“Battery Limit” removed from UEFI, but now only charges up to 50%

Philippe 165

“Battery Limit” mode has been removed from the UEFI on my Surface Pro (11th edition) and it still only charges up to 50 %. It seems last week there was an update (firmware update?) and the system still seems to be enforcing the 50 % limit automatically based on firmware behavior—even without a visible toggle.

I downloaded the firmeware, but this did not help: Download Surface Pro 11th Edition Drivers and Firmware from Official Microsoft Download Center

Can anyone help?

Philippe

Sajad Mohsin 75 Reputation points

2025-08-13T08:53:14.87+00:00

I am experiencing this exact issue too. I have requested a call from Microsoft agent, but after finding this thread, I'm guessing they won't be able to help. https://aka.ms/AAxk9wm
Eric 25 Reputation points

2025-08-13T14:05:10.3366667+00:00

Same problem on Surface Laptop 7th Edition
Carl Morecroft 30 Reputation points

2025-08-17T03:56:51.5466667+00:00

Exactly the same issue, and also on a Surface Pro 11 (5G). This is a very serious problem that needs fixing ASAP. It's seriously stunting my ability to be mobile. https://aka.ms/AAxlq3t
Aaron 5 Reputation points

2025-08-26T00:08:36.8733333+00:00

same issue, tried multiple things but i guess we just wait on Microsoft now? This is upsetting...
Aria Nourbakhsh 25 Reputation points

2025-08-26T21:47:43.8166667+00:00

A new firmware is posted on the firmware page.
Gregg 75 Reputation points

2025-08-26T22:09:19.29+00:00

@Aria, what is the link? When looking up the microsft firmware for Surface Pro 11, The firmware published date is 8/7/2025. On my device, clicking "Check for updates" under "Windows Update", it says "You're up to date".
Ken W 25 Reputation points

2025-08-26T22:10:37.7366667+00:00

Aria, could you provide a link please? I only see the previous files dated 8/7 and 8/8 for the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7, respectively. Thanks.
Aria Nourbakhsh 25 Reputation points

2025-08-26T22:13:59.6833333+00:00

https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?id=106119
@ken and @Gregg
Please note that this is for the Surface Pro. I don't see any updates for the laptop.
I have not tried it myself yet. I am away from my device. Please let us know if the issue has been resolved.
Gregg 75 Reputation points

2025-08-26T22:20:38.59+00:00

@Aria, I must have gone to the wrong download page. On the Manual Update page there is a new firmware file dated 8/26/2025. I downloaded it, installed, restarted, ...Booting to UEFI, no battery charging option toggle.

I set the Surface App > Battery & Charing to Charge to 100%

I'm charging now, presently at 38%. Will let you know if it gets above 50%.

Link:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/download-drivers-and-firmware-for-surface-09bb2e09-2a4b-cb69-0951-078a7739e120#bkmk_update-manually
Gregg 75 Reputation points

2025-08-26T23:01:56.07+00:00
I updated firmware. The filename was SurfacePro11_ARM_Win11_26100_25.081.7185.0.msi

The UEFI did not have the Battery charging toggle.

I updated the Surface App as well since it indicated there was a newer version.

My surface Pro reached 50%, and it has been there for at least 15 minutes with no change.

I tried the Surface App > Battery & charging set to "Charge to 100%" and "Limit to 80%". Neither setting got the battery above 50%.

Device information:

Device name: HAZY

Serial number: XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Surface model: Surface Pro 11th Edition Model 2076

SAM: 27.103.139.0

UEFI: 175.126.235.0

App version: 75.7170.133.0

BIOS Version/Date: Microsoft Corporation 175.126.235 06/13/2025

Wi-Fi driver: 1.0.4111.5000

Edition: Windows 11 Pro

OS build: 26100.4946

Processor: Snapdragon(R) X 12-core X1E80100 @ 3.40 GHz

Installed RAM: 16 GB

Storage size: 584 GB free of 951 GB

GPU: Qualcomm(R) Adreno(TM) X1-85 GPU

Screen resolution: 2880 x 1920
Ken W 25 Reputation points

2025-08-27T02:40:20.1633333+00:00

@Aria and @Gregg, it's my Surface Laptop 7 that is stuck, so I can't check Gregg's results. However, I wonder if this really is new firmware for the Surface Pro 11. The version number, 1.0, didn't change. The new date on the download page may just reflect when the page was in some way updated. We are all very anxious for this to get resolved. I ask for updates through the case I had opened when this first started, but I don't get any response. It would certainly help set our expectations if a timeline was shared.
Sajad Mohsin 75 Reputation points

2025-08-27T05:48:06.6133333+00:00

I have downloaded and installed the firmware and there is no change - still stuck at 50%.
Philippe 165 Reputation points

2025-08-27T05:52:55.5066667+00:00

Hi all, Jeremy said: "When the update is released, it will be made available through Windows Update."

So I think we will get it via Windows Update.

I hope it happens this week.
SL 0 Reputation points

2025-08-27T22:22:05.5066667+00:00

I have a Surface Pro 11th Edition with a Snapdragon processor. Unfortunately, I'm unable to work properly with it. I’ve tried installing updates and new firmware, but nothing helps — the battery remains limited to 50%, and I keep running into issues when working remotely.
CJM 15 Reputation points

2025-08-28T05:55:24.0633333+00:00

Windows update now has Microsoft Corporation - System Hardware Update - 8/15/2025. It's made no difference though.
T J 65 Reputation points

2025-08-28T09:24:59.38+00:00

Everyone, yesterdays update only contains this in the notes:

"Performance and usability:
Improves wake-up speed by optimizing power management to delay the system’s transition into hibernate mode."

So it doesnt contain a fix to this problem. We will wait for the update that Jeremy mentioned to pass QA and get released.

Basically - MS have removed our devices mobile capabilities for a whole month now without official acknowledgement, communication or a fix.
CJM 15 Reputation points

2025-08-28T09:32:04.2633333+00:00

@ TJ

Jeremy's update below is an official acknowledgement/communication.
Frank 115 Reputation points

2025-08-28T10:05:47.2566667+00:00

I’ve just installed the “Microsoft Corporation – System Hardware Update – 6/26/2025” via Windows Update, and unfortunately, it has made no difference. My device remains capped at 50% battery capacity, and we’re now approaching the one-month mark without a fix. At the very least, we deserve a clear ETA for resolution.

I’ve contacted Microsoft support to request a replacement unit, as my device is still under warranty. However, communication has been inconsistent and unclear.

This debacle is becoming embarrassing for Microsoft. A firmware-level flaw that cripples core functionality on flagship devices to this degree.
Jan Van den Eeckhout 0 Reputation points

2025-08-28T13:59:36.5566667+00:00

So, let me get this straight.. You've all set your battery limit to 50% in BIOS? (I did this too, so I'm currently facing the same issue here).

Now we've discovered the option to set a limit to 80% via the surface app, which is way better than the 50% limit. Finally.

But suddenly, the 50% limit we've all used for months is "unusable", "no mobile capabilities", should be replaced under warranty.. What is this?

I too want the 80% limit, but that extra month without it won't make or break it for me. I'm used to the 50% limit, which still gives me an easy 4/5 hours of work when working on battery.
Gregg 75 Reputation points

2025-08-28T14:16:17.8733333+00:00

Jan,

I'm usually at my desk in my office, plugged in. In that case 50% is just fine. Week before last, and coming up next week, I am in a meeting room for 3 days straight all day. Having 4-5 hours with a 50% charge does not get through the day. I'm sure everyone's situation is different. There are probably people who need the higher charge more regularly than I do. It's the difference between successfully getting work done through the day and not doing so. Especially when someone in the room says "I'm sending it to you", and all I can do is shrug. Not a good look.

This seems to affect people who set the 50% limit in the UEFI / BIOS before the update to the firmware was made in early August. When the firmware changed, the option to change charge level disappeared from the UEFI. In the Surface App, selecting the 80% or 100% charge does not enable the device to charge beyond 50%. Somehow a setting got in place deep inside that is not paying attention to the Surface App selection.

Gregg
CJM 15 Reputation points

2025-08-28T14:41:33.0466667+00:00

Jan, the reason we set the battery limit to on is for when we're docking the Surface at a desk and don't want the battery degrading as a result of it being plugged in all the time. But if we never meant for a machine to go anywhere away from our desk we wouldn't have bought an ultra portable Surface Pro or laptop to begin with, now would we? Considering you so infrequently need to go mobile for lengths of time that require the full battery, it should be you answering questions about why you would buy such a product that's evidently overkill for your needs, rather than us having to answer why we'd want to use it for what it's designed for from time to time.
RO'D 0 Reputation points

2025-08-28T18:12:34.2466667+00:00

I understand everyone's frustration, and I feel the same. But, to me anyway I can wait for the 'fix' as whenever I am away from a charge point I always carry a USB C 20v power bank with me anyway which will charge my surface 7 at least twice. Surely these days most of us have a power bank?
CJM 15 Reputation points

2025-08-28T18:38:03.9166667+00:00

@ RO'D Not one good enough to charge the Surface, no. Because I don't and shouldn't need one.
Alstershipper 105 Reputation points

2025-08-28T19:03:06.9833333+00:00

Hi @all,

I don’t mean to offend any of you… but you’re being naive. There won’t be a fix. For users affected by the Surface Pro 11 (ARM) and Surface Laptop 7 (ARM), this is a serious issue. I myself can no longer properly use my Surface Laptop X-Elite on the go — and I only bought it two months ago. But if MSFT had given even a fraction of the attention to this battery charging issue that we’ve given it, they would have acted long ago. In other words… if they had truly wanted to, MSFT would have rolled out a fix by now. They simply don’t want to. The number of users affected by this is just not relevant to them. They’ve already written off our disappointment and frustration. I’ve decided to return my device to the retailer. I don’t want to still be annoyed by this issue come Christmas.
Gregg 75 Reputation points

2025-08-28T19:30:20.36+00:00

The problem seems to have attention: https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/surface/surface-pro-11-battery-life-cut-in-half-microsoft-is-actively-investigating

At least one person here has worked through Microsoft to return the device and it worked after it was sent back. It's a question of when...

Though, I'm getting close to sending it back as well.
Gregg 75 Reputation points

2025-08-28T23:13:41.2733333+00:00

@RO'D, Nice idea: Walmart, Anker - Power Bank (24000mAh, 140W, 3-Port), $88.
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17 answers

Ben Caldwell 0 Reputation points

2025-08-19T10:36:38.74+00:00
This behavior on the Surface Pro (11th edition) is actually expected after recent firmware changes. Microsoft removed the manual Battery Limit toggle from UEFI, but the feature itself hasn’t disappeared—it is now managed automatically by firmware and Windows based on usage patterns.

A few things you can try:

Check Surface App (Windows Store)

Open the Surface app and go to Device Information → Battery Settings.

On newer models, the 50% charge cap is shown there as *“Battery Smart Charging”*. You should be able to turn it off manually. **Turn off Smart Charging** If the Surface app shows *“Battery Smart Charging”*, disable it. Sometimes you may need to plug in the device, leave it idle, and then toggle the setting for it to take effect. **Update Windows & Surface drivers** Ensure you’ve installed all updates via **Windows Update** (not just the firmware package from Microsoft’s site). Often, driver + firmware + OS updates must match to expose the correct UI options. **Reset Embedded Controller (EC)** Shut down your Surface completely. Hold **Volume Up + Power** for about 15 seconds until the UEFI menu opens. Exit without changing anything. This forces the EC to reset and can clear odd charging limits. **If nothing helps** Unfortunately, if the firmware is enforcing the 50% cap, and the Surface app doesn’t let you toggle it, this may be by design in the latest update (to extend battery health). In that case, you may need to wait for a Microsoft patch or contact Surface Support. ```--- We deal with technology in a different way—**signage, digital displays, and graphics** also rely heavily on correct power management and reliable hardware. <removed advertising for a business>
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Gregg 75 Reputation points

2025-08-19T12:28:20.14+00:00

Hi Ben, thanks for the information. I went through your checklist, but did not resolve the issue. From the Surface App, the Device Information is:

Device information:

Device name: HAZY

Serial number: XXXXXXXXXX (I deleted the number for this post)

Surface model: Surface Pro 11th Edition Model 2076

SAM: 27.103.139.0

UEFI: 175.126.235.0

App version: 75.7170.133.0

BIOS Version/Date: Microsoft Corporation 175.126.235 06/13/2025

Wi-Fi driver: 1.0.4111.5000

Edition: Windows 11 Pro

OS build: 26100.4946

Processor: Snapdragon(R) X 12-core X1E80100 @ 3.40 GHz

Installed RAM: 16 GB

Storage size: 596 GB free of 951 GB

GPU: Qualcomm(R) Adreno(TM) X1-85 GPU

Screen resolution: 2880 x 1920

I checked for updates, and the Surface is up to date..

Within the Surface App, under "Battery & charging", I selected the "Charge to 100%" for 1 day (screenshot below). After about 15 minutes, the battery charge did not go above 50% (screenshot below).

I had gone through the UEFI without changing any settings as you suggested, but the issue has not changed. If I neglected something in your comments, please let me know.

The device does not charge above 50%.

Gregg

Barb Bowman 78,580 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2025-08-19T12:32:02.8366667+00:00

Gregg,

Ben's procedure is not going to fix this. Microsoft is investigating per Jeremy's post.

Sajad Mohsin 75 Reputation points

2025-08-19T12:39:47.48+00:00

This post is not going to resolve the issue, and is not very helpful at all. The issue is caused by an update to UEFI locking the battery charge limit to whatever it was set to before performing the update. There is no workaround. It requires a fix to be rolled out by Microsoft - who seem to be completely ignoring the issue and leaving a mobile device completely useless as a mobile device. This is very poor service from Microsoft.

Alstershipper 105 Reputation points

2025-08-19T16:23:17.1933333+00:00

What I simply don't understand... this error is obvious, clearly caused by the firmware update from MSFT, and can be reproduced at any time. How much longer does MSFT intend to investigate this issue??? Until we Surface Pro 11 and Laptop 7 customers give up and throw our nearly brand-new devices in the trash? This ignorant behavior from MSFT is just pathetic and unworthy of a global corporation.

Frank 115 Reputation points

2025-08-19T16:24:50.3666667+00:00

Has anyone found a reliable workaround or received any updates? I’m considering requesting a replacement, as my device is still under warranty, and I need full charging capability in the coming weeks. Does anyone know if that would be possible?

I’m surprised that Microsoft has yet to publicly acknowledge this major bug. Ten days have passed, and there’s been no statement, no timeline, and no meaningful resolution.

As I wrote in a previous post, from a company of Microsoft’s scale, I expected transparency and urgency. At a minimum, we need:

Formal acknowledgment of the issue and its scope

Immediate rollback or hotfix to restore full battery functionality

Transparent communication on investigation progress and expected resolution

A gesture of goodwill to sincerely apologise for the disruption caused

As a student, I rely on this device daily. Right now, it’s essentially unusable. My mobility and productivity have been severely impacted, and I’m left with a device that no longer meets even the most basic expectations.

Aria Nourbakhsh 25 Reputation points

2025-08-19T16:30:29.95+00:00

I share the same frustration with you. My hope is for the next patch Tuesday.

Gregg 75 Reputation points

2025-08-19T16:33:05.27+00:00

I agree with all the thoughts. We're in a line going to Microsoft where they triage all the bugs coming in. How do we help push the attention on this one? Barb suggested submitting the issue to the Feedback Hub. Jeremey had contacted Microsoft and has it on their list. What additional avenues do we have? My surface is still under warrantee as well. Will hardware returns help move the issue?

Sajad Mohsin 75 Reputation points

2025-08-19T16:35:46.27+00:00

I was tempted to attempt a warranty return myself, but will wait for a little while before doing that, simply because I cannot be bothered setting up a new device essentially.

Frank 115 Reputation points

2025-08-19T16:53:46.91+00:00

I’m contacting Microsoft again to enquire whether our devices may be eligible for replacement. The issue appears to affect both the Surface Laptop 7th Edition and Surface Pro 11th Edition, which are barely a year old and still under warranty.

If they’re unable to resolve this urgently, I’d prefer to receive a replacement unit, if eligible, as it’s vital for my workflow.

Let me know if you’d like me to relay any updates from their response.

Ken W 25 Reputation points

2025-08-19T16:54:36.7933333+00:00

My concern with a warranty return is that if successful, I might get a refurbished one in return instead of the one I have been babying since purchase. I remain hopeful that a Windows update or firmware release will fix this bug very soon.

Sajad Mohsin 75 Reputation points

2025-08-19T17:00:00.38+00:00

Please can you update us on their response Frank. Thank you.

Frank 115 Reputation points

2025-08-22T16:54:52.42+00:00

Hi everyone,

As I mentioned earlier, I contacted Microsoft Support on Tuesday night regarding the firmware issue affecting our Surface devices. The support agent assured me they would follow up within 24–72 hours, but unfortunately, that deadline has passed with no response whatsoever.

I’ve just sent a follow-up email to escalate the matter further. For transparency, I’m sharing the full message below:

Email to Microsoft Support:

"Dear John, I am writing to follow up regarding the firmware issue affecting our Surface devices. As of today, we have yet to receive any update from Microsoft, despite the assurance that a resolution would be provided within 24–72 hours. Unfortunately, the issue persists: both the Surface Laptop 7th Edition and Surface Pro 11th Edition remain capped at a maximum of 50% battery charge due to the faulty firmware update. It has now been 13 days since this problem began, and I must express my growing disappointment with the lack of urgency and transparency from Microsoft—an approach that falls short of the standards expected from a company of your reputation and scale. There has been no formal acknowledgment, no hotfix, and no meaningful communication addressing the severity of this issue. To illustrate the broader impact and concern within the community, I am including links to a relevant article and forum discussion:

Windows Central: Surface Pro 11 battery life cut in half — Microsoft is "actively investigating"

Microsoft Q&A Forum: “Battery Limit” removed from UEFI, but now only charges up to 50% At this point, I request the following:

A clear and detailed timeframe for resolution, along with the specific steps Microsoft is taking to address this issue.

Information on any available hotfix or rollback option to immediately restore full charging functionality.

Clarification on whether affected users are eligible for a replacement device under the manufacturer warranty, given the severity and duration of the issue. I hope this matter is escalated with the seriousness it deserves. Please let me know if there are any developments or further steps I should take. Thank you for your time and attention. Best regards"

I strongly encourage everyone affected to contact Microsoft Support directly. The more voices they hear, the harder it becomes to ignore the issue. Let’s keep pushing for a fix and hold them accountable.

I’ll update you all as soon as I hear back.

Barb Bowman 78,580 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator

2025-08-22T17:00:44.95+00:00

@Frank While I can't speak to your support experience (I've had similar personally), Jeremy updated his original answer yesterday to say they are working on and QA testing a fix that will be delivered via Windows Update.

Frank 115 Reputation points

2025-08-22T21:11:46.29+00:00

Thanks for the update, Barb!

It’s very much appreciated and long overdue. It’s great to hear that Microsoft is finally investigating this fiasco.

That said, I remain concerned by the lack of a clear timeline. "Working on it” is better than silence, but there is no indication of when a fix might roll out. Will we have to wait until the next Patch Tuesday, or will a hotfix arrive sooner?

Thanks again for keeping the thread informed. I’ll continue to monitor and share any updates I receive from support.
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Philippe 165 Reputation points

2025-08-21T17:18:27.89+00:00

@franz Which means, since you have received back your laptop, you can now control the battery level 80% or 100% in the surface app?
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Phúc Lộc 30 Reputation points

2025-08-28T02:44:51.2633333+00:00

Although a firmware update for the Surface Laptop 7 has been released (see link below), the problem still remains. So disappointed.

Anyone can try and give the feedback.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=106120
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