Surface Pro 4 battery drain while OFF

Anonymous

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!

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Anonymous

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

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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300 additional answers

Anonymous

2018-10-18T15:33:31+00:00

I don't think replacing the battery will solve the battery drain issue while it's off. I say that because my SP4 is fairly new and the battery is in very good shape yet mine still drains 4-5% per 24 hour period.

I did a lot of experiment and found out that there is really no solution yet on how to stop this drain completely. Therefore, I use a "complete" shutdown and it minimizes the drain.

It's unfortunate that MS can't fix this issue. During my research, many other brands of laptops, Dell, HP, Lenovo all had units with similar issue but it seems not as widespread as Surface pro 4.

My next computer will probably not be a MS product.
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Anonymous

2018-10-18T14:25:00+00:00

I think the swap out cost would be related to your particular unit.

I was looking at the Surface Pro 6 and it starts at about $900 but by upgrading the memory, drive size, and processor it goes to $1800. So, I am fairly certain they would not swap that one for the $450, but not completely certain.

The Surface Pro 6 is being shipped with Win 10 Home, if anyone is interested.
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Anonymous

2018-10-18T13:07:51+00:00

Are you saying that MS will replace an out of warranted unit at no cost? I was told the cost is $450, and was for a refurbished unit. They give you no charger, no pen, and no keyboard, either. What's the point? For a little bit more money, you can purchase a new computer with a one year warranty, cannot jus an additional 90 days they give on refurbished units. MS news a class action law suit which I hope gets Bill Gates off his yacht long enough to appear in court. This is consumer fraud that needs investigating. I intend to try that route. I will also add the service at the MS store was deplorable.
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