Unboxed a new laptop and found no charger inside? You're not alone, and it isn't a mistake. More new laptops now ship without a charger in the box because of the EU's common charger rule, which makes USB-C the standard charging port.
Quick answer: Since 28 April 2026, EU rules say laptops must charge via USB-C and buyers must be able to choose whether to buy one with or without a charger. Apple, Dell and HP already sell some laptops without a power adapter, and Lenovo is starting to do the same. If your new laptop has no charger, any USB-C Power Delivery (PD) charger with enough wattage, usually 65W, will work.
Below, we explain why laptops no longer include chargers, which brands are doing it, what it means for UK buyers, and how to choose the right USB-C laptop charger.
Why don't new laptops come with a charger? The EU USB-C rule
The EU's common charger law makes USB-C the standard charging port for portable electronics, and gives buyers the choice to buy a device without a charger. It amends the EU Radio Equipment Directive and was agreed in 2022.
It covers phones, tablets, cameras, headphones, keyboards, mice, speakers, e-readers and more. Laptops with up to 100W charging are included too, and the laptop rules have applied since 28 April 2026.
The rule does three things:
- One port for everything. New devices must charge through USB-C, whoever makes them.
- Charger optional. Shoppers can choose to buy a new device with or without a charger.
- Clear labels. Packaging shows what power the device needs, so you can check whether a charger you already own will work.
The aim is less waste. The European Parliament says unused and thrown-away chargers create about 11,000 tonnes of e-waste a year in the EU, and that people could save up to €250 million a year by not buying chargers they don't need (source).
Which laptop brands no longer include a charger?
The big laptop brands are moving one by one:
- Apple led the way, first by removing chargers from iPhone boxes, and now with some MacBook configurations in the UK where the power adapter is an optional extra (source).
- Dell has offered the option to buy some laptops and tablets without an AC adapter since June 2024 (source).
- HP now sells some notebook and Chromebook models without an AC adapter (source).
- Lenovo is beginning to do the same on some models.
It doesn't apply to every laptop yet. Some models still come with a charger, and some are sold in two versions, with and without. Always check the product listing, and the "in the box" details, before you order.
Does the EU charger rule affect UK laptop buyers?
The UK isn't in the EU, but it's still affected. Manufacturers usually make one version of a laptop and its packaging for the whole of Europe, so UK models often arrive without a charger too.
For you, that means:
- You may already have a charger that works. If your current laptop, tablet or phone charges by USB-C, its charger could power your new laptop, as long as it has enough wattage.
- Less clutter and waste. No more drawers full of chargers that only fit one device.
- Check before you buy. If it's your first USB-C laptop, or you're kitting out new starters, add a charger to the order.
- For businesses, one type of charger across the team makes spares and hot-desking easier.
What charger do I need for my laptop?
Match the charger's wattage to your laptop and you're sorted. Check three things:
- Wattage. Look for the watts (W) on your laptop's spec sheet or old charger. Most everyday laptops need 45W to 65W. Bigger or more powerful machines, like mobile workstations, can need 90W or more. A higher-wattage charger is fine; a lower one may charge slowly or not at all.
- USB-C with Power Delivery (PD). USB-C is just the shape of the plug. What matters is Power Delivery support, the standard that lets one charger safely power laptops, tablets and phones. Your cable matters too: some are rated for 60W, others for up to 240W, so use one that matches your charger.
- Ports. A multi-port charger can charge your laptop and phone from one plug.
What wattage charger does my laptop need?
As a rough guide (always check your laptop's spec sheet):
| Laptop type | Typical charger wattage |
|---|---|
| Chromebooks and small laptops | 30W to 45W |
| Everyday business laptops and ultrabooks | 65W |
| Larger and high-performance laptops | 90W to 100W |
| Mobile workstations and gaming laptops | 90W to 140W |
USB-C laptop chargers we stock
Here are some of the USB-C laptop chargers available at eSupply, with next working day delivery when you order before 4:30pm:
| Charger | Power | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| HP 65W USB-C LC Power Adapter | 65W | Everyday HP laptops |
| HP USB-C 65W Laptop Charger | 65W | Everyday HP laptops |
| HP 110W USB-C Laptop Charger | 110W | Powerful HP laptops |
| Lenovo 65W USB-C Wall Adapter (UK) | 65W | Everyday Lenovo laptops |
| Lenovo 65W USB-C AC Adapter (4X20M26276) | 65W | ThinkPad and IdeaPad |
| Lindy 65W USB 2 x Type C Charger | 65W | Any USB-C laptop, plus a second device |
| Lindy 65W USB Type A and C GaN Charger | 65W | Laptop and phone from one plug |
| Lindy 100W 4-Port USB Type A & C GaN Charger | 100W | A whole desk setup |
Not sure which one you need? Check your laptop's product page for its charging wattage, or browse all laptop chargers.
Laptop charger FAQs
Will my new laptop come with a charger? It depends on the model. Check the "in the box" details on the product page before you order.
Can I use my phone charger on my laptop? Only if it's USB-C and powerful enough. A 20W phone charger will charge a laptop very slowly, if at all. For laptops, 45W to 65W or more is usually needed.
Is it safe to use a different brand's charger? Yes, as long as it's a USB-C Power Delivery charger from a reputable brand with enough wattage for your laptop.
Does this apply to the UK? It's an EU law, but because laptops are usually made and packed for all of Europe, UK models are often sold without a charger too.
Why did Apple stop including chargers? Apple started by removing chargers from iPhone boxes to cut waste. Under the EU rule, some MacBook configurations in the UK now list the power adapter as an optional extra.
Can I use a higher-wattage charger on my laptop? Yes. A USB-C PD charger only supplies the power your laptop asks for, so a 100W charger is safe on a 65W laptop.
Will a USB-C charger work with my older laptop? Only if your laptop charges through a USB-C port. Older laptops with a round barrel connector need their own brand's adapter, which we also stock.
Do I need a special cable? Yes, check it. USB-C cables are rated for different power levels, from 60W up to 240W. Use a cable rated at least as high as your charger.
Buy a USB-C laptop charger from eSupply
Add the right USB-C charger to your order and you'll be ready to go the moment it arrives. Order before 4:30pm (Monday to Friday) for next working day delivery. Kitting out a team? Our trade desk can quote for laptops and chargers together.