Battery replacement is usually the narrower decision when the computer still meets needs and has a serviceable pack. Compare health, cycle count, runtime, swelling, part availability and labor with the laptop's age, performance and other pending repairs. First, back up data, read battery health/cycle information and inspect for swelling or case deformation.
What this covers
- A laptop with poor runtime or a battery-health warning
What it does not cover
Try in this order
0 of 9 completedEstablish the exact starting state
ReversibleBack up data, read battery health/cycle information and inspect for swelling or case deformation.
Separate the fault or decision boundary
ReversibleCompare battery-only symptoms with charger, port, thermal, sleep or main-board faults.
Apply the narrowest correction
ReversibleUse an exact compatible battery and qualified service when the pack is internal.
Back up first and read the battery's health
ReversibleCopy your files somewhere safe, then check the battery's health, capacity and cycle count using the maker's tool or the system's battery report. A battery that has lost a lot of capacity but is otherwise sound is a good candidate for replacement.
Rule out the charger, the port and other faults
ReversibleCompare battery-only symptoms with those from a bad charger, a worn charging port, heat problems or a failing main board. Replacing the battery does not fix any of those.
Compare the total costs and the laptop's remaining usefulness
ReversibleGet a price for an exact compatible battery and the labor if it is internal, and set it against the laptop's age, speed, storage and screen. If the laptop still meets your needs, a new battery is usually the cheaper choice.
Get the battery report before you price anything
ReversibleOn Windows run powercfg /batteryreport as administrator and open the HTML file. On a Mac open the battery status and note whether it shows Service Recommended.
Change the charging habit if the laptop is otherwise fine
ReversibleMicrosoft's advice is a 20 to 80% range and avoiding heat. A battery that is only mildly worn may cost you less to manage than to replace.
Verify before escalating
ReversibleConfirm charging, unplugged runtime, sleep/wake and no case distortion after service.
Windows and Mac
How to read battery health and how to slow the decline
Check the battery's own report before deciding between a new pack and a new laptop.
- Windows report
- Microsoft says to run powercfg /batteryreport in Command Prompt as administrator; the report is an HTML file stored in a folder on the PC.
- Charging habits
- Microsoft advises keeping the battery in a moderate charge range, roughly 20% to 80%, avoiding frequent deep discharges, and not using or charging at high temperatures because heat permanently reduces lithium-ion capacity. To store a device, keep it at around 40 to 60% charge.
- Mac
- Apple says rechargeable batteries are consumable components whose age is not determined by time alone, and that battery health management, on by default on new Mac laptops with macOS Catalina 10.15.5 or later, may temporarily reduce the maximum charge based on temperature history and charging patterns. Apple also has a 'Service Recommended' status for a battery.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Stop using a laptop with a swollen, hot or leaking battery and take it to a qualified repairer, and do not puncture or bend the pack.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions about “Replace a laptop battery or replace the laptop?”
How do I know whether my laptop battery needs replacing?+
Signs include a short runtime, a sudden shutdown at a high percentage, a warning in the battery report and a swollen case. A battery report shows the design capacity against the current one.
Is it safe to keep using a swollen battery?+
No. A swollen battery can leak or catch fire, so stop using it, unplug the laptop and have it replaced by a qualified repairer.
Can I replace the battery myself?+
Some laptops have removable or screw-in batteries, but many are glued in and need special care. Use the exact compatible part and follow the maker's guide.
When is a new laptop the better choice?+
When the laptop is slow, has a failing screen or board, or a battery replacement would cost close to a new machine.
Why does my Mac not charge to 100%?+
Apple says battery health management can temporarily reduce the maximum charge based on your battery's temperature history and charging patterns.
How should I store a laptop I will not use for months?+
Microsoft says to keep the battery charged to around 40 to 60% and to avoid storing it fully charged or completely drained.
Are third-party batteries safe?+
Use quality, correct-model batteries from reputable suppliers. Cheap ones can be unsafe or have low capacity.