How to check laptop battery wear on Windows

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To check laptop battery wear on Windows, you can use the built-in Command Prompt tool or third-party applications. These methods provide insights into the battery's health and capacity, helping you determine if it needs replacement.

Easy⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before checking your laptop battery wear, ensure you meet the following requirements.
  • •Windows 10 or Windows 11 operating system installed.
  • •Administrator access to run Command Prompt or install third-party software.
  • •No critical data needs to be backed up specifically for this task, but general data backup is recommended.

Method 1: Using Command Prompt

This method is useful for users who prefer built-in tools without installing additional software.
  • •Step 1: Press 'Windows + X' to open the Power User menu and select 'Windows Terminal (Admin)' or 'Command Prompt (Admin)'.
  • •Step 2: Type the command 'powercfg /batteryreport' and press 'Enter'.
  • •Step 3: Navigate to the directory shown in the command output (usually C:\Users\YourUsername\battery-report.html) to find the report.
  • •Step 4: Open the HTML file in a web browser to view battery health details.

For Windows 11

Windows 11 users can follow the same steps as Windows 10, with a slightly different interface.
  • •Step 1: Click on the Start button, type 'Windows Terminal', right-click, and select 'Run as administrator'.
  • •Step 2: Follow the same command and navigation steps as outlined above.

For Windows 10

Windows 10 users can directly access Command Prompt or Windows Terminal.
  • •Step 1: Press 'Windows + R', type 'cmd', and press 'Ctrl + Shift + Enter' to run as administrator.
  • •Step 2: Execute the same command as described above.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Software

This method is ideal for users who prefer a graphical interface and more detailed insights.
  • •Step 1: Download and install a battery health monitoring tool like 'BatteryInfoView' or 'HWMonitor'.
  • •Step 2: Launch the software and allow it to scan your battery.
  • •Step 3: Review the battery wear level, capacity, and health status displayed in the application.
  • •Step 4: If the software does not show accurate information, ensure it is updated to the latest version.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while checking battery wear, consider the following solutions.
  • •Error: 'Access Denied' - Solution: Ensure you are running Command Prompt as an administrator.
  • •Issue: 'Battery report not generated' - Fix: Check if your laptop is plugged in and try the command again.
  • •Problem: 'Third-party software not detecting battery' - Workaround: Ensure the software is compatible with your Windows version and update it.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

Enhance your experience with these power user tips.
  • •Keyboard shortcut: 'Windows + R' - Opens the Run dialog for quick access to commands.
  • •Command line: 'powercfg /batteryreport /output C:\battery-report.html' - Directly specifies the output file location.
  • •Hidden feature: Use 'powercfg /energy' for a detailed energy report including battery performance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

Regularly monitoring battery health can extend your laptop's lifespan and performance.