
When buying a used or refurbished laptop, one of the most critical components to check is the battery.
A healthy battery ensures your laptop stays powered for longer, supports productivity and avoids unexpected shutdowns. Unfortunately, not all sellers prioritize battery health, and this has become a significant issue in Kenya, where many people face problems with used laptops that drain too quickly or fail to hold a charge. In this blog post, we’ll guide you on how to check your laptop’s battery health on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems, and share tips on when it’s time to replace your battery.
Checking your laptop’s battery health depends on the operating system you’re using. Here’s how to do it for Windows, Mac, and Linux:
For Windows
Method 1: Using the Battery Report Command
1. Open Command Prompt: Press Win + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
powercfg /batteryreport
3. This will generate a battery report and save it as an HTML file.
4. Find the report in:
C:\Users\YourUsername\battery-report.html
5. Open the file in a browser and check:
• Design Capacity vs. Full Charge Capacity (Lower full charge capacity indicates battery wear).
• Battery cycles (Most batteries last about 500-1000 cycles).
• Battery life estimates over time.
Method 2: Check via Windows Settings
1. Go to Settings (Win + I).
2. Navigate to System > Power & Battery > Battery Usage.
3. Here, you can see battery usage trends but not full health details.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Software
If you need real-time monitoring, try software like:
• HWMonitor
• BatteryCare
• HWiNFO
For Mac (macOS)
Method 1: Check via System Information
1. Hold the Option key and click the Apple Menu.
2. Select System Information.
3. Navigate to Power > Battery Information.
4. Look at:
• Cycle Count (Higher means more wear).
• Condition (Normal, Replace Soon, Replace Now).
Method 2: Using macOS Ventura & Later
1. Go to System Settings (Cmd + Space → search “Battery”).
2. Click Battery Health to see condition and cycle count.
For Linux (Ubuntu & Other Distros)
Using Terminal
1. Open Terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T).
2. Type:
upower -i $(upower -e | grep battery)
3. Look for:
• State: Charging or Discharging.
• Energy (Design vs. Full): Tells you the battery wear.
• Cycle Count (if supported).
Alternatively, use:
cat /sys/class/power_supply/BAT0/capacity
to get the current battery percentage.
When to Replace Your Battery
• If full charge capacity is less than 50% of the design capacity.
• If cycle count is above 800-1000 for most laptops.
• If it drains too fast or doesn’t hold a charge.
Your laptop’s battery health is a key factor in its overall performance and longevity. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily monitor your battery’s condition and make informed decisions about its maintenance or replacement. At Kolm Solutions we understand the importance of reliable battery performance, which is why every refurbished laptop we sell comes with a fully verified battery, ensuring you get the best value for your money. Don’t let a poor-quality battery hold you back—choose a trusted seller and enjoy a seamless computing experience.