Check it with the Windows battery report
Every Windows laptop can write a battery report, whatever the brand. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and run:
Then drop the battery-report.html file into the checker. It works out the health percentage, wear and cycle count, and the file never leaves your browser.
Dell's charging settings
Dell lets you choose how the battery charges, based on how you use the laptop. On newer Dell laptops these settings live in Dell Optimizer, which replaced Dell Power Manager. Older models still have Dell Power Manager.
Dell lists these charge modes, though which ones you get depends on the battery and model:
- Standard: charges normally.
- ExpressCharge: charges faster.
- Primarily AC Use: for a laptop that's plugged in most of the time. Holding a battery at full charge all day wears it faster, so this is the one for desk laptops.
- Adaptive: adjusts charging to how you use the laptop.
- Custom: lets you set your own charging range.
On supported business models such as Latitude and Precision, Dell Optimizer also has Intelligent Battery Extender, turned on or off from the Battery or Power section of the app.
When a Dell battery needs replacing
Dell describes a battery whose full charge capacity is below 40% of its design capacity as significantly degraded. Above that, whether to replace it depends on how long you need to run unplugged. If the battery swells, stop using the laptop and contact Dell. See when to replace a laptop battery.