Surface Pro 6 Battery Performance

Question

Hi,

I have a Surface Pro 6, bought in January 2019.

Recently my battery's performance has dropped significantly - lasts for around 2 hours, compared to 6 hours initially.

I run the battery report which shows the following:

• Jan 2019: full charge capacity 48,500 mWh
• Jan 2020: full charge capacity 45,250 mWh
• Jan 2021: full charge capacity 42,850 mWh
• Jul 2021: full charge capacity 36,400 mWh
• Jan 2022: full charge capacity 30,450 mWh

Cycle count is 287.

I use my Surface for work since March 2020, for around 12 hours per weekday.

Usually I have it plugged in and occasionally (not everyday) I unplug it, let it use the battery, and then replug it to recharge.

I visited a Microsoft store in the summer where the support team suggested letting the battery drain and recharge it frequently to better preserve it, however in some other sources I have read that we should not let it drain below 50%.

If related, in June 2021 I bought a 127W charger to replace my initial 44W one which had stopped working (I was not able to buy the 65W charger instead) - maybe this has affected the battery?

Also, sometimes the back of the Surface where the battery is feels hot but not sure how hot it should normally be.

I understand that there is no option to replace the battery so what can I do to keep it at least at this condition for as long as possible, given that I have to use it everyday? E.g. how often should I let it discharge and to what %, should I keep it plugged in, use a 65W charger, shut it down vs. sleep, change the power & sleep, battery, or any other settings?

Thank you very much.

Answer 1

Hi AntonisM8,

Thank you for reaching Microsoft Community. I'm sorry to hear about the battery life issue that you are having on your Surface Pro 6.

Using the 127watts power supply instead of the 44w that comes with the device, should not affect the battery. The Buy Microsoft Surface 127W Power Supply – Microsoft Surface is also compatible with your Surface Pro 6.

Please see this page for tips and details on how to care for the battery of the Surface: Caring for your Surface battery (microsoft.com). Please note that like all batteries, lithium-ion cells are consumables that age and deteriorate over time and with usage. The best way to extend battery life and performance is to drain the battery below 50 percent several times a week before recharging rather than discharging it on frequent short and shallow discharge cycles.

You may also try these steps below to troubleshoot:

1: Run Surface Diagnostic Toolkit

See: Fix common Surface problems using the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit (microsoft.com)

2: Check for Windows Update

Go to Windows Settings > Update & Security and select Check for updates

Make sure all updates need are installed including Optional updates

3: Update drivers and firmware

Check what is the current OS Build of your Windows version by going to Settings > System > About. 

Go to Download driver and firmware for Surface, choose Surface Pro

Then click the link next to Surface Pro 6 then click Download on the next page.

Choose the .msi file that matches your current OS Build and click Next.

After downloading, run and install the .msi then Restart. 

4: Check power mode slider

Please check the Power mode slider and try to have it on Recommended for best battery life

5: Run Power troubleshooter

Go to Windows Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Power

6: Check app usage

Open Windows Settings > System > Battery

Select See which apps are affecting your battery life

For Time period, select 6 hours, 24 hours or 1 week

For Show, select Apps with usage

Check if there are apps that you don't use but has high battery consumption. Close them if there is. 

If these apps automatically loads, please disable these apps in Task Manager > Startup

Hope this helps.