How to Improve Laptop Airflow

Avoid using your laptop directly on your lap for better cooling.

Overheating is a common concern for laptop owners. When a laptop is operating at full capacity -- which can happen when you are watching movies or playing video games -- it can get very hot, very fast. When a laptop gets too hot, you run the risk of it crashing or shutting down at any given moment. Increase your laptop airflow to prevent your laptop from getting too hot.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• A laptop

1. Place your laptop on a desk or other hard, flat surface. Your laptop is designed to enable airflow when you set it on a table or desk. However, when you place the computer directly on your lap, airflow is greatly diminished. At the bottom of your laptop you'll see four plastic or rubber feet at each corner; these enable the laptop to be set on a hard, level surface while still allowing airflow.

2. Set your laptop on an intermediary surface, such as a lap desk or book, if you still want to work on a soft surface, such as on a couch or pillow. This also prevents your legs from getting scorched. A variety of lap-desk type products are available today that you can use to improve airflow while working on a laptop.

3. Lower the power settings on your laptop if you are not using your computer for anything too processor-intensive. Click on the Microsoft orb, press "Control Panel," then click "Adjust commonly used mobility settings" under Hardware and Sound. Click on the drop-down menu above Battery Status and select "Power Saver." This lowers your CPU clock speed, thus keeping your laptop's temperature down.

4. Purchase an external fan or external cooler. These usually reside underneath your laptop and blow cool air into your laptop's vents.