How to Fix an Overheating Laptop

Laptops overheat due to poor air circulation and failing fans.

As laptops become more powerful, they continue to generate an increasing amount of heat. Adding to the problem is the compact nature of a laptop, which does not leave space inside for air to circulate, nor for an extensive cooling system. For this reason, you must do what you can to keep vents and fans in good working order. Give them periodic cleanings with pressurized air. Cheaper laptops that tend to generate the most heat will often need a cooling pad if you plan to watch videos or play graphics-intensive video games.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Metric ruler

Instructions

1. Power on the laptop if it is not already running and listen for any loud or strange noises. Listen for rattling, buzzing or a loud fan. Laptop fans should not make too much noise, but will do so when struggling to keep the laptop cool. Try playing a video or intensive video game and listen. If a fan sounds as if it is rattling or buzzing, it is likely dying and needs to be replaced.

2. Shut down your laptop and unplug its power cord from both the wall and the laptop. Remove any peripheral devices, such as your external mouse, USB hard drive or audio cables. Turn your laptop over so its bottom faces you. Push on the battery release latch to pop out your battery and set it aside.

3. Place the red straw on the nozzle of your can of pressurized air and aim it at the vents on your laptop. Depending on your model, you will find vents in the back, sides and bottom. This simple cleaning is a quick fix for mild overheating.

4. Remove the screws from all back access plates on your laptop and set the plates aside. Look for a small fan and spray it with pressurized air. Do not aim straight down at the fan; aim to the side of the fan and any other part that is covered with dust.

5. Disconnect the wires connecting any dying fans to your motherboard. The wires typically have small white or black connectors with two or three pinholes. Remove the screws from the fan and lift it up and out of the laptop. Look for a part number on the fan before shopping for a new one, or you can find the fan's dimensions in millimeters to determine the appropriate size for a replacement. Reinstall any fan you removed in reverse order of removing the original.

6. Replace the back covers of your laptop and secure with screws. Place the battery back in its bay and click it into place. Power on the laptop and allow it to load Windows. Run a video in full-screen mode, or play a video-intensive game and feel the bottom of the laptop for heat. If the laptop still runs hot, purchase a laptop cooler and set the laptop on top of it when in use.

Tips & Warnings

• You can prop up the back of your laptop so that it sits at a slant, allowing more air to get into the vents.

• Do not place laptops directly on soft materials such as your bed or carpet, and do not place your laptop on top of paper products. A hot laptop may ignite paper. Without a hard surface, the laptop will have a more difficult time circulating air.