Maintenance ยท 5 min read
How to fix laptop overheating
Overheating causes shutdowns, loud fans, and sudden slowdowns. Most of it comes from blocked airflow and old thermal paste.
Stop laptop overheating, shutdowns, and fan noise by clearing dust, improving airflow, and refreshing the thermal paste.
Before you start
- Hard surface: Use a desk or stand so vents stay open.
- Compressed air: Short bursts can clear visible vent dust.
- Temperature check: Watch whether heat rises under load.
- Service time: Internal cleaning needs careful opening.
Follow this order
Use a hard surface
Soft surfaces like beds block the vents. Use a desk, or a stand that lets air flow underneath the laptop.
Clean the vents
Blow dust out of the exhaust vents with short bursts of compressed air. Dust buildup is the top cause of heat.
Check the fan
Listen for a fan that never spins or rattles. A failed fan needs replacement.
Refresh the thermal paste
After a few years, thermal paste dries out. Fresh paste on the CPU and GPU can drop temperatures sharply.
Manage heavy load
Close background apps and limit heavy gaming or rendering in hot rooms. Lower the screen brightness.
Monitor temperatures
Use a free tool to watch CPU temperature. Sustained readings above 90C mean it needs service.
Good to know
- If the laptop shuts off suddenly under load, overheating is the likely cause. Stop and let it cool.
- Internal cleaning and repasting are quick service jobs. We can do this in store.
Common questions
Is it normal for a laptop to get hot?
Warm is normal under load. Hot enough to be uncomfortable, with loud fans or shutdowns, is not.
How often should I clean the vents?
Every 6 to 12 months, and sooner in dusty rooms.