What action should be taken if a laptop's battery bloats?

When a laptop's battery bloats, the best course of action is to replace the battery immediately. A bloated battery is a significant safety hazard, as it can indicate that the battery is failing or has become damaged, which may lead to leakage, overheating, or even an explosion. Continuing to use a bloated battery can exacerbate the situation and put both the device and the user at risk.

Replacing the battery promptly helps to ensure the safety of the user and the functioning of the laptop. It's important to handle the bloated battery carefully, ideally by following proper disposal guidelines, as it contains hazardous materials. Additionally, once the new battery is replaced, it is advisable to monitor the device for any signs of abnormal behavior to ensure the new battery and the device are functioning correctly.

Options suggesting to continue using the battery, charge and discharge it, or just monitor for overheating demonstrate a lack of understanding of the risks associated with a bloated battery, as they either delay needed action or assume that minor precautionary steps are sufficient when immediate replacement is necessary.