As one of the most popular laptops on the market, Microsoft Surface laptops are known for their sleek design, impressive performance, and long battery life. However, like any other electronic device, they require regular charging to keep them running. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to charge your Microsoft Surface laptop, as well as some useful tips to help you get the most out of your device.
Understanding Your Microsoft Surface Laptop’s Charging Port
Before we dive into the charging process, it’s essential to understand the type of charging port your Microsoft Surface laptop has. Most Surface laptops come with a USB-C port, which is a multi-purpose port that can be used for charging, data transfer, and even display output. However, some older models may still have a traditional USB-A port or a Surface Connect port.
USB-C Port
If your Surface laptop has a USB-C port, you can use it to charge your device using a USB-C charger. USB-C chargers are designed to provide faster charging speeds and can deliver up to 27W of power. To charge your Surface laptop using a USB-C port, simply plug the USB-C charger into the port, and the charging process will begin.
| Surface Laptop Model | Charging Port Type |
|---|---|
| Surface Laptop 3 | USB-C |
| Surface Laptop 2 | USB-A and Surface Connect |
| Surface Laptop | Surface Connect |
Charging Your Microsoft Surface Laptop
Now that we’ve covered the types of charging ports available on Surface laptops, let’s move on to the charging process itself.
Step 1: Connect The Charger To A Power Source
To charge your Surface laptop, start by connecting the charger to a power source, such as a wall outlet or a power bank. Make sure the power source is stable and can deliver the required amount of power to charge your device.
Step 2: Plug The Charger Into Your Surface Laptop
Once the charger is connected to a power source, plug it into your Surface laptop’s charging port. If your laptop has a USB-C port, you can plug the charger into the port directly. If your laptop has a traditional USB-A port or a Surface Connect port, you may need to use a special adapter or cable.
Step 3: Turn On Your Surface Laptop (Optional)
If your Surface laptop is turned off, you can turn it on while it’s charging. This will allow you to use your device while it’s charging, but keep in mind that it may charge more slowly. If your laptop is already turned on, you can skip this step.
Tips For Charging Your Microsoft Surface Laptop
To get the most out of your Surface laptop’s battery, here are some useful tips to keep in mind:
Use The Original Charger
To ensure optimal charging performance, use the original charger that came with your Surface laptop. The original charger is designed to deliver the correct amount of power to your device, and using a third-party charger may damage your device or affect its performance.
Avoid Overcharging
Overcharging can damage your Surface laptop’s battery over time. To avoid overcharging, try to keep your device charged between 20% and 80% if possible. You can also use the Windows 10 Battery Saver feature to limit the charging capacity to 80%.
Update Your Surface Laptop’s Drivers
Outdated drivers can affect your Surface laptop’s charging performance. Make sure to update your device’s drivers regularly to ensure optimal performance. You can update your drivers using the Windows 10 Device Manager or by downloading the latest drivers from the Microsoft website.
Troubleshooting Common Charging Issues
If you’re experiencing issues with charging your Surface laptop, here are some common problems and their solutions:
Surface Laptop Not Charging
If your Surface laptop is not charging, try the following:
- Check the charger and the charging port for damage or debris. Clean the port and the charger if necessary.
- Try using a different charger or power source.
- Restart your Surface laptop and try charging it again.
Surface Laptop Charging Slowly
If your Surface laptop is charging slowly, try the following:
- Check the charger’s wattage. A higher wattage charger may charge your device faster.
- Close any resource-intensive apps or background processes.
- Adjust the Windows 10 Power Saver settings to prioritize charging performance.
By following these steps and tips, you can ensure that your Microsoft Surface laptop is charged and ready to go whenever you need it. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a gamer, a fully charged Surface laptop can help you stay productive and entertained on the go.
Do I Need To Fully Discharge My Microsoft Surface Laptop Battery Before Charging It?
You do not need to fully discharge your Microsoft Surface Laptop battery before charging it. This is an old practice that was often recommended for nickel-based batteries, but it is not necessary for the lithium-ion batteries used in most modern laptops, including the Surface Laptop. In fact, keeping your battery level between 20% and 80% charged if possible, can help prolong its lifespan.
However, lithium-ion batteries do not have a ‘memory’ like nickel-based batteries do, so allowing them to completely drain from time to time is unlikely to have any negative effects. What’s more important is to keep your laptop battery away from high temperatures and avoid overcharging it, as these factors can contribute to its degradation over time.
How Long Does It Take To Charge A Microsoft Surface Laptop?
The charging time for a Microsoft Surface Laptop depends on several factors, including the model of your laptop, its battery capacity, and the type of power adapter you are using. Generally, you can expect to charge your Surface Laptop in about 2-3 hours if you’re using a 60W or higher power adapter, which is the adapter that comes with most Surface Laptops.
To give you a more accurate estimate, let’s say that the Surface Laptop 3 has a battery capacity of 44.6Wh and the Surface Laptop 4 has a battery capacity of 47.4Wh. If you’re using the 65W power adapter, it will take about 2 hours to charge your Surface Laptop 3 and about 2.2 hours to charge your Surface Laptop 4.
Can I Use A Third-party Charger With My Microsoft Surface Laptop?
Yes, you can use a third-party charger with your Microsoft Surface Laptop. However, make sure that the charger you use is compatible with your Surface Laptop model and meets the required power output specifications to avoid damaging your laptop’s battery.
When choosing a third-party charger, consider the power output, the type of USB port it uses, and its additional features. The Surface Laptop uses a USB-C port, and it requires a power adapter with a USB-C connector that can supply up to 60W or 65W of power. Some popular options include Anker’s 60W USB-C Power Adapter and RAVPower’s 61W USB-C Power Adapter.
How Do I Know When My Microsoft Surface Laptop Battery Is Fully Charged?
You can check your Surface Laptop’s battery level by clicking on the battery icon in the system tray on the right side of the taskbar. When your laptop is fully charged, the battery icon will display a 100% charge and a “Charged” status. Additionally, if your laptop is set to show notifications, it will often alert you when the battery is fully charged.
Another way to know when your laptop is fully charged is by checking the charging indicator on your power adapter. Some power adapters come with an LED light that turns green or off when your laptop is fully charged. However, this feature may not be available on all power adapters, so it’s always best to rely on the battery icon in the system tray for accurate information.
Can I Charge My Microsoft Surface Laptop With A USB-C Hub Or Dock?
Yes, you can charge your Surface Laptop with a USB-C hub or dock that has a power delivery (PD) capability. In fact, this is one of the most convenient ways to charge your laptop while also connecting external peripherals.
To charge your Surface Laptop using a USB-C hub or dock, make sure that the hub or dock can supply a minimum of 60W of power and that it is compatible with your laptop’s charging requirements. Some popular USB-C hubs and docks that can charge your Surface Laptop include the Anker 5-in-1 USB-C Hub and the Plugable USB-C Dock.
How Often Should I Calibrate My Microsoft Surface Laptop Battery?
You should calibrate your Surface Laptop battery every 3-6 months or when you notice that the battery life is not accurate. To calibrate your battery, charge it to 100%, let it discharge to 0%, and then charge it to 100% again. This process is known as the battery calibration, or the battery reset.
The battery calibration process is essential in maintaining accurate battery life, and it’s recommended by many manufacturers, including Microsoft. Over time, your Surface Laptop’s battery algorithm may not reflect the true battery capacity and calibration helps to refresh the battery gauge for more accurate measurements.
Can I Charge My Microsoft Surface Laptop In Low-power Mode?
Yes, you can charge your Surface Laptop in low-power mode, but you may not be able to charge it as quickly. When your Surface Laptop is in low-power mode, it reduces the power consumption to conserve battery life. This means that the battery may not charge as quickly, especially if the charging source does not supply sufficient power.
If you need to charge your Surface Laptop quickly, consider disabling low-power mode while charging. However, keep in mind that low-power mode is useful in prolonging battery life and maintaining laptop performance, especially when you’re using resource-intensive applications.