Any data from this step will be lost. Only plug the laptop in to get the machine started from a BIOS lockout.

If you are using a Windows laptop, make sure you turn the laptop back on after the initial shutdown. Windows is designed to shut down when the battery in the laptop reports ~3% remaining capacity. This may require brief use of the power adapter if the laptop does not turn on until the charge is higher or it has AC power.

Use your laptop while it is discharging. You will want to do this until the computer shuts down, and if you are using Windows turn it on again until the laptop no longer turns on; this ensures a full discharge.