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 a charged battery is in the computer and 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 supplied through the AC adapter, the computer switches to battery power if the AC adapter is disconnected from the computer.

NOTE: The display brightness is decreased to save battery life when you disconnect AC power. To increase display brightness, press f3 or reconnect the AC adapter.

You can keep a battery in the computer or in storage, depending on how you work. Keeping the battery in the computer whenever the computer is plugged into AC power charges the battery and also protects your work in case of a power outage. However, a battery in the computer slowly discharges when the computer is off and unplugged from external power.

WARNING! To reduce potential safety issues, use only the battery provided with the computer, a replacement battery provided by HP, or a compatible battery purchased from HP.

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 in Help and Support

The battery information section of the Help and Support Learning Center provides the following tools and information:

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 > Learning Center > HP Power and Battery Learning Center.

Using Battery Check

Battery Check, a part of the Total Care Advisor, 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 function properly.

2.Select Start > Help and Support > Troubleshooting tools > 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.

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