How to Fix an Overheating Laptop and Keep It Cool
Is your laptop getting too hot, running slow, or even shutting down? Overheating can damage internal components and shorten your laptop’s lifespan. In this guide, we’ll cover practical ways to cool down your laptop and prevent future overheating.
1. Check for Dust and Clean the Cooling System
Dust buildup in air vents and fans blocks airflow, causing heat buildup.
✔ Turn off your laptop and unplug it.
✔ Use compressed air to blow dust out of the vents.
✔ If possible, open the laptop and clean the cooling fan.
🛑 Avoid using a vacuum cleaner—it can damage internal components.
2. Use Your Laptop on a Hard Surface
Soft surfaces like beds or cushions block air vents, leading to overheating.
✔ Place your laptop on a desk, table, or cooling pad.
✔ If needed, elevate the back of the laptop slightly to improve airflow.
3. Reduce CPU and GPU Load
High-performance tasks generate more heat.
✔ Close unused programs running in the background.
✔ Lower graphics settings when gaming or using heavy software.
✔ Use Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to check for apps using too much CPU.
4. Check and Replace Thermal Paste (Advanced Users Only)
Over time, the thermal paste between the CPU/GPU and heatsink dries out, reducing heat transfer.
✔ If your laptop is still overheating after cleaning, reapply thermal paste.
✔ This requires opening the laptop, so only do this if you’re comfortable with hardware repairs.
5. Use a Cooling Pad
Laptop cooling pads have built-in fans to increase airflow and reduce temperature.
✔ Choose a cooling pad with adjustable fan speeds for better cooling.
✔ If you don’t have one, place a small stand or book under the back of the laptop for better airflow.
6. Adjust Power Settings for Lower Heat Output
If your laptop runs hot all the time, changing power settings can help.
✔ Windows:
- Go to Control Panel > Power Options.
- Select Balanced or Power Saver mode instead of High Performance.
✔ Mac:
- Go to System Settings > Battery > Energy Saver.
- Lower the processor speed if needed.
7. Monitor Laptop Temperature
If your laptop frequently overheats, monitor its temperature.
✔ Windows: Use software like HWMonitor or Core Temp.
✔ Mac: Install iStat Menus to check CPU and GPU temperatures.
🛑 If your CPU temperature regularly exceeds 90°C, take action immediately!
Final Thoughts
Laptop overheating is a serious issue but can be prevented. Cleaning dust, using a cooling pad, and adjusting power settings can keep your laptop cool and improve performance. If overheating persists, consider professional servicing to check for hardware problems.
