A laptop that runs hot, sounds like a jet engine or shuts itself off is one of the most common problems we see. Laptop overheating isn’t just annoying: heat slows your computer down and, over time, can damage the battery and other components. Here’s what causes it and what you can do about it.
Signs your laptop is overheating
- The fans are loud or running at full speed all the time
- The underside or keyboard feels very hot to the touch
- Games and apps stutter or slow down after a few minutes
- The laptop shuts down or restarts without warning
Common causes
Dust and blocked vents
Laptops pull air through small vents and push it across a heatsink. Over months and years, dust and pet hair build up and block that airflow. This is the number one cause of overheating.
Using it on soft surfaces
Beds, sofas and laps can cover the intake vents on the bottom of the laptop and starve it of air.
Dried-out thermal paste
Thermal paste sits between the processor and the cooler to carry heat away. It dries out with age, which makes the chip run hotter.
Heavy background software
Malware, too many startup programs or a stuck process can keep the processor busy and hot even when you’re not doing anything.
Fixes you can try at home
- Use the laptop on a hard, flat surface such as a desk or table.
- Check Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) for programs using a lot of CPU and close or uninstall anything you don’t need.
- Make sure Windows and your drivers are up to date.
- Run a full scan with Windows Security to rule out malware.
- Consider a laptop stand or cooling pad to improve airflow.
Avoid poking anything into the vents or using a vacuum cleaner on them, which can damage the fan or create static.
When to get a professional clean
If the laptop is still hot after these steps, it most likely needs to be opened up. A proper service involves cleaning the fans and heatsink and replacing the thermal paste. It’s fiddly work on most modern laptops, and it’s easy to damage ribbon cables or clips if you haven’t done it before.
PC Forge can collect your laptop for free anywhere in Dublin, clean and service it, and return it running cooler and quieter. Create a repair ticket or see our common PC repair issues guide for more tips.
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