1. Define what you want to understand

Note the symptom: short runtime in a game, an unexpected shutdown, drain while sleeping or a gradual reduction over several months. The report does not answer all these questions in the same way.

High consumption in a demanding game does not necessarily indicate battery wear. When comparing two sessions, keep usage, brightness and power settings as similar as possible.

2. Create the report

1. Search Start for Command Prompt.
2. Choose Run as administrator and approve the Windows prompt if you are authorised to do so.
3. Enter powercfg /batteryreport and press Enter.
4. Note the HTML file path shown in the response.

The command creates a document; it does not repair or replace the battery. If Windows reports an error, keep its exact wording rather than trying unrelated repair commands.

3. Open the file Windows identifies

In File Explorer, open the path reported by the command. The document opens in a browser. Check its generation date so you do not accidentally assess an older report saved elsewhere.

If you cannot find it, run the command again and copy the actual path. Do not assume it is always on the Desktop or in Downloads; the location depends on the command’s execution context.

4. Compare the reported capacities

Under installed batteries, find Design Capacity, the original intended capacity, and Full Charge Capacity, the currently reported capacity at full charge. Compare values using the same unit.

For an approximate ratio, divide full charge capacity by design capacity and multiply by 100. A purely illustrative example is 40,000 mWh divided by 50,000 mWh, giving 80%. These numbers do not describe your computer.

This ratio does not guarantee runtime or establish battery safety. Estimates can vary; compare them with the history and actual use before deciding on replacement.

5. Relate the history to your symptom

Review recent usage and battery usage. Look for drops that correspond to the gaming, sleep or light-use periods you noted.

Keep a dated report for later comparison. A single report is a starting point; several taken under comparable conditions help you discuss a trend with the manufacturer’s support team.

If a value is missing, do not substitute a figure for another laptop. Identify the exact model and check its manufacturer’s diagnostic tools.

Before sharing a report

The report can contain information about the computer and its use. Share only the sections needed to explain your question, and remove personal identifiers before posting publicly.

For a useful support request, provide the model, symptom, usage conditions and reported capacities. This is more informative than an isolated percentage and the question “is my battery dead?”.

Sources and scope

Prepared from official documentation checked on 20 October 2026. Windows labels can change between versions. This guide does not claim hands-on testing on every PC.

• Microsoft — entretenir et examiner la batterie sous Windows (French source)