Laptop Overheating? Causes, Fixes and When to Get Help

Laptops get warm, but a laptop that is too hot to keep on your lap, sounds like a hairdryer or shuts down without warning has a problem. Overheating also shortens the life of the battery and other parts.

Signs your laptop is overheating

• Fans running loudly most of the time
• The base is very hot to touch
• Slow performance when the laptop gets hot
• Sudden shutdowns or restarts
• A swollen battery: a lifting trackpad or uneven case

Common causes

• Dust in the vents and fans: the most common cause, especially in older laptops.
• Blocked airflow: using the laptop on a bed, sofa or lap.
• Dried-out thermal paste: the heat no longer transfers from the processor to the cooler.
• A failing fan: grinding, clicking or no fan noise at all.
• Heavy software: apps or browser tabs keeping the processor busy.
• Malware: hidden programmes using resources.

What you can safely try

1. Use the laptop on a hard, flat surface.
2. Check Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) for apps using lots of processor time.
3. Install system and driver updates.
4. Gently clean the external vents with a soft brush. Do not open the laptop unless you are confident.
5. Consider a laptop stand to improve airflow.

Mac users can find more help on Apple’s Mac support pages.

When to get a repair

If the laptop keeps overheating after these checks, it probably needs an internal clean, new thermal paste, a new fan or a new battery. Do not ignore a swollen battery. Read our swollen battery warning signs.

We repair Windows laptops and MacBooks. See our laptop repairs, computer repair in Edinburgh and 4 signs your laptop needs a professional repair.