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5 signs your laptop battery is dying

Swelling, sudden shutdowns, short runtime, heat, and OS warnings all point to battery trouble.

Direct answer: A laptop battery is probably dying if runtime drops sharply, it shuts off with charge remaining, it runs hot, the trackpad or case starts bulging, or the operating system says service is recommended.

Laptop batteries usually fade before they fail completely. Catching the signs early protects your data and, in swollen-battery cases, protects the machine itself.

The five signs

  1. Runtime collapsed. Six hours became two, then one.
  2. Percentage jumps around. It says 60%, then dies a few minutes later.
  3. Heat during normal use. A weak pack can generate extra heat while charging or discharging.
  4. Bulging case or stiff trackpad. This is serious. Stop charging it.
  5. System warning. macOS may say Service Recommended; Windows battery reports can show full charge capacity far below design capacity.
Do not press a swollen battery flat. If the case is separating or the trackpad is lifting, power down and stop charging.

What a battery replacement involves

The repair is usually removing the bottom cover, disconnecting power, safely loosening adhesive or screws, installing the correct pack, and checking charging behavior afterward. The hard part is not rushing a swollen or heavily glued battery.

Bench note: If a laptop only works while plugged in, the battery is not the only possible cause. Charging circuits, ports, and adapters can mimic battery failure.
Dealing with this right now?
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