Surface Pro 4 "Plugged in, Not Charging"

Anonymous
2016-03-16T13:08:47+00:00

So I did a search and found a lot of similar issues with the Pro 2, but nothing that really fits what I'm dealing with regarding my pro 4.

I've already swapped it out once before for this same issue, so I don't believe this is just a one off issue.

I have a Surface pro 4, i7, 256gb, 16gb RAM. I use the Surface pro 3 docking station with insert and have connected through the dock the following:a Single Dell 24" monitor off the displayport out of the docking station, Satellite/sub sound system, wireless keyboard, wired mouse, and a bluray drive. So that's the setup.

here is the issue. When ever I attempt to do anything that is somewhat power intensive, I get the  "Plugged in, Not Charging" issue. For instance if I play "Call of Duty: Heroes" which is a download from the app store it stops charging. Doesn't matter if I have the surfaced docked or connected directly to the supplied power cable.

The batter charges, it lasts 4-5 hrs when not on the charger. If I'm just doing word processing or watching a video, if I'm not compiling code, digital circuits, or playing a very very very low demand game it works just fine.

Anyone with a similar issue? Anyone able to get this resolved?

Surface | Surface Pro | Power and battery

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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Anonymous
2018-03-15T15:48:24+00:00

Here's what worked for me just now.

I've got a Surface Pro 4 i7/16GB  with the Microsoft Dock, and it stubbornly refused to charge.

I went into Device Manager, ![](https://learn-attachment.microsoft.com/api/attachments/1f924923-6af6-422b-8472-31c1b800abbc?platform=QnA and for each of the "Microsoft AC Adapter" and "Microsoft Surface ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery" devices, I selected them, right-clicked, "Uninstall Device", then went to Action, Scan for Hardware Changes, and it re-appeared.  After doing that to each of them, my SP4 started charging again.  No reboot necessary.

More info can be found in the Surface battery won’t charge troubleshooting article.

Hope that helps someone out there.

Your mileage may vary.

-KwM-

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  1. Anonymous
    2018-12-21T12:30:44+00:00

    This worked for me

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNBFl4Bn7CU

    2- Unplug charger prior to above steps Are you getting this error message "Battery Plugged in Not Charging" in Windows 10? Try these two simple steps and let's know if it works for you. 1- Right click on Windows Start Button I Device Manager I Batteries I "Microsoft ACPI - Compliant Control Method Battery" right click and uninstall it. Now right click on Battery and select "Scan for hardware changes" 2- Right click on Taskbar I Task Manager I Windows Explorer - right click and End Task I File I New Task I explorer.exe I ok

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-12-21T12:31:56+00:00

    Nevermind... it only worked for 5 minutes

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  3. Anonymous
    2018-12-22T02:21:13+00:00

    Buyer beware! I bought a Surface Pro 4, keyboard, & pen in November 2017. The device has barely been used since I bought it, maybe 20 hours tops because it's not my primary device & used only on rare occasions. After having not used the device for several months I got it out for a trip to Houston because it was more convenient to carry than my laptop. When I went to charge the unit it would no longer charge with the power connector in it's proper orientation (wire down). I followed all the trouble shooting steps, intstalled drivers & updates. The only way the device charges is to insert the power connector upside down (wire up). I put in a service ticket. Then I found out that it would be replaced with a "refurbished" device only & that my new unit would not be repaired or replaced. On top of that I was instructed to send only the device itself, not including the power supply. This is stupid. The device works fine when charged, so what if the issue is the charger itself & not the device? So I end up exchanging a perfectly good new device for refurbished junk & then still have the same issue! How can you diagnose the problem properly if you don't have all the pieces that could cause the problem to begin with! I even offered to pay for a upgrade to a comparable new Pro 6 if needed to make sure I got a new device back. I get passed off to the Microsoft store who basically tells me "sorry about your luck" because I don't buy an extra warranty that covered accidental damage! This isn't ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE! There isn't a "upgrade" path available either like the MS support rep mentioned either.

    Microsoft charged a premium price for what was supposed to be a premium device, but since they have my money, I'm basically stuck. Microsoft used to stand firmly behind what they sold & could always be counted on. Apparently that's no longer the case. Keep this in mind before you pay top dollar to Microsoft for a device that may only function properly for a very short time & the you get stuck like I did.

    Apple just got themselves a new customer!😡

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  4. Anonymous
    2019-01-02T10:31:59+00:00

    Hey Martyvlb,

    Did you change the battery in the end?  I'm going to try as well, after I  get a new device.  Looks daunting to be honest, but it's basically a brick anyway!

    Fats

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