TROUBLESHOOTING · STEP BY STEP · WINDOWS 10 & 11

Battery draining fast

A battery that drains faster than expected is usually caused by software settings, background processes, or natural ageing. Most drain issues can be significantly improved by adjusting your power plan, closing background apps, and reducing screen brightness.

Plain language8 steps12-month warranty
STEP-BY-STEP

Follow these steps in order.

Most problems are resolved within the first few steps. Work through them one at a time.

Step 1
Check battery health. Open Command Prompt as admin. Type: powercfg /batteryreport. Open the report (saved to C:\Users\YourName\battery-report.html). Compare “Design Capacity” vs “Full Charge Capacity.” Below 70% = consider replacement.
StepKEY CHECK
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Step 2
Switch to “Best battery life” power plan. Click the battery icon in the taskbar. Drag the slider to “Best battery life.” Or Settings → System → Power & battery → Power mode → Best efficiency.
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Step 3
Reduce screen brightness. The display is the biggest power consumer. Reduce brightness to 40–60% for normal use. Settings → System → Display → Brightness.
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Step 4
Close background apps. Settings → Privacy → Background apps. Turn off apps you don’t need running in the background. Each one drains battery even when you’re not using it.
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Step 5
Turn off Bluetooth & Location when not needed. Quick Settings (Win+A) → toggle off Bluetooth and Location. Each active radio consumes power.
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Step 6
Check for driver updates. Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update. Outdated drivers can cause excessive power use. Install all pending updates.
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Step 7
Disable keyboard backlight. If your laptop has a backlit keyboard, turn it off or reduce brightness. Usually Fn + a brightness key. Saves noticeable battery.
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Step 8
Consider battery replacement. If battery health is below 70%, no settings change will fix the drain. CLS replaces batteries below 70% during refurbishment. Contact us for replacement options. Battery carries 1-month warranty.
StepHARDWARE
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WHEN TO CONTACT CLS

Still not working?

Contact CLS Support

If your battery health is below 70% or drain persists after all software fixes, the battery may need replacing. Phone 1300 724 968, email [email protected], or visit Unit 25, 16 Loyalty Road, North Rocks NSW 2151 (Mon–Sun 10am–6pm).

Under warranty?

If your device is under CLS warranty, do not attempt to open or repair it yourself. Contact us and we’ll guide you through the assessment process. CLS pays shipping both ways for warranty claims.

CLS SUPPORT

We stand behind every device.

Every refurbished laptop from CLS comes with a 12-month warranty and is backed by our North Rocks, Sydney support team. 210,000+ devices sold since 2011.

Contact support

CLS

FAQ

Questions, answered.

How do I check my battery health percentage?
Command Prompt (admin) → powercfg /batteryreport. Compare Design vs Full Charge Capacity in the report.
What battery health does CLS require?
Minimum 70% for all grades. Premium grade requires 80–100%. Batteries below 70% are replaced during refurbishment.
How long should a laptop battery last?
Business-grade laptops typically deliver 8–12 hours when new. After 2–3 years of use, expect 5–8 hours depending on health and usage.
Does CLS cover battery under warranty?
Battery carries a 1-month warranty. Gradual capacity loss is normal wear. If the battery fails completely within the first month, contact us.
Will a new battery fix my drain issue?
If health is below 70%, yes. If health is fine, the issue is software — follow the steps above.
Can I replace the battery myself?
Some models have user-replaceable batteries. Many modern laptops have sealed batteries requiring professional replacement. Check with CLS.
What warranty does my CLS laptop have?
12-month hardware warranty. Battery: 1 month. Details.
How do I contact CLS?
1300 724 968 or visit North Rocks.

LAST UPDATED · MAY 2026 · CLS TEAM

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