Troubleshooting: Fixing a 255 Battery Charge in Windows 10

Have you ever noticed your Windows 10 computer displaying a battery charge of 255? This unusual reading is often a symptom of a software glitch or an issue with the battery driver. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to diagnose and fix this issue, ensuring your computer functions at its best.

Understanding the Issue

A battery charge reading of 255 in Windows 10 is often indicative of a problem caused by either a software glitch or an issue with the battery driver. Understanding the root cause is the first step in resolving the issue effectively.

Step-by-Step Solutions

1. Restart Your Computer

Often, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches. Simply shut down your computer and restart it to see if the issue persists.

2. Update Battery Drivers

Open Device Manager. To do this, right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager. Expand the Batteries section. Right-click on Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery and select Update driver. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

3. Uninstall and Reinstall Battery Drivers

In Device Manager, right-click on Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery and select Uninstall device. Restart your computer and Windows will automatically reinstall the driver.

4. Check for Windows Updates

Open Settings by clicking on the Start button, then selecting Update Security and finally Windows Update. Check for updates and install any pending updates.

5. Run the Power Troubleshooter

In Settings, go to Update Security and then Troubleshoot. Select Power and run the troubleshooter.

6. Reset the Battery Calibration

Ensure your battery is fully charged to 100%. Let the battery discharge completely until the laptop turns off. Charge your battery again without interruption.

7. Check Battery Health

Use third-party software or Windows built-in tools to check the health of your battery and ensure it is functioning correctly.

8. BIOS Update (If Necessary)

Check if there is a BIOS update available for your system. Manufacturers may release updates that address battery reporting issues found in newer BIOS versions.

Conclusion and Additional Tips

Following these steps should help you resolve the issue of your computer displaying a 255 battery charge in Windows 10. However, if the problem persists, it is recommended to consult your laptop manufacturer's support team for further assistance. In some cases, the issue may indicate a hardware problem that requires expert attention.

Additionally, regularly updating your system and drivers, and maintaining proper battery care, can help prevent similar issues in the future. Ensure that your battery is not exposed to extreme temperatures and that you discharge it to the manufacturer-suggested level before recharging it.