How to Fix an Overheating CPU: 11 Troubleshooting Tips to Try

Learn how to fix an overheating PC with these quick and easy methods

Co-authored by Hannah Dillon Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: July 1, 2024 Fact Checked

Are you getting a "CPU over temperature" error when you use your PC? This error occurs when the central processing unit (CPU) of your computer gets too hot and needs to shut down so it doesn't sustain damage. While this can be a scary and frustrating issue to have, we've gathered the best troubleshooting tips to fix this problem so you can get back to using your computer like normal. Keep reading to learn more.

How to Fix an Overheating CPU

Make sure the inside of your PC is clean, as a dusty PC will overheat more easily. If you notice any airflow problems, fix those as well. You should also make sure you put the right amount of thermal paste between the CPU and heatsink. Lastly, try a malware scan to rule out any viruses causing the overheating.

1

Shut Your PC Down to Cool Off

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If you get a CPU temperature error, try shutting down your PC and letting it cool off. This can help fix the issue, but if there's an underlying issue causing your PC to routinely overheat, you'll need to address that to avoid overheating your CPU again.

2

Position Your PC Properly

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Make sure your PC is placed in an optimal spot. If your PC isn't in a good spot in your room or office, it could potentially overheat. Check the following list below for some tips:
- Don't place your PC in direct sunlight. Keep it in a cool, shaded spot (such as below your desk). If you must keep your PC in a bright spot, use curtains to block out as much sunlight as possible.
- Keep your PC on a flat surface. Don't put your PC directly on carpet, as carpet fibers can block airflow at the bottom of the case. If the only spot you can put your case is on carpet, consider buying a PC tower riser stand to put your tower on.
- Make sure there's enough airflow around your case. Don't stack things on top of your computer, as this can block fans at the top of your case. If your PC tower is enclosed (like in a desk cabinet) make sure there's ample space around the case to allow heat to dissipate, and make sure the back of the cabinet is open to allow for proper airflow.

3

Optimize Your PC's Performance

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Keep your PC clean and up-to-date to not strain the CPU. If your CPU has to work harder to run your computer, it can potentially overheat faster. Try these tips to keep your PC clean and optimized:
- Update your software and operating system regularly. Running software that's one version behind won't hurt the performance of your computer too much, but the longer you wait, the higher the chances that your PC's performance will suffer and strain your CPU.
- Only run demanding software when necessary. This depends on how powerful your CPU is, but in general don't run a lot of intensive programs at the same time. These programs can include graphics or video software (like Photoshop or Premiere), modeling software (such as Maya or 3ds Max), or certain video games (such as Civilization V or Minecraft).
- Close unresponsive programs. If a program is unresponsive, your computer will try to get it to respond. This might eat up more resources than necessary, and it's usually better to just close out of the program and restart it if you are still using it.
- Close browser tabs and programs you're not using. Keep your computer uncluttered by closing out of programs you're not using at the moment—make sure the program is completely closed by opening Task Manager and ending the process, if it's still running in the background. Also close browser tabs you're not using anymore, and consider bookmarking webpages you want to come back to but aren't using at the moment.