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How to Fix MacBook Connected Not Charging Error on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

If you are using a MacBook with Windows 11 installed and notice that your device is connected to power but not charging, you’re not alone. This is a common issue many users face when running Windows on Apple hardware.

Understanding why this happens and how to fix it can save you time and frustration. The good news is, most solutions are straightforward and don’t require advanced technical skills.

This guide will walk you through step-by-step solutions to resolve the “Connected, Not Charging” error on your MacBook running Windows 11.

By following these instructions carefully, you can get your MacBook charging normally again.

Quick Note: What to Check Before Troubleshooting

  • Power Adapter and Cable: Ensure your charger and cable are Apple-certified and working properly. Faulty cables or adapters are a common cause of charging issues.
  • Power Source: Verify that the power outlet is supplying electricity by testing with another device.
  • Battery Condition: If your battery is very old or damaged, it may not charge correctly.
  • Windows Battery Drivers: Windows needs the right drivers to communicate with MacBook hardware.

Step 1: Restart Your MacBook

Sometimes, temporary glitches cause the charging system to malfunction. Restarting your MacBook refreshes the system and may resolve minor software issues.

  1. Click the Start button on Windows 11.
  2. Select Power, then Restart.
  3. Wait for your MacBook to restart fully.
  4. Check if the charging status has changed.

Restarting is important because it clears temporary files and resets hardware communication.

Step 2: Check Battery Driver in Device Manager

Windows relies on specific battery drivers to function correctly. Sometimes these drivers can become outdated or corrupted.

  1. Press Windows + X keys and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Batteries section.
  3. You should see two entries: Microsoft AC Adapter and Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery.
  4. Right-click each entry and select Update driver.
  5. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
  6. If no updates are found, right-click again and select Uninstall device for both entries.
  7. After uninstalling, click the Action menu at the top and select Scan for hardware changes. This forces Windows to reinstall the drivers.
  8. Restart your MacBook and check charging status.

Updating or reinstalling drivers ensures Windows properly recognizes and manages your MacBook’s battery.

Step 3: Disable Battery Charge Limit (If Enabled)

Some MacBooks or third-party apps may limit charging to extend battery life, which can cause the “Not Charging” status.

  1. Check if you have any battery management or optimization apps installed on Windows.
  2. Open these apps and look for options related to charge limits or battery health management.
  3. Disable any such settings temporarily to see if charging resumes.

This step helps because limiting charge capacity can make Windows show that the MacBook is plugged in but not charging.

Step 4: Run Windows Power Troubleshooter

Windows 11 has built-in troubleshooters that can detect and fix power and battery issues automatically.

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find the Power troubleshooter and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any recommended fixes.

This tool checks for common problems related to power management and can save you manual effort.

Step 5: Reset SMC (System Management Controller) on MacBook

Although you’re using Windows, the MacBook’s hardware is still governed by the SMC, which controls power-related functions.

Resetting SMC can resolve hardware-level charging issues. The steps vary depending on your MacBook model:

For MacBooks with Non-Removable Batteries (Most Modern Models)

  1. Shut down your MacBook completely.
  2. Press and hold the Shift + Control + Option keys on the left side and the power button simultaneously.
  3. Hold all four keys for about 10 seconds.
  4. Release all keys and press the power button to turn on the MacBook.

Why Resetting SMC Helps

The SMC manages battery charging and power functions at a hardware level. Resetting it clears any stuck states or errors preventing charging.

Alternative Method: Use Apple Boot Camp Drivers

If you installed Windows 11 without proper Apple drivers, your MacBook may not communicate correctly with Windows.

  1. Download the latest Boot Camp Support Software from Apple’s official website.
  2. Run the setup in Windows to install or update all Apple-specific drivers.
  3. Restart your MacBook after installation.
  4. Check if your MacBook now charges correctly.

Boot Camp drivers are optimized to make Apple hardware work seamlessly with Windows.

FAQs

Q: Why does my MacBook say “Connected, Not Charging” on Windows 11?

A: This usually happens due to driver issues, power management settings, or hardware communication errors between Windows and the MacBook.

Q: Can a faulty charger cause this problem?

A: Yes, using a damaged or non-certified charger can prevent your MacBook from charging correctly on Windows.

Q: Will resetting the SMC erase my data?

A: No, resetting the SMC only affects power management hardware and does not touch your files or system data.

Q: Is it safe to uninstall battery drivers?

A: Yes, Windows will automatically reinstall these drivers upon restart or hardware scan, so it’s safe and often recommended for fixing charging issues.

Q: Can third-party battery apps cause charging problems?

A: Yes, some battery management apps can limit charging to preserve battery health, leading to “Not Charging” status.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and your MacBook still shows “Connected, Not Charging,” consider the following final options:

  • Contact Apple Support: They can diagnose hardware issues or battery health problems.
  • Check for Hardware Damage: Issues like a faulty charging port or battery may require professional repair.
  • Reinstall Windows: A clean installation with proper Boot Camp drivers can fix deep software conflicts.
  • Use macOS for Charging: Boot into macOS and test if charging works correctly, which helps isolate software vs. hardware issues.

Official Apple forums and Microsoft support pages may also provide additional guidance tailored to your MacBook model and Windows version.

Conclusion

Facing the “Connected, Not Charging” error on a MacBook running Windows 11 can be frustrating, but most causes are fixable with simple steps. Start by restarting your device and updating battery drivers, then move to resetting the SMC and checking power management settings.

Ensuring you have the correct Apple Boot Camp drivers installed is crucial for smooth hardware operation. If all else fails, professional support is your best bet.

By following this guide, you can confidently troubleshoot and resolve charging issues, keeping your MacBook powered and ready to use under Windows 11.

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