Microsoft has confirmed it is investigating a problem causing some Windows 7 users to receive incorrect battery warnings on their laptops.

The warning is triggered when a laptops BIOS detects a battery replacement is required. Windows 7 provides the following alert: "Consider replacing your battery. There is a problem with your battery, so your computer might shut down suddenly." One user who spoke to The Register claimed their laptop battery life had decreased from two hours to half hour and others posted their experiences in a TechNet forums thread.

Microsoft officials said on Tuesday the company is looking into the issue, "we are investigating this issue in conjunction with our hardware partners, which appears to be related to system firmware," a Microsoft spokesperson confirmed.

Some commenter's in the TechNet thread are hinting at a class action lawsuit with one stating "If my battery has been permanently damaged or a fix not issued quickly, I will be forced to seek a class action lawsuit. Thank you."

Microsoft said it's working with PC manufacturers to determine the issue, "We are working with our partners to determine the root cause and will update the forum with information and guidance as it becomes available."