It is worth replacing the battery when the laptop drains quickly, shuts down unexpectedly or only works when plugged in. Check the charger first, because sometimes it is the culprit. A new battery must be made for your laptop model, and batteries of unknown origin sold without a warranty are best avoided. If the battery has swollen, stop charging and using the laptop.
When a laptop needs a new battery
A battery is a part that wears out. The longer a laptop is used, the less energy it holds. You notice it daily: you look for a socket more often, and you can work for less time away from the charger.
Signs that the battery has worn out
- The laptop drains much faster than before.
- The charge reading jumps: half full a moment ago, then the laptop shuts down a minute later.
- The laptop only works when plugged in and switches off as soon as you unplug it.
- The operating system says the battery needs replacing.
- The casing near the battery gets unusually hot, or charging takes longer.
How to check whether the battery is really to blame
Programs can also drain a battery fast. If the laptop is busy in the background, the charge runs out sooner even though the battery is fine. So first close unnecessary programs and see how long the charge lasts on an idle laptop.
On Windows laptops you can create a battery report from the command line by typing powercfg /batteryreport. The command saves an HTML file and prints its location; open it in a browser to see the design capacity and the current full-charge capacity. Some manufacturers also offer diagnostic tools that rate battery condition.
When to stop using the battery immediately
A swollen battery is dangerous. The signs are a bulging bottom cover, a raised touchpad, a gap between casing parts or a laptop that no longer sits flat. Do not use or charge such a laptop: switch it off if it is on, unplug the charger, do not press on the casing and do not try to remove or puncture the battery yourself. Keep it away from flammable materials and contact a specialist.
Check the charger first
Sometimes the fault is in the charger or its cable, not the battery, so rule out simpler causes first. You may find a suitable charger in the chargers category, but compatibility depends on the model, so email us with your model before ordering.
- Inspect the cable and plugs for cracks, kinks or burn marks, and stop using the charger if you find any.
- Try a different socket or extension lead.
- If you have an identical charger, try it with your laptop.
- Check whether the laptop recognises the charger. Some models report an unsuitable one.
- Check that the laptop’s charging socket is not loose.
If the laptop charges normally with a different charger, the charger was the problem. If the fault remains, the battery is the likely cause.
How to choose the right battery
Batteries are not universal. Each is made for a particular model or group of models, so start with exact information about your laptop.
Model and part number
Find out the exact laptop model. It is usually printed on a label on the underside of the casing or shown in the system information. The serial number is useful too, because it identifies the exact configuration. The battery’s part number is visible only once it is removed, so leave that to a specialist.
For parts for your own laptop, email us at [email protected] and give the model or serial number. Compatibility depends on the model, so exact details are needed.
Original or third-party battery
An original battery is made by the laptop manufacturer or by another company to its requirements. A third-party battery is made by an independent company. Such batteries may be easier to find, but their quality varies widely. A poor-quality battery wears out faster and, in the worst case, can be dangerous. So avoid batteries of unknown origin whose seller gives no warranty.
When choosing, check that the part is made for your exact model, the seller states a warranty period and the description gives the part number.
Safety and who should replace the battery
Modern laptops usually use lithium-ion batteries. If one is damaged, a short circuit can occur and the battery may overheat or catch fire.
Not every laptop has an easily removable battery. In some models it is hidden under the casing, so reaching it means removing many screws and disconnecting cables. If you have no experience, leave it to a specialist.
- Before any work, switch off the laptop and unplug the charger.
- Do not bend or puncture the battery, or press on it with sharp tools.
- Keep the battery away from heat and direct sunlight.
- Take an old battery to a collection point, not household waste.
Batteries in refurbished and new laptops
If you would rather not replace a battery, choose a laptop whose battery has already been checked. Refurbished laptops are checked and cleaned, their battery and screen are tested, and the condition is described on the product page. There are only a few used laptops and the list changes, so a specific model may not be available.
- Grade A: like new, battery 80% or higher.
- Grade B: minor cosmetic scratches, screen without defects, battery 70% or higher.
- Grade C: clear signs of use, described and photographed on the product page; the laptop is technically sound.
Refurbished laptops come with a 12-month laptops.lt warranty, and 6 months for the battery. New Dell laptops come with a 36-month manufacturer’s warranty, 12 months for the battery. A battery wears out with use, so its term is shorter. The warranty does not cover mechanical damage, liquid damage or software problems. If battery condition matters most, choose a new laptop. Full terms are on the Warranty and returns page.
Is it worth replacing the battery in an old laptop?
Before buying a battery, assess the whole laptop. If it is slow anyway and the casing, screen or keyboard is damaged, another laptop may make more sense. If it works well and only the time away from the charger is short, a new battery extends its life.
How to make a new battery last longer
You cannot stop a battery ageing, but you can slow it down. Heat does the most harm, as does regularly draining it completely or leaving it fully charged for a long time.
- Do not use the laptop in a closed bag or on a soft surface, because it may overheat.
- Use a charger made for your model.
- Do not let the battery drain completely every day.
- If you will not use the laptop for a long time, leave the battery partly charged and keep it away from heat.
- Update the operating system and drivers, as updates can improve power and charging management.
If you are choosing a laptop for work, our guide How to choose a business laptop will help.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell that a laptop needs a new battery?
The battery needs replacing when the laptop drains quickly, shuts down unexpectedly or only works when plugged into the charger. Before buying a battery, try a different charger and socket.
Can I use a laptop with a swollen battery?
No. Do not use or charge such a laptop, unplug the charger, do not press on the casing and leave the battery to a specialist, because a swollen lithium-ion battery can catch fire.
What is the difference between an original battery and a third-party one?
An original battery is made by the laptop manufacturer or by another company to its requirements, while a third-party battery is made by an independent company. What matters most is that the part is made for your model and that the seller states a warranty.
What warranty applies to the battery?
The battery of a refurbished laptop sold by laptops.lt has a 6-month laptops.lt warranty, and the battery of a new Dell laptop has a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty. A battery wears out with use, so its term is shorter than that of the whole laptop.
For questions about parts for your laptop, email us at [email protected] and give the exact model or serial number.
Updated: October 2026