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

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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
    2018-11-19T08:52:50+00:00

    I had done like that, but it still be 0% available, plugged in, not charging.

    How can I solve this?

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-10-18T15:14:57+00:00

    They've all certainly had various power issues.  My Pro 3 had the black screen of death ridiculously often, and eventually it got the permanent version.  That day I bought a Pro 4, which until recently has been pretty good.  However it now has the 'plugged in, not charging' issue and will only work whilst connected to the mains.

    It reports to have no battery issues, using various M&S tools / troubleshooting.  It has 85% battery but when I restart it from being shut down, the system clock will be set to whatever it was when I last shut down - so certainly something going on there.

    I am very hesitant to give up and buy another Surface, because it's starting to get ridiculous.

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  3. Anonymous
    2018-10-18T14:44:57+00:00

    This is a Microsoft hardware issue.  I have now had 5 - yes 5 surfaces that all have the same issue.   They will not recognize the Microsoft power adapter.   I can get my devices to charge using non-microsoft chargers from certain companies - and this is the only way I can keep my surfaces running.   I have worked with customer service for more than 12 hours on the phone - replaced computers 3 times and still with the issue.   Funny thing is that in my Surface Book - i can get the detachable tablet portion to charge with my microsoft power supplies, but it will not charge the base.  Same issue for using the Surface Book dock.

    Until Microsoft comes owns up to a hardware issue that needs massive recalls, the options are to 1) try a non-microsoft charger, 2) consider contacting a legal group to explore options for remedy for a defective device.    I have resorted to #1, but have not ruled out #2 given the consistency of the problems that I can illicit.   

    Come on Microsoft - stand behind an otherwise wonderful computer - fix the power supply issues and replace all units that have issues with the new devices.  Expensive - yes, but it is the right thing to do.    Do it before someone decides that a class-action law suit is the next option to get you to act.

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  4. Anonymous
    2018-10-18T14:23:11+00:00

    Same issue for ChristopherUN, since some failed updates.  Mine doesn't overheat, but I can now only use it whilst connected to the wall.  I've got a Pro 4, with the Surface dock and have tried with two other official chargers.  They all exhibit the same behaviour.

    The only thing I haven't tried yet is to completely discharge the battery (by leaving it unplugged for weeks...).  That fixed an issue I previously had on a Pro 3.

    The one thing I do note and wanted to check with you - when I restart the machine after it being switched off I notice that the system time has not updated - it is the same datetime as it was when I shut down.  So it does indicate to me that the battery isn't working at all... despite the charge level dropping gradually if I leave it unplugged.

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