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Using battery power
When a charged battery is in the computer and the computer is not plugged into external power, the
computer runs on battery power. When the computer is plugged into external AC power, the
computer runs on AC power.
If the computer contains a charged battery and is running on external AC power, the computer
switches to battery power if the AC adapter is disconnected from the computer.
NOTE: When you disconnect AC power, the display brightness is automatically decreased to save
battery life. For information on increasing or decreasing display brightness, refer to the Getting
Started guide.
Computer battery life varies, depending on power management settings, programs running on the
computer, display brightness, external devices connected to the computer, and other factors.
Finding battery information
Help and Support provides the following tools and information about the battery:
●
Battery Check tool to test battery performance
●
Information on calibration, power management, and proper care and storage to maximize battery
life
●
Information on battery types, specifications, life cycles, and capacity
To access battery information:
▲ Select Start > Help and Support > Learn > Power Plans: Frequently Asked Questions.
Using Battery Check
Battery Check in Help and Support provides information on the status of the battery installed in the
computer.
To run Battery Check:
1. Connect the AC adapter to the computer.
NOTE: The computer must be connected to external power for Battery Check to work properly.
2. Select Start > Help and Support > Troubleshoot > Power, Thermal and Mechanical.
3. Click the Power tab, and then click Battery Check.
Battery Check examines the battery and its cells to see if they are functioning properly, and then
reports the results of the examination.
Displaying the remaining battery charge
▲ Move the pointer over the power meter icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.
Maximizing battery discharge time
Battery discharge time varies depending on the features you use while on battery power. Maximum
discharge time gradually decreases as the battery storage capacity naturally degrades.
20 Chapter 4 Power management