Microsoft is testing a software fix to address a battery charging bug that has left many Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 users stuck at a 50% charging cap. The problem appeared after an August 7 firmware update, which inadvertently introduced a persistent charging limitation on ARM-based Surface devices.
The issue stems from Microsoft’s decision to remove the Battery Limit option from the Surface UEFI system as part of routine maintenance. However, users who had previously enabled this feature found that the 50% cap stayed in place — even though the toggle to disable it had disappeared. This left devices unable to charge past half capacity, with no way for owners to reverse the restriction.
One of the first reports came from Philippe, a Surface Pro 11 user, who shared his experience on Microsoft’s support forums. “The system still seems to be enforcing the 50% limit automatically based on firmware behavior, even without a visible toggle,” he wrote. His post quickly drew responses from other ARM Surface owners facing the same issue.
The Battery Limit feature was originally intended for commercial uses, such as point-of-sale systems, kiosks, and RFID deployments, where maximizing battery lifespan is more important than full charging capacity. By design, it caps charging at 50% to reduce wear. While most consumers never touch this setting, those who had enabled it before the August update suddenly found themselves locked into the limitation.
Jeremy, a member of Microsoft’s support team, acknowledged the widespread complaints in a forum response. He confirmed that Microsoft is “testing a software update that will be released as soon as it passes our quality testing.” The fix will be delivered through Windows Update, meaning users won’t need to manually download firmware or perform complex troubleshooting steps.
Still, frustration is mounting among affected users. Carl Morecroft, a Surface Pro 11 owner, described it as “a very serious problem that needs fixing ASAP” because it disrupts mobile productivity. Another user, Aaron, who tried multiple workarounds without success, summed it up as simply “upsetting.”
Although Microsoft hasn’t given a precise rollout date, the update is expected soon. In the meantime, Surface owners impacted by the bug will remain stuck at 50% battery capacity. Microsoft has advised users to keep an eye on their Windows Update history, where the incoming patch should restore normal charging once released.
