If your Windows 11 laptop battery is not working properly, uninstalling the battery driver can often help fix the issue. This process will remove the current driver and allow Windows to reinstall it automatically. It’s a simple way to reset the battery driver and potentially resolve battery-related errors.
In this guide, we will walk you through each step to uninstall the battery driver safely on Windows 11. No technical knowledge is required, and each step is explained clearly.
Following these steps can help fix problems such as incorrect battery percentage, battery not charging, or other power-related errors.
Let’s get started and make sure your battery driver is working as it should.
Quick Note Before You Begin
- Make sure your laptop is plugged into a power source during this process to avoid shutdowns.
- Save all your work before proceeding, as some steps may cause your device to restart.
- Ensure Windows 11 is up to date by checking for system updates in Settings.
- It’s helpful to create a system restore point before uninstalling drivers, so you can revert changes if needed.
Step 1: Open Device Manager
Device Manager is the tool in Windows that manages hardware and drivers. To access it:
- Click the Start button or press the
Windowskey on your keyboard. - Type Device Manager in the search bar.
- Click on the Device Manager app from the search results.
This window shows a list of all hardware components installed on your laptop.
Step 2: Find the Battery Driver
Inside Device Manager, you need to locate the battery drivers:
- Scroll down and find the category named Batteries.
- Click the arrow next to Batteries to expand the list.
- You will see two or more items, usually named Microsoft AC Adapter and Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery.
These are the battery-related drivers responsible for managing how Windows interacts with your laptop’s battery.
Step 3: Uninstall the Battery Driver
Now it’s time to uninstall the driver:
- Right-click on Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery.
- Select Uninstall device from the context menu.
- A confirmation dialog will appear. Confirm by clicking Uninstall.
- Repeat this process if there are multiple battery drivers listed.
This step removes the current battery driver, which Windows will reinstall automatically after a restart.
Step 4: Restart Your Laptop
After uninstalling the battery driver, restart your computer:
- Click the Start button.
- Select the Power icon.
- Click Restart.
Restarting allows Windows to detect the missing battery driver and reinstall it. This can often resolve battery errors related to corrupted or outdated drivers.
Alternative Method: Use Windows Power Troubleshooter
If uninstalling the battery driver does not fix the issue, you can try running the Windows Power Troubleshooter:
- Open Settings by pressing
Windows + I. - Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Power in the list and click Run.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to detect and fix battery or power-related problems.
This tool can automatically find and fix common issues affecting your battery.
FAQs
Will uninstalling the battery driver delete my battery data?
No. Uninstalling the driver only removes the software controlling the battery temporarily. Your battery hardware and data remain intact. Windows will reinstall the driver on restart.
What if Windows does not reinstall the battery driver automatically?
You can manually install the driver by:
- Opening Device Manager.
- Clicking Action at the top menu.
- Selecting Scan for hardware changes. This forces Windows to detect and install missing drivers.
Can this fix a battery that doesn’t charge at all?
Sometimes, yes. If the problem is software-related, uninstalling and reinstalling the battery driver can help. However, if the battery or charger hardware is faulty, this method won’t fix it.
Is it safe to uninstall device drivers?
Yes, as long as you uninstall drivers for hardware you recognize and allow Windows to reinstall them automatically. It’s always good to create a restore point before making changes.
When Nothing Works
If uninstalling the battery driver and running the troubleshooter do not fix your battery problems, consider these final options:
- Check your laptop manufacturer’s support website for battery firmware updates or diagnostic tools.
- Contact technical support for your laptop brand for further assistance.
- Consider replacing the battery if hardware failure is suspected.
- Restore Windows to an earlier state using System Restore if the problem started recently.
Official Microsoft support pages and your laptop’s manufacturer support are reliable resources for advanced troubleshooting.
Conclusion
Uninstalling the battery driver on Windows 11 is a straightforward way to fix many battery-related issues. By removing and reinstalling the driver, you can reset the connection between Windows and your battery hardware. This often resolves errors like incorrect battery readings or charging problems.
Remember to follow each step carefully and restart your laptop to allow Windows to reinstall the driver automatically. If this does not work, use the built-in Power Troubleshooter or seek help from official support channels.
With these simple steps, you can troubleshoot and potentially fix common battery errors without needing advanced technical skills.