Microsoft to investigate Windows 7 battery issue

The problem seems to be affecting many notebooks

The release of Microsoft’s Windows 7 was accompanied by reports stating that one of the big advantages of the new operating system was that it would give your battery an increased runtime. Nevertheless, many users experience quite the contrary with the OS actually reducing battery life, according to recent news.

Despite the big success of Windows 7 and selling more than 60 million copies to date, the battery problem might turn out to be a deal breaker, unless Microsoft finds a way to resolve it.

Allegedly, one of the most common complaints was that the battery life would drop from several hours to just 30 minutes. Some even claim, the issue is present after downgrading to Windows XP or Vista. The support forum shows customers with brand new notebooks receiving warnings from the OS that the battery should be replaced with a new one.

Apparently, Microsoft is going to look into these issues.

“We are investigating this issue in conjunction with our hardware partners,” reads a Microsoft statement.

 According to the company, the problem is with a Windows 7 tool, which decides whether the battery needs to be replaced or recharged.

“The warning received in Windows 7 uses firmware information to determine if battery replacement is needed. We are working with our partners to determine the root cause and will update with information and guidance as it becomes available.”

Supposedly, some customers even believe this issue has damaged their batteries. Affected notebooks reportedly include models from Samsung, Toshiba, Sony, Dell, HP and Acer.