action
Passed	The battery functions properly and as expected.	Read the remainder of the message for more information.
Weak or Very Weak	The battery functions correctly, but due to normal aging of the battery, the battery life between charges is now significantly shorter than when it was new.	This status message is displayed when there is decrease in capacity of battery that occurs over time and with use. The battery should be replaced to get the most working time out of your battery.
Replace	The battery reports a failure and needs to be replaced as soon as possible.	Replace the battery. If your computer is within its warranty period, you can contact HP support to verify if your battery is covered.
Failure with an ID number	The battery experienced a hardware failure.	Write down the battery status and Failure ID. Keep the battery status and Failure ID so you have them available if you need to contact HP Customer Support.
No Battery	HP Battery Check did not detect a battery.	A battery is not installed or detected in the battery compartment. If a battery is installed, remove the battery and inspect the pins to see if there is dirt or other foreign matter blocking the connection. Fully insert a battery into the compartment if a battery was not inserted and you want to test the battery in that compartment.
Unknown	HP Battery Check could not access the battery.	Remove and reinsert the battery. You might need to download and install all the updates from HP Support Assistant.

Test the battery before Windows starts using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI

HP recommends fully charging the battery before performing a battery test before Windows starts.

Disconnect the AC adapter.
Press and hold the Power button for at least five seconds to turn off the computer.
Turn on the computer and immediately press esc repeatedly, about once every second. When the startup menu appears, press f2. The HP PC Hardware Diagnostics menu is displayed.
Click Component Tests in the main menu.
In the list of Component Tests, click Power.
In the list of Power Tests, click Battery.
On the Battery Test page, click Run once. The Battery Test begins.

The Battery Test takes about two minutes. The Battery Calibration, if needed, requires 12 to 14 hours. You can cancel at any time by pressing the esc key.
Wait while the battery check completes.
When the testing is done, review the first line on the Battery Check page that displays the status or condition of the battery.
- If your battery passed, click Main Menu or click Battery Details for more information.
- If the battery passes and needs to be calibrated, click Calibrate Battery.
- If your battery failed, continue with these steps.

If your battery failed, check the following table for suggested actions, and then write down the battery status and Failure ID. Keep the battery status and Failure ID so you have them available if you need to contact HP Customer Support.

The information in the table is also available in the Test Logs section on the main menu.

Battery Test results
Status	Message	Suggested action
Passed	The battery functions properly and as expected.	The battery does not need calibration. Read the remainder of the message for more information.
Calibrate	The battery functions correctly, but it needs to be calibrated.	Read and respond to the message that is displayed. If the option to use the HP battery auto calibration feature is displayed, this is preferred. Otherwise, click Learn How to Calibrate your Battery for the steps to calibrate your battery. Note: Battery calibration might take several hours to complete and is best performed during long periods when the computer is not in use.
Weak or Very Weak	The battery functions correctly, but due to normal aging of the battery, the battery life between charges is now significantly shorter than when it was new.	This status message is displayed when there is decrease in capacity of battery that occurs over time and with use. The battery should be replaced to get the most working time out of your battery.
Replace	The battery reports a failure and needs to be replaced as soon as possible.	Replace the battery. If your computer is within its warranty period, you can contact HP support to verify if your battery is covered.
Failure with an ID number	The battery experienced a hardware failure.	Write down the battery status and Failure ID. Keep the battery status and Failure ID so you have them available if you need to contact HP Customer Support.
No Battery	HP Battery Check did not detect a battery.	A battery is not installed or detected in the battery compartment. If a battery is installed, remove the battery and inspect the pins to see if there is dirt or other foreign matter blocking the connection. Fully insert a battery into the compartment if a battery was not inserted and you want to test the battery in that compartment.
Unknown	HP Battery Check could not access the battery.	Remove and reinsert the battery. You might need to download and install all the updates from HP Support Assistant.

Calibrate the battery manually

Manually calibrating the battery requires you to discharge or drain the battery, and then recharge the battery. These instructions work with most battery types.

Run a battery test after calibrating the battery. Calibrating the battery improves the accuracy of the battery gauge software so that it more accurately displays the current level of charge.

How to Calibrate the Battery on HP Notebooks

This video shows how to calibrate the battery on your HP Notebook. We will use the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI to calibrate the battery and restore the proper levels.

Note:

You do not need to fully charge the battery before you calibrate it. Turn on the computer and use HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI to discharge the battery.

You do need to update HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI to the latest version. To download the latest version, go to the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics website. Select Diagnose PC issues outside of the OS, and then click Download.

Discharge the battery

Discharge the battery using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI.

Note:

If the computer battery is already drained and the computer cannot turn on when you begin this procedure, wait a minimum of 5.5 hours and then go to Recharge the battery.

Disconnect the AC adapter.
Press and hold the Power button for at least five seconds to turn off the computer.
Turn on the computer and immediately press the f2 key repeatedly, about once every second, until the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI menu is displayed.
Click Component Tests in the main menu.

Note:
The purpose is to drain or discharge the battery, not get the results of the test. The battery discharges and the computer turns off before the test results are displayed.
In the list of Component Tests, click Battery.
On the Battery Test page, click Run once. The Battery Test begins. After the battery passes the test, click Calibrate Battery.
On the Battery Calibration page, click Start Calibration.

Note:
To run battery calibration, the Battery Health Manager setting in BIOS must be Let HP manage my battery charging. If your Battery Health Manager setting is different, click Continue to change the setting when prompted.

If your AC adapter is still connected, disconnect the AC adapter, and then click Continue to continue the process when prompted.
HP PC Hardware Diagnostics discharges the battery and displays an estimated time to completion. After the calibration process is complete, reconnect the AC adapter and turn on the computer at the times displayed on-screen.

Note:
The recommended times to reconnect the AC adapter and turn on the computer are usually about 6 hours after the calibration process is completed.
Then, recharge the battery.

Recharge the battery

Recharge the battery fully to finish recalibrating the battery.

Note:

If you run HP Battery Check before the battery charges fully, you might get a false battery failure result.

Plug in the AC adapter to charge the battery.
Charge the battery to a full charge, 99% to 100%. This takes approximately 4 hours.

Note:
If you are using a business notebook, make sure that you are using the Let HP manage my battery charging setting in Battery Health Manager. You must use this setting to fully charge the notebook. For more information, see Use Battery Health Manager (HP Business Notebook PCs with Windows only).

Note:
The battery continues to charge whether the computer is on or off.
Check the battery charge. Turn on the computer and start Windows normally. On the desktop, hover the pointer over the battery icon in the system tray to view the battery charge percentage. Make sure that the battery charge percentage is 99% or 100%.

Note:
If you plug in your AC adapter and immediately run the HP Battery Check, you might get a false failure showing the battery is bad. If the battery is in a low-charge state (that is, less than 3%), you might also get a false reading.
Wait two hours before using the notebook.

Use Battery Health Manager (HP Business Notebook PCs with Windows only)

This BIOS utility provides a number of settings designed to improve battery longevity and performance for select HP business computers.

For a list of supported computer models and BIOS updates to enable Battery Health Manager on those platforms, go to HP Business Notebooks, Mobile Workstations, and Mobile Thin Clients - HP Introduces HP Battery Health Manager To Help Optimize Battery Health.

Turn off the computer, and then make sure that the power cord is connected to the computer.
Turn on the computer, and then repeatedly press the esc key until the Startup Menu is displayed.
Press f10 to open the BIOS Setup Utility.
Using the arrow keys, select Advanced > Power Management Options.

The Battery Health Manager feature opens. If you do not see Battery Health Manager, go to the HP Customer Support Software and Driver Downloads page to update the BIOS to the most current version available.
Click the drop-down menu to select a Battery Health Manager setting.
- Maximize my battery health: Use this setting if the computer stays plugged in to the power adapter most of the time. This setting maximizes battery health by lowering the maximum battery charge level to 80%.
- Let HP manage my battery charging: Use this setting if the computer is regularly removed from the power adapter and allowed to discharge or over a year old. Charging behavior automatically adjusts to balance between maximizing battery health and maximizing battery duration.
After you choose a setting, click Save, and then exit the BIOS Setup Utility.

Battery testing and calibration frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Review the frequently asked questions about testing and calibrating the battery.

What if my computer does not have the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics for Windows?

Some computers might not have the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Windows tool. HP provides diagnostic software you can use to test hardware components on your computer.

HP PC Hardware Diagnostics for Windows is a Windows -based utility that allows you to run diagnostic tests to determine whether the computer hardware is functioning properly. The tool runs within the Windows operating system to diagnose hardware failures.

To download the latest version, go to the HP Hardware Diagnostics website.
Click the IN WINDOWS tab, and then click Download HP Diagnostics Windows.
Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install HP PC Hardware Diagnostics for Windows.

Note:
For more information about HP PC Hardware Diagnostics for Windows, go to HP PCs - Testing for hardware failures in Windows 10.

How do I run HP PC Hardware Diagnostics if it does not load from the hard drive?

You can install HP PC Hardware Diagnostics for Windows to a blank FAT or FAT32 formatted USB flash drive to use when the main storage device fails or when the UEFI files are corrupted.

Insert a formatted USB flash drive into your computer.
To download the latest version, go to the HP Hardware Diagnostics website.
Click the IN WINDOWS tab, and then click Download HP Diagnostics Windows.
Follow the on-screen instructions to download HP PC Hardware Diagnostics for Windows.
When the Setup Wizard prompts you to select the installation location, select USB Flash Drive.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation of the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics for Windows.

Note:
For more information about using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics for Windows from a USB flash drive, go to HP PCs - Testing for hardware failures in Windows 10.

What if my computer does not have HP Support Assistant?

Download the latest version of HP Support Assistant.

To download and install HP Support Assistant, go to HP Support Assistant, click the Download button, and then follow the on-screen instructions.

For more information, go to HP PCs - Using HP Support Assistant (Windows).

How do I interpret the results of the advanced battery check report?

Review the following list for more information about the results displayed under either Battery Details or Advanced Information.

Examples of the detailed results of a battery check

Callout	Description
1	HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI
2	HP Support Assistant

Charged or Discharging: Percentage displays how close to a full charge the battery is. Displays Charged when the power cord is plugged into the computer or Discharging when the power cord is disconnected.
Primary Battery: Summarizes the test result for the primary battery.
Warranty Type: Describes the warranty of the battery.
Cycle count: The number of times the battery can be fully discharged and recharged. In the example, the battery has been charged and discharged 38 times out of 1000.
Manufacturer: A code that indicates the manufacturer of the battery.
Battery Age: The number of days since the battery was manufactured.
Serial Number: The serial number of the battery.
Temperature: The temperature of the battery.
Design Capacity: Displays the designed charge capacity of the battery.
Full Charge Capacity: Displays the capacity of the battery when fully charged.
Remaining Capacity: Displays the remaining charge of the battery in milliampere hours (mAh) instead of a percentage.
Current: The discharge current, represented in milliamperes (mA). When the computer uses AC power, Current displays 0 mA.
Terminal Voltage: The voltage output from the battery terminals.
Design Voltage: Displays the designed voltage of the battery.
Cell Voltage (1-4): Each battery has up to four cells. Cell Voltage represents the capacity for each individual cell. If one or more of the Cell Voltage items displays 0mV, the battery contains three or fewer cells.
Status: Provides a code indicating additional battery status information for service technicians.
AC Power: Displays Yes when the power cord is plugged in, or No when the power cord is disconnected from the computer.
CT Number: This number is the identifying number printed on the barcode on the battery.
Secondary Battery: Indicates the presence of another battery.

Why does the battery status display 'Charged' when the battery is not charged 100%?

To protect the battery from multiple, brief charging sessions when you connect the power cord, the battery does not begin charging until the charge falls below 94%.

Results displaying 'Charged' when the battery is at 98%

How do I maximize the capacity and life span of the battery?

Recommendations for battery use and storage are covered in the HP User Guides for each model. Review this additional information on battery care practices.

Store Li-Ion batteries between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F) with 30% to 50% charge.
Do not disassemble, crush, or puncture a battery; do not short the external contacts on a battery; and do not dispose of a battery in fire or water.
Do not leave batteries exposed to high temperatures for extended periods. Prolonged exposure to heat (for example, inside a hot car) accelerates the deterioration of Li-Ion cells.
Remove the battery if the notebook will be stored (turned off and not plugged into AC power) for more than 2 weeks.
Remove the battery from the notebook if the notebook will be plugged into AC power continuously (via an AC adapter or docking station) for more than 2 weeks.
Use the type of battery with the highest capacity (Ah) rating if the notebook will run high-end applications on battery power.
Calibrate the battery based on the usage model. Under normal usage, batteries should be calibrated a minimum of once every 3 months; however, a battery that is rarely discharged fully should be calibrated about once a month.
Keep the battery away from children.
Use only the battery provided with the computer, a replacement battery provided by HP, or a compatible battery purchased as an accessory.

How do I conserve battery power?

You can manually change the power consumption of your notebook PC and conserve battery power.

Reduce the brightness of the screen to the minimum readable level. Use the fn and f7 or f8 keys to adjust the brightness.
Remove peripherals when not in use. External hard drives, CD-ROMs, USB flash drives, PC cards, and other peripheral devices can draw power from your battery even when they are not in active use. Disconnect them when you have finished using them.
Reduce the speed of your processor. The faster your computer works, the more quickly it uses up the supply of power. By cutting down on processor speed, you can extend the charge of your battery. Methods to reduce processor speed vary from model to model, and your processor manual should provide instructions for doing so.
Turn off the Wireless On-Off button when it is not in use. If your notebook has one, press the Wireless On-Off button so that the light turns off.
Check for programs running in the background. Some programs automatically install a quick-start utility and run in the background when the computer is started. You can decrease the power requirements by periodically searching for and removing unnecessary programs.

What if my original battery charges slowly, but the replacement battery charges normally?

If the original battery charges too slowly, but a replacement battery charges as it should, the battery might not be at fault. Before you replace the battery that might be defective or worn out, use the following instructions to determine if the battery needs to be replaced.

Search for and open Device Manager.
Click the arrow next to Batteries to expand the battery options.
In the drop-down menu, right-click each ACPI option, and then select Uninstall.
Restart the computer.

The battery now charges properly. If not, it might need to be replaced.

When should I replace the battery?

A notebook battery typically lasts between three and five years before replacement becomes necessary. Run the diagnostic tests provided by HP to help determine when it is time to replace the battery.

After a battery reaches the end of its useful life, you have a choice to either replace the notebook or just replace the battery. By replacing the battery instead of the notebook, you prolong the life of the notebook, which reduces both cost of ownership and technology waste.

HP recommends purchasing genuine HP replacement batteries through HP dealers and vendors to avoid illegitimate or counterfeit products.

Where can I get a replacement battery?

Different notebook models require different batteries. Before ordering a battery, you need to know the product number of your notebook to determine the part number of the replacement battery.

To find your product number, use HP Support Assistant or locate the product number on the product label.

Note:

HP strongly recommends purchasing genuine HP replacement batteries. HP batteries are manufactured to meet or exceed international industry safety standards and are produced by the same vendors as the original batteries sold with your notebook. HP stands behind the performance of all HP products when using genuine HP replacement batteries.

In Windows, search for and open HP Support Assistant. When HP Support Assistant opens, the product name, product number, and serial number of the notebook display.

Note:
To download and install HP Support Assistant, go to HP Support Assistant, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
To locate the notebook product number using the product label, turn off the notebook. Turn the notebook over, and then locate the HP product label on the bottom of the notebook. The product number (P/N) is printed on this tag.

Go to Find product and serial numbers for HP PCs, printers, and accessories for more information.

Note:
On some models, the product tag might be located inside a battery compartment or behind an access panel.

For more detailed information, go to HP Notebook PCs - Purchasing a Replacement Battery.

Why are quality control and safety designs important in replacement lithium ion batteries?

The high energy densities of lithium ion batteries present a potential danger if safety design guidelines and features and production quality control are not strictly adhered to.

The media are full of examples where deficiencies in lithium ion batteries have resulted in thermal events and product safety recalls. HP has strict criteria throughout the battery development and production process to minimize any possibility of product failures. HP strongly encourages consumers to purchase genuine HP replacement batteries from authorized dealers.

CAUTION:

Counterfeit batteries: Unauthorized sources might offer replacement batteries as “genuine HP” or “authentic HP” or “original HP” when they are actually counterfeit. Such batteries are typically offered at price points below $45 USD, which is less than the cost of manufacture of an HP battery. HP cannot control the performance of HP notebooks when using counterfeit batteries.

Battery warranties

In HP notebooks, standard and long-life batteries are covered under separate warranties from the notebook without exception. While the battery warranty might match the duration of the notebook warranty, they are in fact two separate warranties.

For more information, go to HP Business Notebooks - Understanding Battery Warranties for Business Notebooks.

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