Laptop Overheating
The laptop feels hot to touch, the fan runs constantly or loudly, and it may slow down, freeze, or shut off unexpectedly — particularly under any sustained use.
Quick answer: Laptop overheating is most often dust buildup restricting airflow, or use on a soft surface that blocks the underside vents. Use it on a hard, flat surface and check the vents aren't blocked; if it still shuts down under normal use, it needs an internal clean-out.
Likely causes
- Dust buildup inside the vents and on the internal cooling fan, restricting airflow
- Dried-out thermal paste on an older laptop, which reduces how well heat transfers away from the processor
- Using the laptop on a soft surface like a bed or couch, which blocks the underside vents
- A fan that's failing or not spinning at full speed
What you can safely check yourself
- Use the laptop on a hard, flat surface rather than on soft furnishings, and check the vents aren't blocked
- Listen to whether the fan is running constantly at high speed, barely running at all, or making unusual noise — each points to a different likely cause
- If you're comfortable doing so, compressed air through the vents can clear some surface dust, though it won't reach an internal buildup
When it needs a proper look
If the laptop shuts down unexpectedly under normal use, or stays hot even when idle, that's worth having looked at — overheating that's left unaddressed can shorten the life of other components, including the battery and drive.