Dell Latitude D820: Checking the Battery Charge

Checking the Battery Charge: Dell Latitude D820

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Quick Reference Guide

13

CAUTION: 

Misuse of the battery may increase the risk of fire or chemical burn. Do not puncture, incinerate, 

disassemble, or expose the battery to temperatures above 65°C (149°F). Keep the battery away from children. 

Handle damaged or leaking batteries with extreme care. Damaged batteries may leak and cause personal injury 

or equipment damage. 

Checking the Battery Charge

The Dell QuickSet Battery Meter, the Microsoft Windows 

Power Meter

 window and 

 icon, the 

battery charge gauge and health gauge, and the low-battery warning provide information on the battery 

charge.

Dell™ QuickSet Battery Meter

If Dell QuickSet is installed, press <Fn><F3> to display the QuickSet Battery Meter. The Battery 

Meter displays status, battery health, charge level, and charge completion time for the battery in your 

computer. 

For more information about QuickSet, right-click the 

 icon in the taskbar, and click 

Help

.

Microsoft

®

 Windows

®

 Power Meter

The Windows Power Meter indicates the remaining battery charge. To check the Power Meter, double-

click the 

 icon on the taskbar. 

If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, a 

 icon appears.

Charge Gauge

By either pressing once or 

pressing and holding

 the status button on the charge gauge on the battery, you 

can check:

Battery charge (check by pressing and 

releasing

 the status button)

Battery health (check by pressing and 

holding

 the status button)

The battery operating time is largely determined by the number of times it is charged. After hundreds of 

charge and discharge cycles, batteries lose some charge capacity—or battery health. That is, a battery can 

show a status of "charged" but maintain a reduced charge capacity (health). 

Check the Battery Charge

To check the battery charge, 

press

and release

 the status button on the battery charge gauge to illuminate 

the charge-level lights. Each light represents approximately 20 percent of the total battery charge. For 

example, if the battery has 80 percent of its charge remaining, four of the lights are on. If no lights 

appear, the battery has no charge.

Check the Battery Health

NOTE: 

You can check battery health in one of two ways: by using the charge gauge on the battery as described 

below and by using the Battery Meter in Dell QuickSet. For information about QuickSet, right-click the 

 icon in 

the taskbar, and click 

Help

.