Smart charging on Surface
Smart charging is a feature that helps protect your Surface battery against conditions that may accelerate battery deterioration or lead to expansion. Smart charging is always active and turns on automatically when it detects your device is plugged in for prolonged periods or used at elevated temperatures.
When smart charging is turned on, your battery discharges and limits its maximum charge to 80%. A heart icon will appear over the battery icon in the system tray to let you know smart charging is active and on. You might notice reduced battery life as a result.
When you discharge your battery below 20% or use your battery often, smart charging will automatically pause and allow your device to charge to 100%. When you need a full battery, you can manually pause smart charging in the Surface app. Smart charging will turn on again when needed, based on your battery use patterns.
When to charge your battery to 100%
Smart charging is always active on your Surface. When it’s turned on, it’s recommended to keep it turned on. Here are some instances when you might want to pause smart charging to ensure a full battery charge:
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While traveling, like on a long-haul flight
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When attending long meetings
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Going to a coffee shop or restaurant
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Any time you think you may need to use your battery’s full charge and an outlet may not be available
Note: Not all Surface devices can pause smart charging. To see compatible devices, go to Caring for your Surface battery.
How to charge your battery to 100%
If your Surface device can pause smart charging, here's how:
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Select Start and open the Surface app.Open the Surface app
Tip: If you can't find the Surface app on your Surface, you might need to install it from the Microsoft Store. Get the Surface app
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Select Battery & charging and from the Smart charging section, select Charge to 100%.
Smart charging will be paused and allow a full battery charge until your Surface needs to turn it on again. It may take several days before smart charging turns on again and limits your battery capacity to 80%. Open the Surface app at any time to see the status of your battery charge.
Remember to pause it several hours before you need your full battery. If you pause smart charging sooner than it's needed, it might automatically turn on again.
Support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025
After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11.
Smart charging is a feature that helps protect your Surface battery against conditions that may accelerate battery deterioration or lead to expansion. Smart charging is always active and turns on automatically when it detects your device is plugged in for prolonged periods or used at elevated temperatures.
When smart charging is turned on, your battery discharges and limits its maximum charge to 80%. You might notice reduced battery life as a result.
When you discharge your battery below 20% or use your battery often, smart charging will automatically pause and allow your device to charge to 100%. Smart charging will turn on again when needed, based on your battery use patterns.
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