For most business and consumer laptops and typical workloads, 60W is enough to keep the laptop powered and charging. A laptop designed for a higher-wattage power adapter can usually still operate with a 60W USB-C power source, but charging may be slower or the battery may gradually discharge during demanding workloads.
Why Is 60W Enough for Most Laptops?
A laptop's included power adapter is generally designed to support the system's maximum charging and power requirements. Common laptop power adapters may provide 45W, 60W, 65W, 100W, 140W, or more.
However, modern laptops dynamically manage their power consumption and typically use only a portion of their maximum available power during everyday workloads. The required power changes based on factors such as processor and graphics usage, connected devices, battery level, and charging state.
Laptops also reduce their charging rate as the battery approaches a full charge. As a result, the difference between a 60W charger and a higher-wattage charger may become less noticeable during a typical workday when the laptop remains connected to power for long periods.
Even during demanding tasks such as video editing, rendering, or other high-performance workloads, a laptop may exceed 60W only for short periods. If the computer requires more power than the dock or charger can provide, you may notice that:
- The battery charges more slowly
- Charging temporarily stops
- The battery slowly discharges while connected
- The laptop reduces performance to match the available power
This does not necessarily indicate a problem with the dock, charger, or laptop. It can simply mean that the computer is consuming more power than the connected USB-C power source can provide.
Gaming laptops and mobile workstations often have significantly higher power requirements. Systems supplied with 180W or higher power adapters may require their original power adapter for full performance.
Why Might Windows Show a Low-Wattage Warning?
Some Windows laptops, particularly Dell, HP, and Lenovo systems, may display a notification or startup message when connected to a USB-C power source that provides less power than the adapter supplied with the computer.
Messages may indicate that:
- A lower-wattage power adapter or USB-C charging device has been connected, and system performance may be reduced
- The computer is in a weak or slow charging state
- The power adapter wattage or type cannot be determined, and the battery may not charge normally
- The connected adapter provides less power than the manufacturer's recommended adapter
- A higher-power adapter should be connected for full system performance
These warnings do not necessarily mean that the Plugable dock, hub, or charger is malfunctioning. Most business and consumer laptops can continue operating and charging from a lower-wattage USB-C power source, although charging speed and system performance can vary.
Some computers may also offer options in their BIOS or system settings to control low-wattage power notifications. Refer to the computer manufacturer's documentation before changing these settings.
What Should I Do if 60W Is Not Enough?
If your laptop consistently loses battery charge during normal use, charges too slowly for your needs, displays persistent low-power warnings, or reduces performance while connected to a 60W power source, consider using a dock or charger that provides power closer to the wattage recommended by the laptop manufacturer.
For laptops with power requirements higher than the dock can provide, you may still be able to use the Plugable product for displays, USB devices, networking, and other connectivity while connecting the laptop's original power adapter separately.
Check your laptop manufacturer's specifications to confirm its recommended charging wattage and whether the computer supports USB-C Power Delivery.
Applicable To
- TBT4-HUB3C, USB4-HUB3A, UD-MSTHDC, USBC-PS-60W, UD-MSTH2
