Shorter battery life does not always mean your laptop battery is failing.
A built-in battery report can separate normal aging from heavy background use, incorrect settings, or a battery that needs service.
Battery health compares the charge your battery can hold now with the capacity it was designed to hold when new. Cycle count adds context, but it should be compared with the limit published for your exact model.
In the Installed batteries section, compare Full charge capacity with Design capacity. Microsoft also recommends reviewing Recent usage and Battery usage when runtime drops unexpectedly.
Hold the Option key, click the Apple menu, and choose System Information. Select Power under Hardware to see the cycle count and battery condition.
Apple states that cycle limits vary by model, so do not judge the number without checking the specification for your Mac.
A lower full-charge capacity is expected as a battery ages. More important warning signs include sudden shutdowns, rapidly changing percentages, service messages, or runtime that drops sharply despite light use.
If the battery is visibly swollen, stop using the laptop, disconnect power when safe, and arrange professional service. Never press, puncture, or attempt to flatten a swollen battery.
Reduce unnecessary background activity, use the operating system’s energy recommendations, and keep the laptop away from excessive heat. Recheck the report after several weeks rather than reacting to one unusually demanding day.
Use Windows capacity figures or the Mac cycle count and condition as evidence, then consider real runtime and safety symptoms before deciding whether replacement is necessary.