5 Ways To Deal With An Overheating Laptop

Introduction

There are multiple reasons for laptop overheating, such as clogged vents, fan malfunctions, old software, and ageing hardware. It is essential to recognise the root cause of overheating and take necessary steps on time. This prevents early or permanent damage.

Causes of Overheating laptop

Here are some typical and possible laptop overheating reasons:

• Clogged Vents: When a laptop is placed on soft surfaces like pillows or mattresses, or even when placed on your lap, the air vents can get blocked, resulting in overheating. This is why it is best to use a laptop on flat and hard surfaces like desks. 

   

• Heavy Workloads: When multiple demanding applications are running, they can put a strain on your GPU and CPU, causing higher heat generation. Excessive background processes can also increase CPU usage and overheating. 

   

• Outdated Software: An outdated software manages resources inefficiently, which can then lead to increased strain and consequent overheating. Older applications may not effectively optimise hardware usage, which makes CPU and memory work harder. 

   

• Faulty Fan: For internal temperature regulation, your laptop’s fans keep cool air flowing. But when their efficiency is compromised, reduced airflow causes heat buildup. If you hear sudden sounds or clicking, it may be an indication of a broken fan. 

   

• Malware: Viruses and malware consume extra system resources. This malware running in the background puts pressure on the CPU, which can cause heat generation. 

   

5 Ways to deal with an overheating laptop

Here are some standard overheating laptop solutions that may prove to be beneficial: 

1. Clean Air Vents

When dust and debris accumulate in your laptop’s vents and fans, they restrict airflow, which then creates problems like overheating. To clean the laptop vents and fans, power it off. For external cleaning, short bursts of compressed air will help clear out vents. For internal cleaning, you can open the laptop’s bottom panel and disconnect the battery to clean it with compressed air or a soft brush. It is best to get cleaning done by a professional if you do not have the right tools. 

2. Check for Updates

Ensure that your system is updated, as outdated software and drivers can cause overheating. Obsolete drivers can create performance issues and increase heat generation. The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) controls priority operations, and updating it may help reduce heat output. 

3. Use Cooling Pad

Laptop cooling pads are designed to offer efficient airflow, consequently reducing heat buildup. This is an excellent solution for gamers and professionals who use laptops for extended durations. 

4. Limit Multitasking

When resource-heavy programs are running at once, your laptop may overheat. Close unused applications and focus on single tasks at a time to reduce CPU and GPU load. 

5. Adjust Power Settings

You can use features like power-saving mode or change performance settings to reduce the usage of the CPU, which may then help generate less heat. 

Conclusion:

When overheated laptops are left unchecked, it can lead to serious hardware issues. Overheating can be prevented by taking measures like cleaning the vents, managing system overload, regularly checking for software updates, and using a cooling pad. These measures help extend the lifespan of your device and ensure smooth performance. Despite taking measures, if your laptop is overheated and won’t turn on, it is best to seek professional help.