Microsoft, PC makers investigating mounting reports of Windows 7 battery problems

Microsoft investigating reports of battery-expiration problems about which a number of Windows 7 users are complaining.

On TechNet, there's a growing thread of complaints about the battery issues. In some cases, users said Windows 7 appears to be draining their batteries too quickly, especially in the case of netbooks. Other users said Windows 7 was providing them with warnings that their batteries were in danger of expiring or damaged, even when they were fully charged and fine. It's unclear whether it is only users upgrading from Vista to Windows 7 who are being affected, or whether the problem also is hitting those with brand-new Windows 7 PCs.

The complaints about problems with Windows 7 and batteries predate the release to manufacturing of the operating system last summer. But some in the TechNet forum claim Windows 7 beta and Release Candidate (RC) builds didn't experience these problems, but the final RTM version did.

On February 2, Microsoft officials said they were looking into the reports in conjunction with PC makers. Here's the company's official statement on the issue:

"We are investigating this issue in conjunction with our hardware partners. 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."

Speaking of Windows 7 RC, if you're still running it, you're going to start getting warnings about its expiration, starting on February 15. Over the next couple of months, Microsoft will increase the warnings, with final and complete expiration of the RC slated for June 1.