How to Stop a Computer or Laptop From Overheating

Quick answer

Laptop overheating is usually caused by blocked vents, dust inside the fan, or an app keeping the processor busy. Put the laptop on a hard surface, keep the vents clear, close heavy apps and, with the power off and unplugged, gently clear dust from the vents. This guide is for anyone whose laptop or desktop feels hot, has a fan that runs loudly all the time, or shuts down without warning.

Before you start

Some heat is normal. Laptops get warm during video calls, games or large downloads, and the fan speeds up to cool things down. You need to act when the computer is too hot to rest on your lap, slows down badly, or turns itself off.

• Stop if the battery is swollen. A bulging case, a lifted touchpad or a laptop that won’t sit flat is a warning sign. Stop using it, unplug it and contact the manufacturer or a qualified technician.
• Stop if you smell burning or see smoke. Shut it down, unplug it and keep it away from anything flammable.
• Never block vents. Beds, pillows, blankets and laps cover the air intakes on many laptops.
• Don’t open the battery or power adapter, and don’t take the laptop apart to clean it unless the manufacturer’s manual says it is a user task.

Improve airflow and reduce the load

Start with the easy fixes. Many overheating problems go away once the computer can breathe and isn’t working flat out.

1. Move the laptop to a hard, flat surface such as a desk or table. A student working in bed is a classic example of a laptop that overheats because the blanket covers its vents.
2. Find the vents, usually on the bottom, sides or back. Keep a few inches of open space around them.
3. Keep the computer out of direct sunlight and away from heaters and closed cabinets.
4. For a desktop PC, don’t push the case tight against a wall or inside an enclosed desk compartment.
5. Close apps and browser tabs you aren’t using. A raised stand or cooling pad can also help a laptop on a desk.

Find the app causing heat on Windows 11

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. On the Processes page, select the CPU column to sort by usage.
3. If one app stays near the top for a long time and you have saved your work, select it and choose End task.
4. To stop apps from loading every time you sign in, open Settings, then Apps, then Startup, and turn off ones you don’t need.

Find the app causing heat on macOS

1. Open Activity Monitor from Applications, then Utilities.
2. Select the CPU tab and sort by % CPU.
3. If an app you recognize is using a lot of CPU for a long time, save your work in it and quit it.
4. To change apps that open at login, open System Settings, then General, then Login Items.

If your computer also feels sluggish, How to Fix a Slow Computer covers more ways to reduce background work.

Clean the vents safely

Dust builds up inside fans and vents over time, especially in homes with pets or carpets. Cleaning the outside of the vents is something most owners can do safely.

1. Save your work and shut down the computer completely. Don’t just put it to sleep.
2. Unplug the charger or power cord and disconnect accessories.
3. Let the computer cool for a few minutes.
4. Look into the vents with a flashlight to see how much dust is visible.
5. Hold a can of compressed air upright and give short bursts across the vent openings from a few inches away. Long bursts can spin the fan too fast, so keep them short.
6. Wipe the outside of the vents with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
7. Don’t use a vacuum cleaner on the vents, and don’t push objects through them.
8. Plug the computer back in, start it, and check whether the fan is quieter during normal use.

Cleaning inside the case is different for every model. Some desktop PCs are designed to be opened for cleaning, but many laptops are not, and opening them may affect the warranty. Check your manufacturer’s manual or support site first, or let a qualified technician do it.

If this does not work

Try these next, from easiest to hardest:

1. Install updates. Use Windows Update on a PC or Software Update in System Settings on a Mac. Updates sometimes fix bugs that keep the processor busy.
2. Check for manufacturer updates. Laptop makers often release firmware (built-in software for the hardware) and fan control updates through their official support site or their own preinstalled app. Get them only from there.
3. Scan for malware. On Windows, run a quick scan in the Windows Security app. Unwanted software can quietly keep the processor busy.
4. Check the power mode. On a Windows laptop, look in Settings, then System, then Power & battery. A balanced or more efficient power mode can reduce heat during light work.
5. Reduce heavy tasks. Lower game graphics settings, close extra video calls, and pause large downloads when the computer is warm.

When to get professional help

Contact the manufacturer’s support or a qualified technician if:

• The computer shuts down on its own because of heat, even on a hard surface with clean vents.
• The fan makes grinding, rattling or clicking noises, or never seems to spin.
• You smell burning, see smoke, or any part is too hot to touch comfortably.
• The battery is swollen, or the charger gets very hot.
• You see a heat warning message from your manufacturer’s app or the system.

If the laptop won’t start again after a heat shutdown, see What to Do When Your Laptop Won’t Turn On.

Inside the case, worn fans and dried-out thermal paste (the material that carries heat away from the processor) need proper tools and care. Back up your files before the computer goes in for service.

FAQ

How hot is too hot for a laptop?

If it is uncomfortable to touch, slows down a lot, or shuts itself off, it is too hot. A warm base during heavy work is normal. Most laptops slow down or shut off on their own to protect themselves before damage occurs.

Is it bad to use my laptop on the bed?

Yes, it can be. Soft surfaces often block the vents and trap heat. Use a tray, a book or a lap desk with a hard top instead.

Do cooling pads work?

They can help a little by raising the laptop and moving more air past its underside. They don’t fix dust buildup or an app overloading the processor, so tackle those first.

Why is my laptop fan so loud all the time?

The fan speeds up when the computer is working hard or the vents are clogged. Check Task Manager or Activity Monitor for busy apps, then clean the vents with the power off and unplugged.

Can overheating damage my computer?

Running very hot again and again can shorten the life of the battery and other parts. Built-in protections usually prevent sudden damage, but repeated shutdowns from heat are a sign to get it checked.