I've noticed that my HP laptop, which I've had since November 2021, now charges really quickly – in just about 10 to 30 minutes – but the battery life has dropped dramatically to around an hour or less. It seems to lose 1% in just a minute or two. I also mentioned that the fans aren't working hard right now, and they only ramp up randomly. Considering there are some cracks at the bottom of the laptop, could that be affecting the battery, or is it just a battery issue? The model with this problem is 15-dw3xxx.
4 Answers
Pretty much, yeah. Your battery seems to be failing. It might be worth looking into getting a new one before it causes more problems, like leaking or swelling.
Should I just stop using my laptop until the new battery arrives?
Those cracks can happen when a battery starts to go bad, often referred to as 'going spicy.' At this age, your battery is likely worn out, but replacements should be easy to find if you look for that part number.
But what should I actually do? Should I stop using the laptop now?
Is replacing the battery a straightforward process?
HP laptops usually have a sticker on the battery with the part number. You can use this to find a compatible replacement easily. Also, check for a service manual online for your model – it’ll help with the battery swap!
I haven’t opened it yet, but I’ll look for that part number.
Where do you recommend I search for the battery? eBay or Amazon?
It sounds like your battery is likely wearing out since it's been over two years. Batteries can get unpredictable as they age, leading to faster charging and draining. Unfortunately, the only solution here might be to replace it. If you're handy, you can open it up and do the swap yourself!
If I replace the battery, should I be worried about the cracks? How do I even find a replacement?
What about places like eBay or Amazon? Is that a good idea for parts?
Is there a risk it could explode?