Laptop Intermittently Shutting Down

[KnightLife]

I have an Envy TouchSmart m6-k025dx Sleekbook, and at times I find it shutting itself off. 

I've scanned for viruses, and nothing was found. There was also very little malware after scanning for that as well. 

Ran Windows Update, then went to HP Support app to update the drivers but there were no updates available. Also ran a battery check there, and it came back fine. 

Then I ran a system file check command, and that did find and correct three issues. 

I've also used some compressed air to clean out the fans and vents, but time will tell if that helps any. 

I also tried to run it for a while the last few days and haven't had any issues. Or so I thought. 

I went to test it the other day, and couldn't get the laptop to start. I plugged the charger in, gave it a few minutes, and it started back up. So clearly, the battery had died. Let it charge, and ran another virus scan and windows update, when i noticed that it wasn't charging even though the charger was plugged in. Played around with the charging port, and noticed that if the part going into the computer moves around, it will stop charging, and it needs to be in just right to charge. 

So, I'm looking for anything else that might explain why it's shutting down on me, and how to fix if necessary. 

Also, is there anyway to tell if the charging issue is with the charging cable, or the port itself? 

Thanks in advance. 

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @KnightLife 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thank you for sharing such a detailed account—it's clear you've been methodical and patient, and I’m truly sorry you’re still facing these shutdowns and charging inconsistencies. 

Let’s break this down and explore what might be happening, and how to pinpoint the root cause.

Given your steps so far, here are the most likely culprits:

1. Loose or Failing DC-In Jack

Your observation about the charger needing to be “just right” is a strong indicator that the charging port itself may be loose or partially detached from the motherboard. This can cause:

• Power interruptions while the system is running
• Battery drain without proper charging
• Sudden shutdowns when the system switches between AC and battery

 

2. Power Rail Instability

If the internal power delivery circuit is degraded, it may fail to regulate voltage under load. This can cause:

• Shutdowns during high CPU/GPU usage
• Inconsistent battery charging behavior

 

3. Battery or Charger Miscommunication

Even with a new battery, if the charger isn’t delivering consistent voltage—or if the embedded controller misreads it—the system may shut down to protect itself.

 

What You Can Do Next

Test the Charger vs. Port

To isolate the issue:

• Try a known-good HP charger with the same voltage and wattage.
• Observe whether the charging behavior improves.
• If the issue persists with a new charger, the DC-in jack or internal power board is likely at fault.

 

Run HP UEFI Diagnostics (Offline)

This bypasses Windows and checks hardware directly:

• Restart the laptop and press Esc, then F2 to enter diagnostics.
• Run the Battery Test and AC Adapter Test.
• If the AC adapter is not detected consistently, that confirms a hardware fault.

 

Inspect the Charging Port Physically

Use a flashlight to check for:

• Bent or recessed pins
• Signs of arcing or discoloration
• Loose movement when plugging in

If the port wiggles or feels unstable, it may need to be resoldered or replaced.

 

Monitor System Logs

Windows logs critical shutdown events:

• Press Win + X → Event Viewer → Windows Logs → System
• Look for entries with “Kernel-Power” or “Critical” around shutdown times.
• These can help confirm whether the shutdown is power-related or thermal.

You’ve done everything right so far—let’s get your system stable and charging reliably again.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[KnightLife]

Thanks or the reply. 

Ok, so I followed the instructions as much as i could. I restarted the laptop in safety mode, and ran the Battery Test and the AC Adapter test. Both came back as good, but I did have to wiggle the charger a few times before the test would recognize it. 

I looked at the charging port on the laptop, and it looks good. I don't see anything that looks off, but I'm not 100% sure id know what a bad port would look like unless it was, like, really obvious. 

Oh, and I do not have an extra charger with the same voltage/wattage, so I can't test that. 

I also checked the Systems Logs, and there are bunch of "Kernel Power" entries with things like "power source change," "system has transitioned form x to x," and a couple of "critical battery trigger met." I don't think most of these were around shutdown since i cant recall times and link them up, but nothing with an error or warning. Also, couldn't find any entries labeled critical. 

The only thing I'll add is that I did have to move the power cable a few times once it was plugged into the laptop to get the test to run, and for the laptop to actually start charging. I can wiggle it around a bit when it's plugged in, and I can see the indicator move from charging to not charging if I wiggle it some. 

Thanks again. 

[Hawks_Eye · Accepted solution]

You are Welcome @KnightLife 

Thank you for the detailed follow-up, and I’m truly sorry this issue is still lingering. It’s clear you’ve been thorough and patient, and the fact that the charger needs to be wiggled to initiate charging strongly points to a physical connection fault.

Let’s focus on what you can do next to narrow this down further:

 

1. Test with a Known-Good HP Charger

• If you can borrow or access another HP charger with the same voltage and wattage, plug it in and observe:
  • Does the charging light stay stable?
  • Does the battery charge without needing to adjust the plug?
• If the issue disappears, your original charger may have a worn connector or internal fault.

 

2. Inspect the DC-In Jack More Closely

Even if it looks fine externally, subtle internal damage can cause intermittent contact:

• Gently insert the charger and observe:
  • Does the port feel loose or overly flexible?
  • Is there any clicking, resistance, or movement that feels abnormal?
• If the charging light flickers or drops out with minimal movement, the jack may be partially detached from the motherboard or have a cracked solder joint.

 

3. Monitor Battery Percentage While Plugged In

• Plug in the charger and leave the laptop idle for 10–15 minutes.
• Watch the battery percentage:
  • If it fluctuates or doesn’t increase steadily, it suggests unstable power delivery.
  • If it holds steady or drops, the system may be switching between AC and battery due to poor contact.

 

4. Use HP Battery Health Manager (If Available)

• Some HP BIOS versions include a battery health manager:
  • Restart and press Esc, then F10 to enter BIOS.
  • Look for Battery Health Manager under Advanced or Power.
  • Set it to Maximize My Battery Health and save changes.

Let me know how the charger test goes, and we’ll continue from there.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[KnightLife]

Just to follow up, I've ordered a new charger. Figured it's the least expensive means to figure out where the issues are. I'll do 2 and 3 after it arrives and update the status then. 

In the meantime, I've marked the conversation as accepted. Thank you for the time and help, and I'll update sometime in the next day or two. 

[KnightLife]

Ok, I received a new charger today, plugged it in and the charging light is stable, and stays on. Also, when I jiggle it a little or move it around, the indicator light stays on. I also do not need to move the charger to get it to charge, which wasn't necessarily the case previously. The fit feels snug, not overly loose or flexible. There is some jiggle to it when plugged in, but I do not really think it's much then anything else plugged into a jack like that might have. Additionally, there's no clicking or movement that feels really abnormal to me. Plus, when I move the computer or the charging cable around, the charging light stays on. 

I will also point out that when I plugged in the new charger, I was at about 85% battery life, and within 15 minutes it was almost fully charged. Seemed pretty steady with no apparent fluctuations. 

Lastly, I was unable to use H Battery Health Manager. There was no option for it in BIOS.

Thanks again for the help. 

[Hawks_Eye]

@KnightLife 

Thanks so much for the detailed follow-up—it’s genuinely encouraging to hear that the new charger resolved the instability. The snug fit, steady charging light, and consistent battery percentage all point to a much healthier power connection now. That subtle jiggle you mentioned is normal for most barrel-style jacks, and the absence of flickering or dropouts confirms the port itself is likely intact.

Even though your BIOS doesn’t include HP Battery Health Manager, you’ve already taken the most effective steps to stabilize the system. If the shutdowns were tied to power interruptions, this fix should hold up well over time.

If you notice any future hiccups—like sudden drops in battery percentage or unexpected shutdowns during high load—feel free to reach out. Otherwise, it sounds like you’ve brought your Envy TouchSmart back to reliable performance. Well done.

Regards,

Hawks_Eye