Laptop computers running on Microsoft Windows have a power management architecture that will provide you with a comprehensive approach to system and device power management. This architecture is made up of 3 pre-set power plans, in addition to the ability for you to create a custom plan, which allows you to customize various power options on your computer. The power management architecture was designed to meet users' needs to decrease the amount of power and energy that their PC uses, and to have their computers be automatically available at all times, even when they have been shut down. If you are having trouble with your laptop battery charging to 100%, then it's most likely due to an issue with the selected power plan. Keep reading to learn how you can troubleshoot power issues with your Microsoft Laptop.

Step 1: Run The Power Troubleshooter Program

This should always be your first step when troubleshooting all power-related PC issues, because this program will automatically fix some of the more common power issues for you. The Power Troubleshooter program will look at your computer's timeout settings, among other things. The timeout settings determine how long the computer will wait before turning off the monitor and/or enter sleep mode. If you adjust these settings, you can conserve power and extend the laptop's battery life.

To access the Power Troubleshooter program:

1. Press the Windows key on the bottom left side of your computer.

2. While holding the Windows key down, press the W key.

3. A window will pop up. Type the word "troubleshooting" into the available field.

4. Another window will appear. Click on "Troubleshooting", and then click on the "System and Security" option.

5. Click on "Power".

6. Follow the onscreen steps.

Step 2: Install Updated Drivers

Next, make sure you have the newest updates and drivers installed on your laptop. You can do this by clicking on the Start button, going to "Settings," going to "Update and Recovery," and then clicking on "Check For Updates." Your computer will tell you if you have the latest updates installed on your computer. If not, the system will walk you through the quick process of making the updates.

Step 3: Change Your Power Plan

Power Plans are collections of pre-set system settings that manage how your laptop uses power. Users use these plans to maximize computer performance, reduce the amount of power their computers use, or to balance computer performance and power. There are 3 Power Plans available on Windows computers. They are:

1. High Performance – This plan uses the most energy because it maximizes screen brightness and can increase the computer's performance in some situations. When this plan is selected, your laptop battery will deplete quicker than if other plans are selected.

2. Power Saver – This plan reduces screen brightness and system performance, which will save power. This is a great plan to give you the most power out of a single battery charge.

3. Balanced – Considered to be the best Power plan for most computer users, it saves power during periods of inactivity. But, you will get full performance when you are using the laptop.

To change your current Power Plan:

1. Click on your battery icon in the tray in the bottom right side of the computer screen.

2. A battery meter window will pop up, and you can simply click on the plan of your choice. Note that some computer manufacturers provide additional plans to customize the battery, so you may see more than just the plans discussed above listed here.

To turn on the High Performance Power Plan, which you'll notice isn't an option on the battery meter window:

1. Click the Start button.

2. Click on Control Panel.

3. Type "Power Options" in the search box.

4. Click on "Power Options"

5. Under the "Select A Power Plan" tab, click "Show additional plans."

6. Click on "High Performance."

To create your own custom Power Plan:

1. Click the Start button.

2. Click on Control Panel.

3. Select "System And Security."

4. On the left window pan, click "Create A Power Plan."

5. Now select the plan that is closest to the one you want to create.

6. A new window will pop up, in the Plan Name box, type in the name you want to give your custom Power Plan.

7. Click the Next button.

8. You will now see the Change Settings For The Plan page. This is where you can choose different display and sleep settings.

9. Click "Create."

10. Now if you go back to the battery meter window, you'll see your custom plan listed. It will be checked, because the plan you created automatically becomes the active plan.

After going through these steps, your battery charging problem should be resolved. If not, take your computer to an expert to have them check it out for you. He or she will be happy to help you solve your problem, or recommend a better power management program. They might recommend power manager software to resolve your problems.