need to use a c charger

Question

i need to use a c charger but it wont work? i have lost my original charger and i don't live by a best buy!

Answer 1

Hi TRACY KING,

Losing the original charger and finding that a USB‑C charger won’t work can be really inconvenient, especially if you don’t have easy access to a large electronics store. Before getting further, here’s something you should consider:

• Not all USB‑C chargers can charge a laptop
• Some USB‑C ports are data‑only and do not support charging
• Many laptops require a minimum wattage that phone or tablet chargers cannot provide

1 - Check whether your USB‑C port supports charging

• Look at the port for lightning‑bolt icon, or battery or plug symbol.
• If there is no symbol, that port may not support charging.

2 - Check the charger and cable

• Phone chargers (18–30W) are usually not powerful enough
• Most laptops require 45W, 60W, or 65W USB‑C Power Delivery (PD)
• The cable must also support USB‑C Power Delivery, not just data transfer.

3 - If both conditions above confirmed, try charging while the PC is off

• Shut the PC down completely
• Plug in the USB‑C charger
• Wait 10–15 minutes.

If the charger you’re using is not suitable for your laptop, unfortunately, you need a replacement. You can order from the PC manufacturer online, or buy a USB‑C Power Delivery charger that matches the required wattage for your exact model.

---

If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

Answer 2

USB-C charging only works if the PC and the charger both support the right power and standards. If the USB-C charger “won’t work,” the most common reasons and fixes are:

1. Charger or cable not compatible or powerful enough

• Many PCs require a specific voltage/amp level. If the charger is too weak or not designed for that PC, Windows may say it’s “charging slowly” or not charge at all.
• Some USB-C chargers use proprietary technology and only work properly with the same brand’s devices.
• Use a charger and USB-C cable that are designed for the PC model whenever possible.

2. Wrong port or non-charging USB-C port

• Some USB-C ports on laptops are data-only and do not support charging.
• Make sure the charger is connected to the actual charging-capable USB-C port on the PC.

3. System is using more power than the charger provides

• If the charger’s wattage is lower than what the PC needs, the battery can stay the same or discharge while plugged in.
• To speed up charging or reduce drain, plug in the charger while the PC is asleep or turned off.

4. When the original charger is lost

• For Windows PCs in general, contact the PC manufacturer to identify a compatible replacement charger.
• For Surface devices specifically, use only genuine Microsoft or Microsoft-licensed power supplies, chargers, or docks. These can be purchased from the Microsoft Store and other retailers. If the Microsoft Store is not available in the region, Surface accessories are also available from listed retailers in the Surface buy page.
• Third-party or counterfeit chargers can be incompatible and may damage the device or battery; damage from non-Microsoft accessories is not covered under the Surface hardware warranty.

If the device is a Surface and the charger still does not work after using a compatible one, submit a service order for the device or consider purchasing a new genuine power supply.

---

References:

• PC is charging slowly or discharging while it’s plugged in
• How to charge Surface
• What to do if your Surface power supply or charger doesn’t work
• Use Surface 45W USB-C Wall Charger