Laptop lag or slowdown when charging on Windows is pretty normal, mostly due to the Power Plan Settings. Both Windows 10/11 provide you with multiple power plans; each can be customized to maximize the operating system’s performance.
Below, we have shared some simple methods for fixing Laptop lag or slowdown when charging on Windows.
1. Ensure your device is not overheating
Excessive heat is a prominent reason for laptop lag or slowing down while charging. When a laptop is charging, some of the energy is converted to heat, which needs to be dissipated.
When the heat doesn’t get released, it builds up and increases the temperature of other hardware components, leading to sluggish performance.
You must ensure your laptop is not heating up while charging. If it’s overheating, you should clean the heat sink of your laptop and use a cooling pad.
2. Make sure your Power Adapter is in good condition
Faulty power adapters could be the only reason for your laptop overheating or charging problems. I you use a third-party power adapter that’s too old, you can expect overheating or charging problems.
Using an incompatible power adapter to charge your laptop can cause excessive heating and damage to the other hardware components. To lengthen the battery life and to fix issues like Windows Laptop lag while charging, make sure to use the original power adapter.
3. Change the Power Settings
Incorrect power plan settings can lead to laptop lag or slowdown while charging. This is because Windows’ Battery Saver mode eliminates certain processes to retain battery juice.
If your laptop is in battery saver mode, you can try turning it off to fix laptop lag while charging. Or else, you can change the Power Mode settings to fix the problem.
1. Click on the Windows Start button and select Settings.
2. When the Settings app opens, switch to the System tab on the left.
3. On the right side, click on the Power & Battery.
4. To fix laptop lag or slowdown, select Better Performance or Best Performance on the dropdown next to Power Mode.
5. If the Power Mode is already set to Better Performance, switch to Recommended.
4. Change the Processor Power Management Settings
While it’s not recommended to tweak the power management settings of the Processor, it can still help if nothing has worked for you to fix Laptop lag or slowdown issues while charging.
You need to prevent your processor from reaching its peak performance even when required to prevent overheating, which leads to lag or slowdown issues.
1. Type Control Panel in the Windows Search and open it.
2. When the Control Panel opens, select Large icons on the View by dropdown menu.
3. Now select the Power Options.
4. On the Power Options, select Change plan settings.
5. Select Change Advanced Power Settings.
6. Now expand the Processor Power Management category.
7. On the maximum processor state, change the percentage next to Plugged in from 100% to 95% or lower.
After making the changes, click on the Apply button. Then, restart your computer to reflect the changes.
5. Run a Full Antivirus Scan
A laptop slowing down suddenly can also be a sign of a virus/malware infection. Hence, it makes sense to run a full antivirus scan with the Windows Security app to fix the root cause.
1. Click on Windows Search and type in Windows Security. Open the Windows Security app from the list.
2. When the Windows Security app opens, click on Virus & Threat Protection.
3. Click on the Scan options under the Current Threats section.
4. On the next screen, select Full Scan and click the Scan Now button.
Since it’s a full scan, the process may take a while to complete.
6. Free Up the RAM and CPU Resources
If you’ve done all things listed above, but still experiencing the system lag issues, you should try to speed up your PC by freeing up the CPU and RAM resources.
One of the easiest ways to free up RAM and CPU resources on a Windows-based PC is to enable apps and processes from the Task Manager.
- Open Task Manager from the Windows Search.
2. When the Task Manager opens, switch to the Processes tab.
3. Find the tasks that feel unnecessary. Right click on them and select End Task.
7. Use Your Laptop When it isn’t charging
If no methods work in your favor, your device needs to be inspected by a technician to rule out possible hardware problems.
Your laptop likely has a hardware issue that needs to be ruled out, as the software-based optimization didn’t work.
You can take your laptop to the local service center and ask them to investigate the issue. Or else, you can use your device when it isn’t charging.
Fully charge your laptop before you use it & avoid charging when you’re actively using it.
These are some of the best methods to fix Windows laptop lag while charging problems. We are sure the issue may have been fixed already, provided you have followed all methods.
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