Q&A for How to Keep Your Laptop from Overheating

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Is it OK if my laptop gets hot?
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Expert Answer
    If you feel heat coming from the laptop, that means that the machine is at least 120 degrees and that it's probably warmer than it should be. And if it's too hot to touch, then you know it's too hot to be running.
  • Question
    How can I cool my laptop if the fan vents are underneath and in the center?
    Community Answer
    Put four items under the corners of the laptop to lift it and give the fan airflow.
  • Question
    What can I do if my laptop overheats so badly that it lags and begins to sound strange and loud?
    Community Answer
    Buy an external fan for laptops. And make sure the room you're in has a nice cool temperature. Also, make sure you don't multitask too much, if you're running lots of programs at once, you may be giving your laptop more than it can handle.
  • Question
    How do I fix overheating so I can play games?
    yunus noor
    Community Answer
    You would have to open the laptop/Desktop and clean out any dust around your Computer to improve ventilation.
  • Question
    I just bought a new laptop. Is it normal for it to be getting hot so quickly by just browsing the internet?
    Community Answer
    No. If it is secondhand, check if it is overclocked, and de-overclock it. You also may buy a cooling pad, or let it ventilate itself.
  • Question
    I have an HP Pavilion G7, and the fan goes crazy while it's overheating. One time it shut down, and said, "Thermal Shutdown occurred." What can I do?
    Community Answer
    You overworked your laptop. Use the tips above to make sure it stays cool. When you hear the fans roaring for more than 10 to 15 minutes, stop and let your model cool down.
  • Question
    If I put my laptop's battery completely looking upwards (90 degrees), will it cool off?
    Community Answer
    Exposing the vents may allow it to cool more quickly, but your best bet is to remove the battery for fastest cooling.
  • Question
    My laptop is overheating like crazy and none of the suggestions are working. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    In this case, you should either search for more options or just take it somewhere to get it looked at and fixed, if needed. Remember, a laptop not working properly shouldn't worry you, for at the end of the day, you can always get it fixed by a professional if you can't do it yourself.
  • Question
    My laptop fan was blowing out of control last night after I'd had it on a plastic ventilated shelf. Do I need to put a book under it?
    Community Answer
    Leave it on a hard wooden table or desk, then do not use it for a couple of hours. It would be good to place something like a book or a proper laptop stand between the laptop and the plastic shelf in future, if that is what you need to keep using it on. However, it be that the laptop overheats and that needs to be looked into as well.
  • Question
    How can I keep my desktop from overheating?
    Community Answer
    If you have a desktop computer, first remove the side panel and get rid of any dust. Then you can download Speedfan, connect it to the fans, and control them to run at your chosen speed.
  • Question
    I have done overclocking and now my laptop continually overheats. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    Charge the battery to 100% and unplug it, then use it until it reaches a low battery percentage. Then plug it in again so the computer won't overheat by charging the battery and running the computer at the same time.
  • Question
    Can replacing laptop's battery prevent overheating?
    Community Answer
    It could, if the battery is the root of the overheating issue.
  • Question
    What do I do if I follow the steps and my laptop still overheats?
    Community Answer
    You may need to take your laptop to be repaired or buy a new laptop.
  • Question
    How do I put a fan in my computer so it doesn't overheat?
    Community Answer
    Cooling mats with fans are available online and in computer/office supply stores; they go underneath the laptop (where most heat gathers) to ventilate.
  • Question
    Do i have to change the heat sink compound in my computer to keep it from overheating?
    Community Answer
    If you've had the computer for a long time, or took it apart (including your heatpipes), then yes. You need to apply a new thermal compound.
  • Question
    Is it alright if I block the air vent? I have a cat that really likes the warmth it provides.
    Natfor gaming
    Community Answer
    No, it's not. Your laptop won't be able to ventilate easily. Plus, The fur will clog the vents.
  • Question
    What do I put inside my computer in order to remove airflow?
    Community Answer
    Airflow is essential to keeping a computer cool. Ideally, you want more airflow, not less.
  • Question
    My HP laptop is frozen. How do I unfreeze it?
    Natfor gaming
    Community Answer
    Hold down the power button until it shuts down. If that does not work, remove the battery. Both methods make you lose any unsaved work.
  • Question
    My laptop is over heating when I work and sometimes freezes. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    Have your laptop cleaned of dust and debris to prevent it from overheating.
  • Question
    If I made a space in my closet for my laptop and it has a large cooling pad, will it be safe, or will it overheat?
    Community Answer
    The closet will need some airflow, too. You need at least some holes for airflow, but fans blowing inside and another blowing outside would be optimal.
  • Question
    How do I prevent my laptop from overheating with a flat steel bar?
    Community Answer
    Just attatch a steel/aluminum plate or bar somewhere on the laptop where it is getting hot to the touch -- preferably under it, while not covering any air vents, those are important.
  • Question
    How can I cool my toughbook cf-19. It has no fan or open vents underneath and it gets over 80C regularly?
    JuicyGamer Lol
    Community Answer
    Try putting it in a nice area with good ventilation, try cleaning it where possible.
  • Question
    How do I prevent a computer with no fans from overheating?
    yunus noor
    Community Answer
    If you don't have fans in your computer make sure your computer have a lot of ventilation around it to cool off. Its better if you get fans because when your computer heats up the fans will help get rid of heat in the system and will keep the computer cool.
  • Question
    If my laptop overheats, will letting it rest by itself while turned off change anything?
    Community Answer
    It will help, just keep it off fabrics as it makes the computer overheat faster. Let it cool and it will be ready to go!
  • Question
    Is putting my computer on a flat surface without any elevation okay or does it need to be elevated?
    Community Answer
    It is fine as long as you are not blocking your laptop ventilation fan (either on the sides or directly underneath your laptop). Books, grill trays, etc. help, but it's best if they aren't fabric and/or plastic. External fan should suffice, but let's say you are always on the move and pulling out your laptop and the fan is not plausible, you can always resort to buying a laptop case with stands. FYI, elevation is very good for your posture.
  • Question
    What can I do if I have cleaned my laptop fan twice and the laptop still overheats and turns off or times out automatically when I use it?
    Community Answer
    If you have tried every one of the suggestions and nothing helps, you should get it looked at by a professional. There might be problems with your computer.
  • Question
    Should I keep my laptop cooler running if my laptop isn't running?
    Community Answer
    Unless it's overheating a lot, then I'd say that you don't have to keep it running (but it would speed up the process of cooling it).
  • Question
    Where is the fan and how do I get to it?
    Community Answer
    It is commonly located directly underneath your laptop or the left hand side of your laptop. Since the components and space between components of laptops are compressed, small, and dark, you can find your fan by feeling for a small cool or warm blow of air.
  • Question
    Can I use an egg carton to elevate my laptop?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you could use an egg carton. a very big on. The egg carton will let it breathe and avoid overheating. Just be sure to angle it so it doesn't slip.
  • Question
    My laptop is overheating while I am playing a game and lagging a lot but my room temperature is cool. What do I do?
    Top Answerer
    Your laptop may need to be opened up and cleaned. Dust collecting in the fans and heatsink can lead to overheating problems.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article