HP’s laptop charger ecosystem spans multiple connector types and power levels, from lightweight ultrabooks to high-performance workstations. Understanding which charger works with your specific model is essential to avoid damaging your battery or motherboard. This guide covers the full range of HP business and consumer lines, detailing the correct HP laptop charger compatibility for every major series.
The key principle: HP uses USB Power Delivery (PD) across modern business laptops (EliteBook, ProBook, ZBook Firefly) and consumer ultrabooks (Spectre x360, Pavilion), while gaming and workstation models (OMEN, Victus, ZBook Fury/Studio) rely on proprietary barrel connectors with higher wattages. Mixing chargers incorrectly can result in slow charging, BIOS warnings, or complete refusal to charge.
HP Charger Quick Reference Table
This master table lists charger requirements for all major HP laptop lines. Note the connector type, wattage, and whether USB-C alternatives are supported.
| Series | Models (Gen) | Connector Type | Wattage | USB-C PD Compatible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EliteBook 840 | G9, G10, G11 | USB-C | 65W | Yes (65W minimum) |
| EliteBook 860 | G10, G11 | USB-C | 65W | Yes (65W minimum) |
| EliteBook Dragonfly | G3, G4, G5 | USB-C | 65W | Yes (65W minimum) |
| ProBook 440 | G10, G11 | USB-C | 45W–65W | Yes (45W+) |
| ProBook 450 | G10, G11 | USB-C | 65W | Yes (65W minimum) |
| ProBook 640 | G10, G11 | USB-C | 65W | Yes (65W minimum) |
| ProBook 650 | G10, G11 | USB-C | 65W | Yes (65W minimum) |
| ZBook Firefly | 14/15, G7–G11 | USB-C | 65W | Yes (65W minimum) |
| ZBook Fury | 16/17, G8–G11 | 150W barrel + USB-C (charging only) | 150W–200W | Partial (USB-C charging mode only) |
| ZBook Power | G8, G9, G10 | 150W barrel | 150W | No |
| ZBook Studio | G8–G11 | 150W–200W barrel | 150W–200W | No |
| OMEN 16 | G10, G11 | 200W barrel | 200W | No (limited USB-C charging) |
| OMEN 17 | G10, G11 | 330W barrel | 330W | No |
| Victus 16 | G8, G9 | 150W barrel | 150W | No |
| Pavilion 13/14/15 | G10, G11 | USB-C or 45W barrel | 45W–65W | Yes (varies by model) |
| Spectre x360 | 14/16, G10–G11 | USB-C | 65W | Yes (65W minimum) |
HP Smart Pin vs USB-C Chargers
Older HP consumer models (pre-2020, primarily Pavilion, Envy, and Spectre x360 models from G5 and earlier) used the HP Smart Pin connector — a proprietary blue-tipped barrel connector. This connector is not compatible with standard USB-C, and replacement chargers must match the exact pin diameter and voltage.
If you own a legacy HP model with a Smart Pin connector:
- Always buy HP-branded replacement chargers — third-party manufacturers rarely produce exact replicas
- Note your exact model number and check the original charger’s specifications (typically 45W or 65W)
- Modern alternatives: consider upgrading to a newer Pavilion or Spectre x360 with USB-C (G10 or later) for better compatibility
All current HP models (EliteBook, ProBook, ZBook, OMEN, Victus, modern Pavilion, Spectre x360) use standard USB-C or industry-standard barrel connectors, making third-party replacements more accessible.
HP BIOS Charger Warnings and Third-Party USB-C
Many HP business laptops (particularly EliteBook and ProBook models) display a BIOS warning when you use a third-party USB-C charger that doesn’t match HP’s official specifications. This warning typically states: “An unsupported charger is connected to your computer” or “The connected adapter type is not supported by the system.”
This is informational only. The laptop will still charge — the BIOS is simply flagging that the charger wasn’t verified by HP’s engineering team. The warning disappears once you disconnect the charger or restart the machine. In practice:
- USB-C PD chargers rated at or above your laptop’s requirement (65W, 45W, etc.) will charge successfully
- The BIOS warning indicates HP cannot guarantee performance or longevity with third-party chargers
- No damage occurs from using a compatible USB-C charger — the warning is purely a liability notification
- HP-branded chargers and premium third-party brands (Lenovo, Dell, or multi-brand USB-C chargers) rarely trigger the warning
To minimize BIOS warnings, use USB-C chargers from established manufacturers (Anker, Belkin, or brand-matched equivalents) rated at the correct wattage for your model.
HP Docking Station Charging
HP’s Thunderbolt docks (primarily for ZBook and EliteBook lines) and USB-C docks can deliver power to your laptop through a single connection. The key points:
- Thunderbolt G5/G4 docks — Provide full USB-C PD charging (typically 65W) plus Thunderbolt 3/4 data and video
- USB-C docks — Supply USB-C PD charging (45W–65W depending on the dock’s internal power supply)
- Most docks require a separate AC power connection; they draw power from that to charge your laptop
- Docks cannot charge faster than their internal power supply supports — a 45W dock cannot deliver 65W
- Check your dock’s specifications and compare to your laptop’s charger requirements (see table above)
If you use an HP dock with your business laptop, the dock must have adequate power capacity. A ZBook Fury with a 150W charger requirement cannot use a 65W dock effectively — charging will be very slow or stop entirely during intensive workloads.
Can You Use USB-C on a Gaming OMEN or Victus Laptop?
Limited answer: Yes, but not recommended for gaming.
OMEN 16/17 and Victus models have barrel connectors with very high wattage requirements (200W–330W for OMEN 17). While some recent OMEN models include a secondary USB-C charging port, it can only charge at lower wattages (typically 65W–100W). Here’s what you need to know:
- Light tasks (web browsing, office work): USB-C 100W+ can keep your battery level stable
- Gaming or video rendering: The 100W USB-C charge cannot keep pace with the GPU/CPU power draw — battery drains even while charging
- Best practice: Always use the barrel charger during gaming or intensive workloads to ensure stable power and prevent hardware thermal throttling
- USB-C charging is useful as an emergency backup or for travel when you’re not gaming
Gaming laptops are engineered for high sustained power delivery. Undersized chargers (whether USB-C or barrel) will cause the system to switch to battery power, reducing gaming performance and shortening component lifespan.
Recommended HP Chargers and Where to Buy
For EliteBook, ProBook, ZBook Firefly, and Spectre x360 models (65W USB-C):
HP 65W USB-C Charger (Official) — Recommended for warranty and compatibility. Widely available on Amazon UK at £40–60.
Anker 65W USB-C PowerPort Atom — Trusted third-party alternative. Compact, good build quality. £25–35.
Belkin 65W USB-C GaN Charger — Premium option with multiple ports. £35–50.
For ZBook Power, ZBook Studio, and OMEN models (150W–330W barrel):
HP Official 150W/200W Barrel Charger — Necessary for workstations and gaming rigs. £60–90 depending on wattage.
Third-party barrel chargers are rarely compatible due to proprietary connector designs. Stick with HP-branded chargers for these models.
For ProBook 440 (45W option):
Universal 45W USB-C Charger — Many third-party brands offer 45W USB-C chargers. Verify compatibility with your specific ProBook model before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will a 100W USB-C charger damage my 65W EliteBook?
A: No. USB Power Delivery is designed to negotiate the correct wattage between charger and device. A 100W charger will safely deliver only 65W to your EliteBook. Higher-wattage chargers are safe and actually beneficial if you use multiple USB-C devices (phone, tablet, laptop simultaneously).
Q: Can I use a Dell USB-C charger on my HP ProBook?
A: Yes, if the wattage matches. A Dell 65W USB-C charger will work on an HP ProBook 450 that requires 65W. However, expect a BIOS warning about unsupported chargers. For reliable operation, use an HP or universal multi-brand charger.
Q: My ZBook Fury has a barrel connector and a USB-C port. Which one should I use?
A: Use the barrel connector for gaming and high-performance tasks. The USB-C port is secondary and charges at a lower rate. The barrel connector is engineered for sustained 150W–200W delivery, which gaming workloads require.
Q: Is the BIOS “unsupported charger” warning dangerous?
A: No, it’s purely informational. HP displays this warning when a third-party USB-C charger is detected, but it does not prevent charging or indicate hardware risk. The warning clears once you disconnect the charger or reboot the machine.
Q: What’s the difference between HP Smart Pin and USB-C?
A: HP Smart Pin is a proprietary connector used on older models (pre-2020). It is not compatible with standard USB-C. If you own a model with Smart Pin, you must use a charger with the exact same connector type. All current HP models use USB-C or standard barrel connectors.
Q: Can I charge my OMEN 17 with a USB-C power bank?
A: OMEN 17 uses a 330W barrel connector and cannot charge via USB-C at all. You must use the official HP barrel charger. No USB-C alternative exists for this model.
Additional Resources
For more on laptop charging standards and cross-brand compatibility, see our laptop charger compatibility guide. For HP-specific upgrades and system comparisons, visit our HP laptop upgrades guide.
Recommended Products
These are the products we recommend based on this guide. All links go to Amazon UK where you can check current prices and availability.
| Product | Why We Recommend It | Amazon UK |
|---|---|---|
| Anker 65W USB-C GaN Charger | Compact travel charger for most ultrabooks | View on Amazon UK |
| Ugreen 100W USB-C PD Charger | High-wattage for gaming & workstation laptops | View on Amazon UK |
| Anker 140W USB-C Charger | Maximum power for 16″ MacBook Pro & similar | View on Amazon UK |
| Baseus 65W GaN USB-C Charger | Budget alternative with multi-port charging | View on Amazon UK |
| Anker 341 7-in-1 USB-C Hub | Best budget single-monitor dock | View on Amazon UK |
| CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock | Premium dock with 18 ports | View on Amazon UK |
| Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C Hub | Budget dock with Ethernet included | View on Amazon UK |
| Plugable TBT3-UDZ Thunderbolt 3 Dock | Best mid-range dual-display dock | View on Amazon UK |
Prices and availability may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Related HP Upgrade Guides
- HP Battery Replacement: EliteBook, Pavilion & OMEN Step-by-Step
- Best RAM for HP Laptops in 2026
- HP ProLiant DL365 Gen11 RAM & SSD Upgrade Guide (2023)
- HP ProLiant ML30 Gen11 RAM & SSD Upgrade Guide (2023)
- HP ProLiant DL385 Gen10 Plus RAM & SSD Upgrade Guide (2020)
- HP Upgrade Guide
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