Eventually, laptop batteries drain faster and you end up with your laptop constantly connected to a power cable, which isn’t ideal. So, can you upgrade a laptop battery?

Yes, it’s possible to upgrade a laptop battery. Most laptops’ batteries get less useful over time, and if you want to replace such a battery, get a new battery of the same version as your old one. You might be able, depending on your laptop, to upgrade your laptop battery to a more powerful one. Keep in mind, however, that this can void your laptop’s warranty.

There are a bunch of factors to be taken into account when looking to upgrade a laptop battery. In this article, I’ll be going over all the facts that you need to know before upgrading or replacing a laptop battery.

Can You Upgrade a Laptop Battery?

First, consider if you want to upgrade your laptop battery or switch out an old battery for a new one because there’s a difference. Upgrading your laptop battery means getting a more capable one.

If you do this, you might void your laptop warranty or have a disproportionate lump sticking out where the battery is inserted, since more powerful batteries may be a lot bigger.

However, switching out a battery is very doable and even recommended if you have an old laptop battery. First of all, you want to check your battery’s health. On Windows 11, do this by clicking the battery icon in the lower right of the Windows menu.

After doing this, you will enter a Power & Battery menu that allows you to check if there are irregularities when charging your battery. If you spot big fluctuations in battery levels, for example, you should consider getting a new battery for your laptop.

In summary, you can absolutely replace your laptop battery with a new one if it’s getting old and less useful. You might be able to upgrade your laptop battery to a more powerful one depending on your laptop specs.

Can You Replace a Laptop Battery With a More Powerful One? (mAh)

It’s certainly possible to replace your laptop battery with a more powerful battery. The purpose of this, of course, would be to have your laptop last longer before it runs out of power and dies.

The first thing that you need to consider is that more powerful batteries require more space. They are simply just bigger than their less powerful counterparts. So, make sure that the battery actually fits into your laptop before buying one.

Even if the battery does fit, you might end up with a lump sticking out at the bottom of your laptop at all times, which surely isn’t for everyone. Do your research beforehand: look up batteries that are good fits for your laptop.

A good way to determine this can be to simply remove the battery from your laptop and inspect it. Check what model the battery is, what type (nickel-cadmium, lithium-ion, and so forth), and last but not least, the voltage and charging current.

Check that any prospective battery that you’ve scoped out has matching voltages as your old laptop battery. Getting a battery that has significantly more voltage than your old one and then charging it can damage the computer, destroy the charging circuit of the computer, and be an outright fire hazard.

Battery capacity is measured in mAh. The more mAh a battery has, the longer it will last because its capacity is bigger. It will, however, take a longer time to fully charge.

A higher mAh is what you should look for if you want to really upgrade the laptop battery. Laptop batteries don’t supply more power to the laptop just because the battery has a higher mAh. It supplies as much power as the laptop needs. It’s the voltage that you need to really look out for.

How Do You Upgrade a Laptop Battery?

As I mentioned before, you first need to find out the specs of your current laptop battery. Do this by either physically inspecting your battery, or using Batteries Plus to find out online.

You need to remove the bottom part of the laptop to reveal the battery of your laptop. With some laptops, you can simply click it out, but most laptops have screwed bottom housings, and you’ll have to unscrew that using a suitable screwdriver.

Before you start unscrewing the bottom of your laptop, remember to shut off and disconnect your laptop from its charger. It’s also recommended to have the laptop lie on a towel or something to avoid damage to the screen.

Make sure that you are very careful when removing the battery. Check out a video guide if you want to. Some batteries are more difficult to switch out than others and all under-the-hood configurations look different depending on what laptop you own.

What Will Go Lost If You Replace Your Laptop Battery?

Some users have reported that they have lost data on their computers after replacing their laptop batteries. While this normally isn’t the case, what should you be aware of before switching out your old battery?

First of all, make sure you do backups of important files. If something were to happen to your data, you’ll still have it stored. I prefer to store my backup data on an external hard drive, but using some sort of cloud storage service works just fine.

The only sort of data that will disappear when you switch battery is the temporary memory cached by your RAM, but that happens all the time when you switch off your computer anyway. Just turn off your laptop before taking out your battery, and you should be fine.

The data stored on your computer doesn’t require power to store itself, that’s why you can turn off your computer and still have your files there when you turn it on again.

Is It Better To Replace or Upgrade the Battery or Buy a New Laptop?

A lot of users are wondering if it’s worth their time and money getting a new battery when they can buy a new laptop. Of course, this depends on your budget, needs, and current laptop.

For example, if you have a really good laptop that cost you a bunch of money, odds are that you should fix the battery of that thing. Laptop batteries usually go for around $100, while new premium laptops can cost you $1000 or more.

If you have an old laptop, you might want to get a new laptop. Chances are that it’s really slow and it might not even work that much longer anyways.

There are more questions to consider here, as well. For example, are there missing features on your old laptop that a new one could solve? If so, take the chance and get a new laptop. It might not be worth shelling out $100 on something that is missing a bunch of good features.

As you can tell, whether you should buy a new laptop or buy a new battery really depends on your situation. I have a good laptop, and I’ve switched its battery. In my experience, good laptops are still useful when their batteries aren’t.

How Long Should a Laptop Battery Last?

The laptops that are popular on the market today typically outlast their batteries by a good margin, so most people will want to change batteries and some point since the laptop is still useful.

How long a laptop battery lasts depends on a few things. First of all, how much do you use your laptop? If you use it a lot, you charge it more, and therefore the battery will last a shorter amount of time.

Typically, batteries last around 3-4 years, which is around a thousand charges. As I said, however, the variance here can be big. Some people use their laptops every day, all day, and for them, a thousand charges aren’t that much.

Moreover, how long your battery lasts depends on what type of battery you have for your laptop. Old laptops have batteries made from nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal-hydride, and those batteries break down a lot faster than modern lithium-ion batteries.

If you play a lot of games on your laptop, chances are that the battery won’t last as long. When playing games, the laptop will get hotter than usual, making the battery drain faster, which means that you have to charge it more often.

What Shortens the Life of a Laptop Battery?

Playing games will, as I mentioned, shorten the lifespan of your laptop battery. The heat will cause extra strain to be put on your laptop’s components and also place more load on your battery.

Playing games isn’t the only thing that heats your laptop, however. Poor ventilation can also make a laptop overheated, so make sure that the air vents aren’t blocked, and clear out any dust or dirt that’s in the computer from time to time.

Some people believe that “overcharging” your laptop can shorten its lifespan. While that was true for older laptops, it isn’t true for laptops with lithium-ion batteries, as these batteries can’t be overcharged. However, if your laptop uses an older battery, don’t overcharge the computer.

The primary thing that you can do to actively improve the lifespan of your battery is to not charge it to 100%. Charging your laptop to around 90% instead of 100% has been shown to give laptops hundreds of extra recharges before the battery dies.

You can put a used SSD or HDD drive in another computer as both a primary or secondary drive as long as the other computer is compatible with the SSD/HDD. When the drive is connected Windows will try to install the proper drivers for the new hardware, and if it doesn’t you might need to reinstall the operating system and re-activate Windows.

There are various types of HDD/SSD interfaces and if they’re different from one another the computer might respond by not booting or crashing immediately. Continue reading below as we’ll go through the things you need to take into consideration before doing a drive replacement or upgrade.

If you only want to use the SSD or HDD as external data storage, I recommend purchasing a docking station for hard drives. This is the one I use for all of my hard drives.

How Do You Move a Hard Drive From To Another Computer?

Moving your drive from one computer to the next isn’t a tremendous task, but it requires all parts to be compatible in order to function as intended. Otherwise, you won’t get very far as compatibility issues will cause the computer to reject the new drive – or even crash.

The first step is to identify whether the computer you’re moving your drive to is compatible with the drive or not. This will save you a lot of time and frustration. It’s important to save the frustration, as we might be using a lot of it down the road.

Here’s a checklist of things you need to check.

SSD or HDD?

Is the disk you’re moving an older hard disk drive or a more recent solid-state drive? Solid-state drives are much smaller than HDDs.

You should be able to identify this by opening Run and typing dfrgui on both computers (then check the list to see what type of drive it is) or Googling images of the two types of drives and comparing them to yours.

In the column Media type, you will find information regarding your drive and what type it is.

Drive Connector (Interface)

Now that we’ve differentiated the two core drives, which are solid state drives and hard disk drives, we need to look at the different versions of drives within their respective category.

Simply knowing that both computers have solid state drives isn’t enough because a solid state drive can come in different forms. Without the right interface, you won’t be able to connect the drive to the computer.

The most common drive interface for both SSDs and HDDs is SATA. Your drive will most likely be SATA-compatible, but to ensure compatibility you should open up your computer to see if the drive is connected to a SATA port.

You should be able to follow the cable connecting the drive to the motherboard and then read any labels near the connector to see if it’s labeled as SATA.

Your other computer must also be compatible with SATA if that’s the case.

Drive Form Factor

When talking about components, the term form factor refers to the size and shape of the device. This will determine whether or not a component can be attached to a computer or not. You can, however, connect devices with the help of adapters and other workarounds even if they’re not the same form factor.

The two most common form factors are:

• 2.5″ – This is the form factor used by the majority of solid state drives but also recent hard disk drives.
• 3.5″ – This is the form factor used by the majority of old hard disk drives.

In small devices, such as ultra-thin laptops and tablets, you’ll find a small form factor solid state drive called M.2. Unlike the “larger” 2.5 or 3.5″ drives, the M.2 drives are flat and much smaller. You’ll spot the difference if you happen to find an M.2 drive in your computer.

When you’ve determined the form factor, check if the computer you’re moving the component to can support the form factor. If the computer has a drive bay that can fit the size and shape of the drive, then you’re good to go.

Some computers have adjustable drive bays that can be modified to fit both 2.5″ and 3.5″ drives. Purchasing a suitable adapter for your drive is an option if you don’t find a fitting slot to put your drive in.

If they’re not the proper size, the screws won’t be placed correctly and you won’t be able to secure the drive in its position. This doesn’t prevent you from using the drive, but it’s not the most practical solution.

To counter this, I’ve seen users duct tape their drives in place – but I recommend purchasing a mounting tray that can be put inside the slot and hold your drive. I think it’s better to install the computer as it was intended.

Does Removing a Hard Drive Remove All Stored Data?

Moving a drive, regardless if it’s a hard disk drive or a solid state drive, will also move all of the stored data on that drive. You can think of the drive as a less convenient USB stick or external drive.

If you move a drive from one computer to the next, the computer that the drive was connected to initially will no longer hold the files that were stored on that drive. You won’t be able to access them through that computer.

The files can, however, be accessed from the other computer once the drive has been connected and powered. You don’t even have to connect the drive fully in order to access the files, you can simply plug it into a free USB slot in the computer by using a drive docking station.

If you choose to move and install the drive into the new computer with data stored on it, keep in mind that doing so doesn’t always end up being the seamless transaction one would think.

Using the newly-installed drive to boot the operating system can work but it can also cause a bit of trouble. Installing it as a secondary drive used for storing files and software is a simpler approach.

Once the drive has been installed as a secondary drive, the files on it can be copied to the primary hard drive. You can then format the secondary drive to get a clean slate – and move the files you’d like back to it.

Can You Move a Hard Drive Between a Desktop Computer and a Laptop?

We talked about form factors and connectors earlier in the article. This information becomes valuable here too, as those are the two primary variables that will determine if a solid state drive used in a laptop is compatible with a desktop computer and vice versa.

You can move a hard drive between a laptop and a desktop computer as long as both devices have the same type of slots to connect the drive to.

Most desktop computers have 2.5″ SATA SSDs, and many laptops do too. In such a scenario, the solid state drive can be swapped between the two devices without issue.

Ensure compatibility before you try to do the swap, just as we mentioned earlier. As long as the two devices support the same type of drive, then you’re good to go. The drive itself doesn’t limit itself to one type of device – so any device that will support it, be it a laptop or desktop computer, can do so.

Read more: Are SSD Drives For Laptop and Desktop the Same?

What Happens If You Put Your Hard Drive In Another Computer?

The outcome of moving a hard drive from one computer to another can vary significantly depending on the circumstances. If everything has been accounted for and the move was done correctly, few things should happen.

Once the drive has been placed in the other computer and reinstalled, you’ll have an access to an additional drive. If you intend to boot Windows from the device, connect the device and run the installation from a USB stick if you can’t access Windows.

Other than that, moving a drive will enable you to access the stored data through the other computer. Because the drive is detecting an entirely new environment, it will try its best to adapt by installing the appropriate drivers for all of the components, and features.

Sometimes the hard drive will successfully adapt to the new environment and find the proper drivers, other times it will not.

If the computer isn’t compatible with the drive, nothing will happen. You won’t be able to connect it and it won’t be detected by the computer.

You can always remove the drive and put it back in the computer it was connected to in the first place if you should wish to do so.

Can You Move a Hard Drive To Another Computer Without Reinstalling Windows?

Your used hard drive that’s sitting in your old computer is now being moved to the new computer, but you don’t want to reinstall Windows on the device and continue to use it in your new computer. How would that work?

You can move a hard drive from one computer to another without reinstalling Windows if you don’t intend to use the disk as a booting device, but just for additional storage.

Booting Windows from the swapped hard drive will cause problems as Windows needs to be installed and configured according to the specific hardware in the computer. Failing to do so can lead to blue screens and crashes.

More on the topic down below.

Can You Move a Hard Drive With Windows 10 To Another Computer?

You don’t want to move a hard drive with an installed copy of Windows on it if you intend to use it as your primary drive and boot device. The Windows installation on that specific drive is configured to the old machine’s hardware and settings.

Those settings won’t apply to the hardware in the other computer. Doing such a move without reinstalling Windows on the drive once it’s connected to the new computer is not likely to function at all. You need to set up the operating system properly in order for it to function as intended.

When you install new components in a computer, Windows will notice that a new part has been connected to the computer and install the appropriate drivers for the component to work.

But everything changes when you move the actual hard drive to a computer with completely different components. Windows will think that everything has changed and try to install drivers for all the connected components.

While this can end up working once in a while, I don’t think it’s worth it as you could end up running into problems down the line. If the hardware in the new computer is identical to the hardware in the old computer, then you’ve got a good chance of getting it to work.

And if you intend to use the drive as a secondary drive used for storage, and you already have a copy of Windows installed on the primary drive, then you’re not as likely to run into problems.

But the bottom line is that you should reinstall Windows when moving a drive you plan to use as your primary drive.

Now, because the shape of an SSD is different, you might be wondering if you can use leftover SSD disks from your desktop computer in your laptop, or vice versa. And if so, what’s the difference between them?

There’s no major difference between a solid-state drive used in a laptop and one used in a desktop computer. You can use SSD disks interchangeably between the two types of computers as long as they have the same type of interface/slot. Today, most desktop computers and laptops have a 2.5″ and/or 3.5″ drive slot and are either SATA, M.2, or PCIe.

Computers that only have 3.5″ slots can still hold 2.5″ solid-state drives by using an adapter.

The form factor doesn’t refer to the drive’s physical measurement of width or height, but the size of the computer’s slot. There are a few things you should keep in mind when moving disks interchangeably between the two, such as ensuring that they’re compatible.

Continue reading as we’ll go through everything you need to know in order to do the swap with as much ease as possible.

Is There Any Difference Between SSD For Laptops and Desktop Computers?

Easily put, there are close to no limiting differences between the two components. They are very similar to one another and can be used interchangeably but a few minor adjustments need to be made in certain situations.

The actual solid-state drive used in a laptop and a desktop computer are similar to one another, but there are different types that create a bit of variation.

The primary difference I can think of is the size and type of the computer’s sockets. Computers have a bunch of different sockets designed to hold each of the computer’s components in place.

Sockets can be found on the motherboard and inside the chassis. They are a part of both laptop and desktop computers’ structure. The difference between the laptop and desktop sockets is the actual form and size of those sockets or slots.

In desktop computers, most components are connected to the computer through their respective slot on the motherboard, but both hard and solid-state drives are connected to the motherboard with cables. This gives drives a bit more leeway than other components.

Why?

Because the size of the slot doesn’t NEED to be perfect in order for the drive to function. Having the proper size will ensure that your drive is mounted properly and safely, and while that’s an idea that I endorse fully, it’s worth knowing that there are workarounds.

Note: It’s important that the slot is of the matching version. We’ll get to that.

The most common form factor is 2.5″ for both desktop and laptop computers. However, it’s not unusual for a desktop computer to come with mounting slots for both 2.5 and 3.5″ form factors. They’re usually adjustable slots that can be opened up or closed to fit both form factors.

If your computer doesn’t come with two options, don’t fret.

You can purchase an adapter like this one to hold your solid-state drive (which requires a 2.5″ slot) in place even if the computer has a 3.5″ socket. Simply connect the solid-state drive to the adapter and then put the adapter with its tray in the 3.5″ slot. It should fit perfectly.

While researching the web to find answers on the topic, I found that users who weren’t keen on purchasing additional parts had come up with another solution; they mounted their solid-state drives in the 3.5″ slot and put duct tape around it to prevent it from moving around.

What Different Types of SSDs Are There?

Now, as I vaguely mentioned earlier, the slot on the computer’s motherboard must be the right standard in order for the SSD to work.

The difference is important to note because your motherboard may or may not host a slot for the different variations of drives. If that’s the case, you can purchase an adapter to connect your SSD.

Let’s take a quick look at the different versions.

SATA SSD

SATA SSDs are extremely common and can be found in both laptops and desktop computers. They come in different form factors but the most common is 2.5″ as it can be used in both new and old computers.

They’re considered a bit slower than other SSD counterparts but will still speed up a computer that’s using an HDD significantly.

PCIe SSD

PCIe SSDs are the fastest types of drives and are commonly marketed toward users who require top performance at all times, such as gamers or content creators. They’re more expensive than other versions of solid-state drives but deliver the best bang for the buck.

M.2 SSD

M.2 SSDs are small sticks commonly found in small devices, such as mobile phones or small laptops. They’re faster and more expensive than SATA SSDs. They’re flat and quite small, which makes them suitable for their area of usage.

You can put an M.2 SSD in your desktop computer too, but your motherboard must have a slot for it in order for it to work.

You can find out what type of connector slots your motherboard has by looking at the motherboard’s technical specifications on the manufacturer’s website. This will tell you if the SSD is compatible with both your laptop and desktop computer.

You can also Google images of the different types of SSDs and then compare them to your drive to identify which type it is.

Can You Put a Desktop SSD In a Laptop?

Because our garage is full of tech gadgets that I’m repairing and experimenting on, we’ve always got a bunch of components sitting about. Among these components, you can find a few solid-state drives which I’ve found no purpose for yet.

They’re both from desktop computers and laptops. Naturally, I had to swap them to see if it could be done and learn everything that was worth considering before doing it.

You can put a solid-state drive used in a desktop computer in a laptop as long as the SSD itself uses a 2.5″ form factor and the laptop has the appropriate connector slot – M.2, SATA, or PCIe depending on what type of SSD you’re trying to move.

If the SSD used in your desktop computer isn’t standard SATA, but an M.2 SSD, then you don’t have to worry about the form factor as they’re different in size and shape. First and foremost, check that the connection standard is the same.

If the connector in both computers is standard SATA, check if the form factor is the same. It should be 2.5″.

While mounted on the desktop computer, the drive was most likely connected to a mounting tray. You need to remove the bracket or tray around the drive before connecting it to the laptop because otherwise, it won’t fit inside the laptop’s slot.

If you’re replacing an old HDD with an SSD you should notice a significant increase in your laptop’s performance, regardless of the type of SSD used. When compared to HDDs, solid-state drives provide a much smoother experience with shorter loading and response times.

With that out of the way, does it work the same the other way around? Moving an SSD from a laptop to a desktop computer.

Can You Put a Laptop SSD In a Desktop Computer?

Whether you’re installing your first SSD or adding an additional drive to your desktop computer, you’re doing the computer a great favor, and you’ll end up reaping the rewards by having more storage and faster loading times.

Even if the solid-state drive was put in a laptop originally, it can still be used in your desktop computer if the desktop computer and the laptop have similar slots. For instance, if the laptop had an M.2 SSD stick and the computer only has SATA ports, it won’t function.

You need to make sure your desktop computer’s motherboard supports the type of SSD connector that your laptop’s drive is. Your laptop will most likely have either SATA or M.2 solid-state drives, and your desktop will almost certainly support SATA – but possibly M.2 too.

SATA SSDs for laptops are most commonly 2.5″ in size. Most modern chassis should come with mounting slots for 2.5″ SSDs, or at least with adjustable trays that can be modified to fit 2.5″ or 3.5″ drives.

Therefore, almost all SATA SSDs in laptops can be used in desktop computers too. Other versions, such as M.2 or PCIe might require some research in order to make sure the motherboard supports it.

Can You Put an SSD In an HDD Slot?

Older hard disk drives are larger than solid-state drives. The slots used to connect the drives to the motherboard are also larger. Regular HDDs have a 3.5″ form factor and require a 3.5″ mounting slot in order to fit, whereas most SSDs have a 2.5″ form factor and should be mounted in a 2.5″ slot.

But a slight difference in size doesn’t mean they’re totally incompatible, especially not after doing some minor adjustments.

Simply placing a 2.5″ solid-state drive in a 3.5″ hard disk drive slot won’t work very well because the SSD won’t be attached firmly to the computer. You’ll have no way of ensuring that the drive is secured if you place it in a larger tray.

However, you can purchase an appropriate adapter to convert your HDD slot into an SSD slot. Alternatively, see if your chassis comes with adjustable mounting trays, different trays, or duct tape the drive to secure it within the larger disk drive.

Your best bet is to purchase the adapter if you ask me.

How To Connect an SSD To Another Computer

Removing a drive from one computer and installing it in another one is a straightforward procedure when it comes to moving the hardware. Sometimes, you’ll have problems with Windows installations and so forth.

Moving a disk with a Windows installation, drivers, and other files can cause the drive to not boot properly when connected to the new computer.

The recommendation is to do a clean Windows install once the disk has been moved and store important files and settings on an external hard drive or in the cloud.

With that taken into consideration, proceed to remove the disk from the computer. Start by identifying the standard connector of both computers to make sure the disk can be swapped between the two. If they’re the same type of drives you’re good to go.

You can do this two ways. The first method is the one you should go with if you want to mount the drive in the computer while the second is a better option if you only want to use the SSD as an external drive.

Method 1

Solid-state drives in laptops are often connected without cables. They’re often just screwed in place or hinged. In that case, remove the SSD from the laptop using the needed tools then proceed from step number 4.

1. Turn off the computer and remove the power cable.
2. Disconnect the SATA cable from the drive.
3. Disconnect the power cable from the drive.
4. Open up the other computer and identify a free drive bay for the drive. This will look different depending on if it’s a laptop or desktop computer.
5. Connect the SATA and power cables from your motherboard to the SSD.
6. Make sure everything is connected properly.
7. Plug in the power cable and start the computer

Method 2

1. Unplug the SSD from the old computer
2. Connect one end of a USB cable to the solid-state drive and the other end to an empty USB slot in the computer.
3. You can now access the drive and use it as an external data storage

Aside from that, the average computer shouldn’t make more sound than whatever noise the hard drive may produce when it reads data, which shouldn’t be much. So naturally, you start to wonder what that new strange clicking noise is, and what’s causing it.

Strange clicking noises coming from a computer are commonly produced by hard drives when they’re going bad but it could also be the result of cables or dust within the chassis brushing up against a fan. If the clicks are played through the speakers, then it’s most likely a background application or virus triggering the clicks.

It’s important that you prepare your computer in case it’s the hard drive that’s failing. If the sound is sourced from your speakers it’s most likely just settings, which we’ll also show you how to change.

Continue reading as we’ll go more in-depth on the topic and explain everything you need to know to fix the issue.

Reasons Why Your Computer Makes Random Clicking Sounds

It’s of great importance that you understand the difference between the sources that could be causing the sound. While they could be producing similar sounds, one could imply that core components are failing while the other can be adjusted through settings with ease.

The following are the most common reasons why your computer makes random clicking sounds.

1# Hard Drive Is Failing

As we stated above, the sound could be caused by a failing hard drive. Older HDD drives, which we’ve partly replaced with SSD drives, have a bunch of mechanical components that move around as the disk reads and writes data.

Whenever you have moving components in a device, you can expect them to stop or malfunction sooner or later. The average HDD has a lifespan of 3-5 years, according to Backblaze who studied the failure rates of 25.000 running hard drives.

Clicking sounds can be an indication that components such as the arm or disk within the hard drive are starting to malfunction. It should be noted that older hard drives can be expected to produce a bit of noise when they’re reading data too, but it shouldn’t be a loud clicking noise.

So, what should you do?

First and foremost, make sure to backup your hard drive to ensure that no files are lost if your hard drive happens to crash. You’ll never get an estimate of how much time there’s left before the hard drive possibly crashes.

It’s best to get everything backed up immediately to ensure the safety of your data. You can either back up your hard drive onto an external hard drive, move your files to a USB stick, or upload your files to a cloud storage.

With the most important step out of the way, you can focus on testing your hard drive. If you’ve got multiple hard drives connected to your computer, you’ll have to isolate them by doing the following:

Method 1: Manually identify the malfunctioning disk

• Turn off the computer and disconnect all hard drives
• Plug them in one by one (start with the drive that has Windows installed on it)
• Start the computer and listen if the connected hard drive makes a clicking sound
• Continue until you find the affected hard drive

You can continue using the (possibly) failing hard drive even though it clicks but make sure you have your data backed up as you could risk losing it any time. The general recommendation is to replace the hard drive, preferably with a newer SSD drive.

You can install the new drive while the old one is connected and transfer the data between them then disconnect and dispose of the old drive.

Hard drives are connected via SATA cables and connectors. Find out what SATA connector your motherboard has by Googling the motherboard’s name + specifications.

We recommend Samsung’s 1TB SSD for those with SATA 3 connectors. If you don’t expect to use 1TB of data, a good pick would be Kingston’s 480GB drive.

Method 2: Using CrystalDiskInfo to identify the malfunctioning disk

• Download and install CrystalDiskInfo
• Start the program and let it collect information regarding your hard drive(s)
• Look if any of the lights in the upper-left corner are yellow or red, indicating that there could be something wrong
• Check the values in the list below. Seek Error Rate, Spin Retry Time, Reallocated Sectors Count, and Seek Time Performance are good indicators of a failing disk.

While CrystalDiskInfo can aid you in monitoring your hard drive’s health, it doesn’t guarantee that the outcome of the assessment is completely true.

Hard drives use a feature called S.M.A.R.T (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) which can be accessed by the use of programs like CrystalDiskInfo to analyze the hard drive’s status. It’s a good indication but isn’t always precise.

Lastly: A clicking hard drive can also be the cause of insufficient power being supplied by the PSU. Make sure your power supply unit is strong enough to run your hard drive(s).

2# Cables Brushing Up Against Fans

If you’ve recently built your computer, changed parts, opened it up, or moved it around – chances are some of the cables inside the chassis have wiggled over closer to the computer’s fans. You can find fans on the graphics card, the processor, the power supply, and inside the chassis.

This, together with a bunch of cables hanging loose, can easily lead to cables coming in contact with the fan’s spinning blades, which can produce a strange noise.

Thankfully, moving cables away from the fans isn’t a difficult procedure. Simply open up the chassis and use your senses to identify whether the cables are in proximity to the fans or not.

If it turns out that the cables are in fact brushing up against the fans, remove them and strap them together to avoid movement.

3# Software Triggering Mouse Click

We’ve talked about mechanical sounds, but they’re not the only strange noises that a computer can produce. Sometimes you’ll hear strange digital sounds coming from your computer when it hasn’t been given your manual input.

Random click sounds coming from your speakers are most likely caused by background software triggering “program events”.

Program events are actions (such as double-clicking a file) that trigger sounds within Windows. You can manually set sounds for program events, or remove them completely. There are two methods of investigating this issue.

Changing sound for certain program events

• Right-click the icon speaker in the lower right corner
• Select Sounds
• Look for Start Navigation in the list of Program Events
• Select Start Navigation
• If it has a selected sound (under “Sounds:”) change it to None

Start Navigation is only one of the program events which can trigger a mouse click sound. We’ve written an article that shows you how to change or silence all sounds related to the mouse.

If changing the sound for the program event doesn’t work, proceed to the next method.

Monitoring background processes to identify audio files

By using software like Process Monitor you can identify real-time file usage, which will show us if an audio file is being played – and from where it’s being played.

• Download and install Process Monitor
• Run process monitor
• Set a filter by clicking the teal filter icon in the toolbar
• Filter for files containing “.wav”
• Run the software until the click appears to see what background process caused it
• When the software causing the click has been identified, decide what you want to do with the software. You can either uninstall it, shut it down temporarily, or restrict it from starting automatically with the computer.

Alternatively;

• Click the filter icon
• Set Path -> Begins With -> C:\Windows\Media\ -> Include
• Click Add
• Click Ok
• The next time a click sound appears it should be registered in the list below and tell you what program the sound came from.

Users have reported that programs like uTorrent, VPN services, and certain Office applications have caused this problem for them. But it could be anything so it’s best to investigate the issue rather than jump to conclusions.

4# Virus/Malware

It’s also been reported that a random clicking sound coming from your speakers might be the result of a virus. Make sure to run a complete scan on your computer to see if your anti-virus will catch up on anything out of the ordinary.

Download and install either of these:

• Malwarebytes
• AdwCleaner
• ESET Online Scanner
• Avira
• Pandasoft
• Avast

Run a complete scan to see if they can find anything. Having two anti-virus programs installed at once can cause conflicts and freezes between the two applications. Therefore, run your current anti-virus first.

If it doesn’t find anything, uninstall it and install any of the programs mentioned above and run them. You can then reinstall the previous anti-virus when the new ones are completed and removed.

Note: You might have to run more than one of the programs mentioned above to ensure you’ve attacked it from every angle.

#5 Webpages Making Click Sounds

If the click only happens when you’ve got a web browser open (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Edge, etc) then it could be caused by either the browser or a web page.

Sometimes webpages will set sounds for chat messages, invites, notifications, and a bunch of other things. If you’ve got a lot of tabs open at once, or simply forgot about the web pages you’re visiting, chances are they’re the source of the sound.

Additionally, a similar click sound is made when browsers refresh, and they will do that every now and then – even without your manual input. If you’re browsing multiple pages the refreshing sound becomes even more frequent.

If it happens all the time I would consider reinstalling the browser of your choice to see if it fixes the issue.

#6 Power Supply Is Faulty

Your power supply unit, or PSU, is responsible for supplying the rest of the components with enough power to keep them running. Power supply units can start clicking for various reasons, and none of them should be ignored.

Without a functioning power supply unit, the computer won’t be able to run. The clicking noise can indicate any of the following:

• Your power supply unit has damaged connectors (The cable connecting the power supply unit to the components in need of power)
• Your power supply unit has a damaged fan or filter
• Your power supply hasn’t been installed properly in the chassis (Can cause it to short circuit)
• Your power supply has been overclocked
• Your power supply is failing (Which means you’ll need to get a replacement)
• Your power supply unit’s voltage regulator is turning the power on and off

#7 Outdated Audio Driver

That your audio drivers are outdated isn’t the most common reason for the clicks appearing, but it’s still a possibility worth exploring. Updating your drivers is a simple task and shouldn’t take more than 5-10 minutes.

Finding the right drivers for your device is as easy as Googling:

• Laptop name + drivers (E.g: HP Elitebook 840 Drivers”)
• Motherboard name + drivers

Then find the manufacturer’s website and look for the most recently released audio drivers. You can also go directly to the manufacturer’s website and search for the product there.

#8 Loose Screws & Components

The computer chassis and motherboard hold a few components in place. These components are screwed onto the chassis or the motherboard (sometimes both) and should be firmly screwed in place to ensure the screws don’t loosen with any movement the computer’s components may cause.

While it might not always sound like a clicking noise, loose screws can still make confusing noises which will have you wondering what’s wrong. You’ll find screws all over the chassis, both the inside and the outside.

Every component is screwed in place, including the fans. Inspect each screw thoroughly to ensure it hasn’t started to loosen.

9# Speakers

Speakers can both click, pop, and crackle and while it may sound like I’m referring to a set of famous dance moves, they are not dance moves by any stretch of the imagination. You may have heard it before, but only occasionally.

If the problem has started to surface more frequently, and louder than before, there’s most likely something wrong with your speakers. The most common problem is the connection between your speakers and computer – or the computer’s audio drivers.

If the issue is caused by faulty connections, then it’s most likely either bad wiring or wires coming in contact with a power wire. Inspect your audio wires if possible, and move them around to see if it makes a difference.

This problem is rarely an “occasional” click, but a static or more frequent sound. It’s worth noting that any other devices in proximity to your speakers can lead them to emit click sounds. An example of that is a cell phone interfering with the speaker signal.

Try moving other devices away from your speakers to see if the sound disappears.

Figuring out how to connect a monitor to a laptop without HDMI can be a tricky task for those that aren’t technically savvy. You’ll want to keep reading to figure out the best methods to do exactly that.

If your laptop doesn’t have an HDMI output, you may be able to add an external monitor using another kind of connection, such as:

• Wireless Screen Mirroring
• DisplayPort
• VGA
• USB-C
• An Adapter (From HDMI to DisplayPort, VGA or USB-C)
• Via a Docking Station

We’ve listed 6 different methods you can use to connect to a monitor without HDMI. Continue reading to find out more about these methods.

1. Connect Through Wireless Screen Mirroring

If you have a laptop and a monitor but don’t have an HDMI cable available, many people think they have run out of options for connectivity. What do you do in a case like this? Wirelessly mirror your laptop display to a monitor.

Wireless screen mirroring uses your network to extend the display of a laptop across one or more monitors.

It’s often used as a way to give presentations on large screens, stream content from one device to another for viewing, or play video games across devices (e.g., playing a game on a tablet and displaying it on a smart TV).

This functionality is especially handy when you want to simultaneously work on two different applications, and you want to view them on the laptop screen and monitor them side by side.

Wireless screen mirroring can be used with any internet-connected Windows PC or laptop that has Intel WiDi technology. If your PC doesn’t have this technology built-in, then you can buy it as an add-on feature.

There are two main types of wireless screen mirroring:

Miracast: Miracast is an industry-standard designed for mirroring a smartphone, tablet, or PC’s screen to television without having to use cables or a network connection.

Google Cast: Google Cast is the technology used in Chromecast and the Google Home range of products to wirelessly send content from mobile devices and laptops to compatible TVs, speakers, and other devices.

2. Use DisplayPort

DisplayPort is a digital display interface developed by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA). The interface is primarily used to connect a video source to a display device such as a computer monitor, though it can also be used to transmit audio, USB, and other forms of data. 

DisplayPort was designed to replace VGA, FPD-Link, and Digital Visual Interface (DVI). The interface is backward compatible with other interfaces, such as HDMI and DVI, through the use of either active or passive adapters.

DisplayPort is the first display interface to rely on packetized data transmission, a form of digital communication found in technologies such as Ethernet and USB.

Each one of these packets contains the data necessary to update a small portion of the screen known as a macroblock. By separating the bulk of the data into small parts in this way, DisplayPort is able to maintain high rates of data transfer over its cables.

The standard was put on hold for nearly four years beginning in October 2008 after it was criticized for having licensing issues. However, it was eventually released in December 2009.

DisplayPort 1.2 was released in March 2010 and added support for multiple streams and stereoscopic 3D content (3D Vision), along with several optional color spaces that were designed.

DisplayPort requires a cable with DisplayPort connectors on both ends. The cable might be labeled as DP or mDP. You can also use an adapter cable to convert the DisplayPort connector to another type, such as VGA, DVI, or HDMI.

DisplayPort ports are similar to HDMI ports when it comes to design. The port looks like HDMI on one edge while the other edge is flat.

3. Use VGA

If your laptop doesn’t have an HDMI port, you can still connect it to a monitor through VGA. You’ll need a VGA cable and a VGA adapter (If your laptop doesn’t have VGA ports), which is a small piece that plugs into the USB port on your laptop.

You’ll also need to be sure that your monitor and laptop are both compatible with the same type of connection. 

These steps apply to most laptops and monitors, but if you can’t get this setup to work, be sure to consult your user manual or contact the manufacturer for help.

4. Use USB-C

One of the latest types of USB cable has the capability to transfer video. Modern laptops often come with a USB-C output video option, which will allow you to configure your laptop to display video on the monitor via USB-C.

5. Get an Adapter

Regardless of what type of port you’re missing, the problem can always be solved by using an adapter. So, a laptop that doesn’t have HDMI ports can still be connected to a monitor that has HDMI ports by using an adapter that converts HDMI to DisplayPort, for instance.

These days, most adapters are affordable and a few of them offer multiple kinds of connections, which is extremely handy if you’ve got a bunch of different cables and devices. It’s also a big plus for those who have a mix of old and new devices, as there can be some compatibility issues.

6. Docking Station

Docking stations provide your laptop with a spot to dock your computer. The cables are then connected to the docking station instead of the laptop, making it easy to connect and disconnect all of the peripherals by simply undocking the laptop, and vice versa.

Most docking stations have ports for HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA. That way you can connect your monitor(s) to the docking station and access them by docking your laptop, regardless of what video connection ports your laptop has.

Docking stations require either a proprietary cable (which comes with the docking station) or one of the cables mentioned above. Check the documentation that came with your docking station for information about which cables are compatible.

How To Connect Two Monitors To A Laptop With Only One Video Port

If you’re wanting to figure out how to connect two monitors to a laptop that only has one video port, you’ll first need to make sure your laptop has a video port that’s capable of handling two external displays.

If it doesn’t, you’ll have to buy a USB video adapter or a docking station with multiple video ports—most laptops, however, should be good to go. 

For those that don’t have a USB video adapter, you can simply purchase these relatively inexpensive products that allow you to connect an additional monitor or projector via USB 3.0/2.0 ports—no need for another video port!

Simply plug the adapter into your computer’s USB port (the higher speed ones are better), plug in the second monitor’s cable (HDMI, DVI, or VGA) into the adapter and you’re good to go! Most adapters support both LCD and LED monitors.

Once you’ve got the necessary equipment (an HDMI cable and your trusty laptop), you’re ready to connect your monitors.

To start with, you’ll want to plug the monitor into an electrical outlet near your laptop and connect it to the computer using an HDMI cable.

Then, open up the control panel folder on your laptop and click display settings (you won’t see it if you’re not in the “category” view; just click “view by” up top and change it from icons to category). Click on the “identify” button (a large number 1) to label which display is which. 

To arrange them, first, choose “extend desktop” and then drag each display around until they line up in the way that makes sense for you.

If one monitor is higher than the other, you can use the resolution dropdown menu in display settings to adjust its resolution accordingly so everything lines up properly.

Using a HDMI-splitter or adapter with only 1 port available doesn’t give you two unique displays. Instead, the same video signal (image) is sent and displayed on two different monitors.

Connecting your computer to a docking station will provide it with additional ports, making it possible to connect multiple monitors.

While it might take some creativity and a little more technical knowledge to connect your monitor to a laptop without the use of HDMI, these methods can become quite handy on the occasion that you don’t have a cable nearby.

So, what’s the deal with these two types of RAM? Are they the same?

RAM for laptop and desktop computers serve the same purpose but are different in shape and size. Laptops have SO-DIMM modules, which are much smaller than a desktop computer’s DIMM modules. The average size of desktop RAM is 4.5 inches, while the average laptop is 3 inches. Therefore, the RAM can’t be used interchangeably between the two.

Beyond just the size differences between laptop RAM and desktop RAM, there are also other factors to consider, such as the speed and type of the RAM. Keep reading to learn all there is to know about the differences between laptop RAM and desktop RAM.

What’s the Difference Between Laptop and Desktop RAM?

While RAM essentially does the same thing between laptops and desktops, there are a few key differences that you’ll want to be aware of. 

RAM, or random access memory, is a type of computer data storage that stores information temporarily while a computer is turned on. The main difference between RAM on a desktop and a laptop is both physical size and speed.

Desktop RAM

Desktop computers have larger memory modules than laptops because they are designed to be more powerful.

Desktop RAM comes in standard sizes like 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB, so you can easily find the exact amount of RAM you need for your computer. Desktop RAM also has a faster speed than laptop RAM because it is designed to handle more tasks at once.

With desktops, something known as a dual in-line memory module is used for the system memory. This is also abbreviated as DIMM, and it consists of a number of smaller memory chips that are on the same circuit board. The majority of desktop computers use this type of memory.

Laptop RAM

Laptops use smaller memory modules than desktops because they’re designed for portability and battery life rather than power. Laptop RAM comes in standard sizes like 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB, so you may not be able to find exactly what you need if your laptop needs more than 4GB of RAM.

Laptop RAM also has a slower speed than desktop RAM because it’s designed to help prolong battery life rather than handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

With laptop RAM, the memory is referred to as a small outline dual in-line memory module, or SO-DIMM, for short. These memory systems are much smaller in comparison to desktop memory systems because they need to be able to fit into a laptop.

Compatibility

Laptop RAM won’t be backward compatible with desktop RAM, so if you’re trying to purchase desktop RAM and think it’ll work without any issue in your laptop, think again. This is important to note because many people like to upgrade their laptops or desktop computers over time.

The structure of the memory is much different between laptop and desktop RAM.

Can You Put Laptop RAM In a Desktop PC?

Laptop RAM is designed to run at a lower voltage and can’t handle high loads like desktop RAM can. The result is that laptop memory tends to fail sooner than desktop memory, so if you’re trying to upgrade an old laptop with some spare parts from your desk, it’s probably not worth the risk of getting less life out of your new memory.

That said, if you’re looking for cheap RAM for a desktop PC that’s built to last or has been around for a while, then yes, you can put laptop RAM in a desktop computer.

It will work fine as long as your motherboard supports it. You’ll have to do some research to see if your laptop motherboard will be able to support your desktop RAM because it’s not all that common that it will.

If you don’t figure out the compatibility between the RAM that you’re considering installing in your laptop or desktop PC, you could run into some negative issues very quickly.

Different motherboards use different types of memory slots. Desktop motherboards generally have two DIMM slots that are designed for DDR3 SDRAM or DDR4 modules, while laptop motherboards usually have one SO-DIMM slot (which looks like a stick of gum rather than two rectangular pieces).

Laptop RAM is usually made to be used with laptops, so they are usually 5- or 6-sided, rather than 2 or 4-sided like desktop memory. This means that the pins on the bottom of the chip will be different and might not fit into your motherboard.

Can You Convert Laptop RAM to Desktop RAM?

If you’re wondering if you can convert laptop RAM into desktop RAM, the quick answer is that you should be able to do so, but there are a number of things you’ll want to keep in mind.

As mentioned earlier, laptop RAM has a different pin configuration than desktop RAM does. So if you try to put a desktop chip into a laptop, it won’t fit as accurately as it should, and will probably damage the motherboard if you try to force it in.

But if you have the right kind of adapter, then you can use your desktop memory in a laptop without many hiccups along the way.

The second thing to keep note of is that laptop memory generally runs slower than desktop memory would run in its place. The reason for this is that laptops have lower power requirements than desktops do and therefore need less voltage and less speed to function correctly. 

So, while your desktop computer might run at 1600MHz or even faster, the same memory might only run at 1333MHz or less inside your laptop.

And finally, when using desktop memory in your laptop there’s always an issue with heat generation and dissipation because there’s usually not enough room inside a laptop case for proper cooling fans and heat sinks like there would be in a full-size PC case with adequate ventilation holes for airflow.

How Can You Tell If Your RAM Is DDR2, DDR3, or DDR4?

The answer to this question can be a little bit tricky. First, It’s important to note that there are many different types of RAM, and each one works differently. 

What Is DDR2?

DDR2 stands for Double Data Rate 2. DDR2 has been around since 2003. It’s also known as PC2-4200 (or 533MHz) or DDR2-533. DDR2 memory is no longer being manufactured, so if you have a computer that’s more than a few years old, it’s unlikely that you’ll have any of this type.

However, if you have an older PC and want to upgrade its memory, this is what you should be looking for.

What Is DDR3?

DDR3 stands for Double Data Rate 3 (or 667 MHz) and is much faster than DDR2 because it uses less power and generates less heat than its predecessor.

It was first introduced in 2007 and is still used today by some manufacturers due to its lower cost compared to DDR4 technology. If you see PC3-8500 or PC3-10600 listed as the memory speed on your computer specs, then it’s most likely running on DDR3 RAM (also known as 1333MHz).

What Is DDR4?

DDR4 is one of the latest technologies available in memory modules for computers today. It’s faster than the previous two versions listed above.

There are a few ways to figure out what type of RAM you have. The easiest way to check what type of RAM you have installed is to look at the model number on the sticker on your computer’s motherboard.

If you’re not sure how to find it, here are some tips:

• In Windows 10 or 8, right-click on the Start button and choose Device Manager. Under System Devices, look for something with a yellow exclamation mark next to it. Double-click that item and scroll down until you see “Memory”, then look for the model number (for example, DDR3-1066).

• In Windows 7 or Vista, open Control Panel and click System and Security. Click System and then click System Information. Look under Memory for something like “DDR3 1066” (or whatever type of memory your computer uses).

Different types of memory exist for laptops and desktops, but they’re both designed to handle similar tasks. Regardless of the machine you’re using, it’s important to have the right amount and type of memory in order to keep your system running as smoothly as possible.

If you’re considering upgrading your machine, pay careful attention to the speed and size of the RAM you’re wanting to install into it for the best results.

But why is your laptop charger blinking when plugged in? We did some research, and we compiled the answers for you.

If your battery charger blinks when it’s plugged in, it can be an indication that something is wrong with the adapter or battery, but it could also be an indication of low battery levels. The meaning of the blinking varies depending on the model and make of your laptop, and the color of the light.

Therefore, contacting the user manual of your laptop model for details about your laptop’s charger blinking will offer you a clearer insight into the source of the issue.

We did some research for details about a blinking charger for different laptop models, and we will give you clear insight into the cause of the problem and how you can fix it for each laptop model.

Sounds interesting? Read on to learn more.

Why Your HP Charger Blinks When It’s Plugged In

When it is plugged in, a blinking HP charger could be an indicator that either the battery is defective or your laptop battery is not properly connected.

Therefore, if the battery is defective, you may want to replace it with one compatible with your HP laptop model. If this is not the case, consider confirming and ensuring that the laptop battery is properly connected.

Why Your Asus Charger Blinks When It’s Plugged In

A common reason your Asus charger blinks when plugged in is that the laptop battery is getting older.

It can also be due to a damaged laptop charger. You need to check the battery icon on the taskbar of your laptop and confirm if the battery icon has an electric plug above it.

An absence of an electric icon will confirm to you that your laptop charger is damaged.

Therefore, you can fix that by replacing your laptop charger with a charger compatible with your Asus laptop.

The blinking can also be a short circuit or temporary failure of the AC adapter. In this case, you should unplug the AC adapter from the power outlet and laptop and plug back all the cords correctly.

Besides, the orange blinking in your laptop charger when plugged in could mean that your laptop battery sensors need recalibration.

Why Your Dell Charger Blinks When It’s Plugged In

There are three types of Dell charger blinking that you might experience when your laptop charger is plugged in.

1. Amber light and white light alternately blinking.

This indicates that a non-Dell or unsupported AC adapter is connected to your Dell laptop.

You can fix this by first disconnecting and reconnecting your AC adapter. If this does not work, you can try a known Dell AC adapter.

2. A constantly or steady blinking amber light

This will be a signal that there is a possible fatal laptop battery failure.

Here is how you can fix it;

Step 1: Turn off your laptop

Step 2: Disconnect the AC adapter

Step 3: Reseat the laptop battery

Step 4: Replace the laptop battery with another compatible or similar Dell laptop battery

3. Steadly blinking white light and an alternately blinking amber light

A temporary Dell laptop battery failure causes this.

The following steps will help you fix the issue;

Step 1: Turn off your Dell laptop

Step 2: Disconnect the AC adapter

Step 3: Reseat the battery and replace it with a similar Dell laptop battery.

Why Your Lenovo Charger Blinks When It’s Plugged In

Typically, there are two scenarios when your Lenovo charger will blink when plugged in. First, a slow blinking will indicate that your Lenovo laptop battery is being charged.

Secondly, a quick blinking will be an indicator that there is a possible battery or AC adapter problem. It might be associated with a faulty charger that is not sending power to your laptop battery.

To fix this issue, you will need to do the following;

• Shut down your Lenovo laptop
• Remove the AC adapter and battery
• Press and hold the laptop’s power button for 20 to 30 seconds.
• Replace the AC adapter and battery
• Boot up your Lenovo laptop

It is vital to note that the above fix will not resolve the issue if it is associated with a faulty charger. Therefore, if the above fix does not resolve the problem, consider replacing your Lenovo laptop charger.

Why Your Acer Charger Blinks When It’s Plugged In

In most cases, whenever an Acer laptop charger blinks with an orange color when plugged in, it will indicate a possible faulty laptop charger. It may also be due to a lower power supply from the AC socket outlet.

You can easily fix this problem by replacing your Acer laptop charger or adapter. If the issue is associated with a lower power supply from the AC source, you will be required to check and ensure that the electric voltage supplied to the AC socket-outlet is enough to charge your Acer laptop.

Why Your Microsoft Surface Charger Blinks When It’s Plugged In

A blinking white light in your Microsoft Surface charger when it is plugged in can indicate a problem with the power supply, or the power supply connector could be incompatible with your laptop.

You can fix this by removing the power supply connector from your laptop and checking for debris or damage that can cause a bad connection. If this does not resolve the issue, you may want to replace the power supply.

Why Your MSI Charger Blinks When It’s Plugged In

A blinking red light on your MSI charger can be a signal that your laptop battery is not being charged properly. This could be due to a dead battery, faulty wall socket, or a faulty charger.

Depending on the specific cause, you can fix this by;

• Changing the wall socket
• Replacing the MSI battery charger with one that is compatible with your laptop
• Replacing the MSI laptop battery with a compatible battery

Why Your Razer Charger Blinks When It’s Plugged In

In most cases, your Razer laptop will stop charging, and you will notice a charging light that is slowly blinking green (low light). This issue is associated with a faulty Razer laptop charger in most cases.

You can fix this by buying a new charger compatible with your Razer laptop.

Why Your Samsung Charger Blinks When It’s Plugged In

If a Samsung charger blinks when it’s plugged in, it may indicate a problem with the laptop battery. The power usage of your Samsung laptop is greater than the recharge capability of the Samsung battery.

In such a case, if the battery is damaged, you should consider replacing it to fix the issue.

Laptop Charger Light Error Codes

The laptop charger was equipped with this little light as a way for the charger to communicate or display its status. It sends error codes by displaying lights in different colors and patterns. The meaning of these lights can differ from one model to the next.

Some error codes are, however, quite frequently used by manufacturers all over the world. These include:

• Blinking Amber: The laptop’s battery is low
• Blinking Amber and White: The laptop isn’t compatible with the charger used
• Blinking White: The laptop is in sleep mode
• Steady White Light 1: The laptop is turned on
• Steady White Light 2: The laptop’s battery is being charged
• No Light: This can be seen when the charger isn’t connected to a power supply or working battery, but also when the laptop is fully charged