Laptops pack powerful parts into a small space, so they rely on fans and vents to stay cool. When that cooling struggles, you’ll notice it: the fan roars, the keyboard or base gets uncomfortably hot, performance drops, and in the worst cases the laptop switches itself off to protect itself. Here’s what causes it and how to fix it.
Signs your laptop is overheating
- The fan is loud even when you’re only browsing or typing.
- The base or keyboard is too hot to touch comfortably.
- The laptop slows down or stutters after a few minutes of use.
- It shuts down or restarts suddenly, especially during games or video calls.
Why laptops overheat
- Dust and fluff. Over time, dust builds up inside the fan and the heatsink, blocking the airflow. This is the most common cause we see.
- Blocked vents. Using a laptop on a bed, sofa or your lap covers the vents underneath.
- Dried-out thermal paste. The paste between the processor and the heatsink dries out with age and stops carrying heat away properly.
- A failing fan. Worn fans often grind or rattle and spin too slowly.
- Heavy workloads. Games, video editing and dozens of browser tabs push the processor hard.
- Software problems. Malware or a stuck background program can keep the processor busy even when you’re not using it.
Things you can try yourself
- Use the laptop on a hard, flat surface and keep the vents clear.
- Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and look for programs using a lot of CPU while the laptop is idle. Close or uninstall anything you don’t recognise, then run a virus scan.
- Make sure Windows, your drivers and the BIOS are up to date.
- Use a balanced power mode rather than maximum performance when you don’t need the extra speed.
- If you game or edit video, a laptop cooling pad can help.
Don’t open the case unless you’re confident, as it’s easy to break plastic clips and delicate ribbon cables inside.
Why a professional clean helps
If your laptop is more than a couple of years old and has never been cleaned inside, a proper service usually makes a big difference. A technician opens the laptop, cleans the fan and heatsink, replaces the dried thermal paste and checks the fan is working properly. Many laptops run noticeably cooler and quieter afterwards, and you avoid the long-term wear that constant heat causes to the battery and other parts.
How often should a laptop be cleaned?
For most laptops used at home or in an office, an internal clean every two to three years is enough. If you have pets, smoke indoors or use the laptop somewhere dusty, once a year is sensible. Gaming laptops, which run hot for long periods, also benefit from a yearly clean. Between services, keep the vents clear and check now and then that warm air is flowing out of the exhaust when the laptop is busy. If the fan has started to sound louder than it used to, that’s usually the first sign it’s time.
When to get help straight away
If your laptop keeps shutting down from heat, smells of burning, or the battery looks swollen, stop using it and get it checked. A swollen battery is a safety risk and needs replacing.
Our laptop repair service covers cleaning, thermal paste replacement and fan repairs, and we can tell you whether the problem is hardware or software. For gaming PCs and desktops, see our gaming PC repair page. If your laptop is also slow, read Why Is My Laptop So Slow?.
In short: keep the vents clear, check Task Manager for programs hogging the processor, and keep everything up to date. If the fan is still loud and the laptop still gets hot, a professional internal clean with fresh thermal paste is usually the fix.
Need a hand? PC Masters offers a free diagnosis over the phone, a £59 same-day call-out across Luton, Dunstable, Houghton Regis, Harpenden and Leighton Buzzard, No Fix, No Fee, and a warranty from 1 month up to 36 months. Book online or call 0800 145 5521, Monday to Saturday, 9am to 8pm.
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