Surface Pro 4 battery drain while OFF

Anonymous
2017-07-05T14:02:24+00:00

I have a HUGE battery drain while power off (not hibernating)  at least 5-10 percent per day.   I windows updates done.   I used to think it was because of the keyboard being attached. but I have switched to a Brydge Keyboard.  Does anyone else have this issue or know how to fix?

Thanks!

Surface | Surface Pro | Power and battery

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Anonymous
2017-08-04T04:59:28+00:00

Thanks Victor_S

Another solution I've found is to shut down the computer the old way - regular shutdown instead of hybrid shutdown.

You can use this shortcut:

C:\Windows\System32\shutdown.exe /s /t 3 /c "Full Shutdown"

  • shutdown.exe can execute the various sleed/hibernate commands, including the regular shutdown.
  • /s means "shutdown". If we shutdown the normal way, it is a hybrid shutdown (/hybrid)
  • /t 3 means after 3 seconds. If you skip this it's 30 seconds by default.
  • /c "Full shutdown" is a simple comment that will appear in various places as the reason for your shutdown.

Keep in mind it takes a little longer to shutdown this way, and it takes a little longer to start afterwards, but I think the computer doesn't keep some systems active, thus you should see almost no battery drain, even for prolonged times.

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Anonymous
2017-07-05T14:59:17+00:00

That is a good question because the screen will be off.  Before shutting down and all programs are closed, you can do a CTRL+ALT+DEL and select the task manager and look at the processes that are still running at that moment and you may find 'something' but doubtful.

The power sub-system could also have a defect causing that as well and not actually shutting off the machine when it is supposed to be off.

The task manager may give you a clue when all programs are shut down.  If you can't find anything listed, it is possible you may need to contact customer support to get the machine swapped out.

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-10-29T15:35:50+00:00

    andip, you are using the shutdown command as opposed to the start button because of this problem?  Do you have any problems if you select the normal shutdown?

    If there is no activity on your system at all and the battery drains, it must be some type of physical/electrical malfunction.  Possibly the battery is flawed and allowing current to flow internally.  Perhaps some component on the motherboard is defective and allowing the current to flow.

    If the battery were to be approaching a year you might consider it might be starting to fail and not able to hold a charge.  The warm area might be explained by a trickle charge on the battery, but since it does not happen when unplugged it would not seem to be involved in the problem.

    All I can suggest is for you to closely inspect your system for damage, especially the connectors for the external power and where the lid docks.  After that, I would start thinking about replacing the battery or batteries.  If nothing is helping the next logical step would be to send the unit back for repair...

    It is still such a coincidence that both of our systems are draining 3-4% and hour while being stored.  Since I know what is causing mine, I wish yours was as easy to solve.

    Kentocal, your system is going to drain some when shutdown, most batteries do while installed.  You are talking about 5% a day where andip is talking about 3% per hour...  My Dell system drains because of Modern Standby since the Fall Creator's Build is not allowing my system to go into hibernation.  It just seems strange they are draining the same amount but when my system is really shutdown, the battery drains very little.

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-10-29T03:30:55+00:00

    I use C:\Windows\System32\shutdown.exe /s /t 3 /c "Full Shutdown" and I didn't attach the typecover for the tests above. It doesn't make sounds while shutdown (it's an i5 model, just in case, it has a fan).

    I "store" my Surface Pro 4 with the power adapter attached (to make sure that it doesn't ruin the battery). In that case, the area below the camera on the back is a warm (while OFF). It should not be related to charging, because the battery was at 100%.

    I normally disconnect the power adapter from the device, not from the outlet. If I leave it disconnected from power, it doesn't warm up in the marked area (while OFF).

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-10-29T03:27:28+00:00

    Tried shutting down both with and without lid. Still drains.

    Does not feel warm. Tried registry hack to disable modern standby. Still drains.

    No sound while shut down. Also made sure it is shut down by checking if keyboard lights are still on and pressing does not turn the device back on.

    The device still looks brand new. Great device but worst battery behavior. Never had a laptop that drains battery when shut down. Battery is great for normal usage but just won't hold charge when shut down.

    Have you checked that your SP4 does not drain battery when shut down?

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