We love our laptops. We use them day in, day out, for everything from work to entertainment. So when things go wrong, it’s real hassle.
All that impressive power your laptop uses puts it at risk from overheating, especially if it’s an older model that’s done a lot of heavy lifting over the last few years. So in this article, we'll dive into the reasons laptops overheat, the potential dangers, and most importantly, top tips on how to keep your laptop cool.
Why does a laptop overheat?
A laptop can overheat when its cooling system struggles to circulate heat around properly. When that happens, internal components can reach temperatures beyond their effective operating range.
This can happen for a number of reasons. The most common culprits are inadequate airflow inside it, exposure to high temperatures, dust accumulating around internal components, and bad old hardware malfunctions like dodgy fans or dried-out thermal paste.
Tech tip: How to apply thermal paste to your CPU, and keep your computer running.
Dangers of your laptop overheating
A laptop running too hot can cause permanent damage to sensitive components, system instability, data corruption, and even complete hardware failure. Yikes.
Even if things don’t get that bad, high temperatures can significantly reduce the lifespan of your laptop. Follow our tips below to avoid all that, and keep your laptop in top condition for longer.
How to know if your laptop is overheating
There are some obvious signs that tell you if your laptop’s overheating. An obvious one is if it feels unusually hot to the touch. Also, if your laptop fan running at maximum speed, if you hear loud and persistent whirring noises, or if you experience sudden slowdowns or unexpected shutdowns. All of these are clear indications that heat-related problems might be at play.
How to monitor laptop temperature
To prevent any laptop overheating issues, it's wise to keep an eye on your temperature. And the cool news is, there are temperature monitoring programs to help you do just that.
Tools like Real Temp, GPU-Z, Speccy, HWMonitor, and Core Temp all provide real-time temperature readings for various components of your laptop. Check them out, and choose the one that suits you best. You’ll then have exactly what you need to stay ahead of overheating issues.
Keep your laptop cooler with our easy-to-follow tips
Here are six top tips that’ll help keep your laptop cool, and reduce the risk of it overheating.
Use a laptop cooling pad
Investing in a laptop cooling pad can provide a simple yet effective solution. These pads are designed to elevate your laptop slightly, allowing for improved airflow underneath the device. Many cooling pads come equipped with additional fans that help dissipate heat even more efficiently. Just slide your laptop onto the pad, plug in any necessary cables, and enjoy the benefits of reduced temperatures.
Use your laptop on flat surfaces
Avoid using your laptop on soft surfaces like your bed or your lap, as it can obstruct the air vents and cause heat to accumulate. You should try and work on a hard, flat surface instead – then your laptop's cooling system can function effectively.
Clean laptop air vents to remove dust
Specks of dust and debris can clog your laptop's air vents and fans, preventing them from cooling down internal components properly. So, please clean your vents regularly! A can of compressed air with a nozzle attachment is your best bet for removing dust and rogue croissant crumbs. Just make sure you power off your laptop before you start.
Keep your laptop out of the heat
Time for an obvious one, but it’s still worth mentioning. Avoid using your laptop in hot places, such as outside in direct sunlight. Ideally, you should be in a cool room with a temperature below 77°F.
Make sure you're using an original charger
We recommend you use a genuine or certified charger, because it means your laptop receives the right amount of power without overworking any of its components. If you use a third-party charger that hasn’t been approved by your laptop’s brand, this can sometimes lead to increased heat generation and potential hardware issues. So, stick with the charger that came with your laptop or buy an official replacement.
Avoid using unnecessary apps and processes
Running lots of major applications and processes at the same time can put strain on your laptop's resources. And this can lead to overheating. To avoid this, close down anything you're not actively using.
Tech tip: you can also adjust your laptop's power settings to prioritise energy efficiency and lower heat output.
Need more help?
The latest Windows laptops and MacBooks are designed to prevent overheating.
If you’re thinking in investing in a new laptop, check out our laptop buying guide and handy article called what laptop should I buy? If you’d like to talk to an expert, pop in-store and chat to one of our colleagues. When you’ve made your choice, we’ve got some great advice on getting started with your new laptop or desktop.
