How to Fix Laptop Getting Hot and Fans Constantly Running

🔧Step-by-Step Fixes

Fix 1: Clean the Air Vents and Fans

Dust buildup is the most common cause of laptop overheating:

1. Shut down your laptop completely and unplug it
2. Locate the air vents (usually on the sides and bottom)
3. Get a can of compressed air (available at any office supply store)
4. Hold the can upright and use short bursts
5. Spray into each vent from about 6 inches away
6. You should see dust come out - keep spraying until nothing comes out
7. Important: Don't tilt the can upside down or spray liquid will come out
8. If possible, hold the fan still while spraying to prevent it from spinning too fast

Do this outside or in a garage since it creates a dust cloud. For heavy buildup, you might need to open the laptop, but that's more advanced.

Fix 2: Check for Resource-Heavy Processes

Sometimes a misbehaving program is causing unnecessary heat:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
2. Click the CPU column to sort by usage
3. Look for programs using high percentages consistently
4. Common culprits: Chrome with too many tabs, Windows Update, Windows Defender scanning, or malfunctioning apps
5. Right-click any unnecessary high-usage program and select End task
6. If a program keeps coming back with high usage, consider uninstalling it

Fix 3: Adjust Power Settings to Reduce Heat

Changing power settings can lower CPU speed and reduce heat generation:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings
2. Go to System > Power & battery
3. Set Power mode to Balanced or Best power efficiency
4. Click Additional power settings
5. Next to your current plan, click Change plan settings
6. Click Change advanced power settings
7. Expand Processor power management
8. Expand Maximum processor state
9. Set both On battery and Plugged in to 90% or 99% instead of 100%
10. Expand System cooling policy and set both to Passive
11. Click Apply and OK

This limits maximum CPU speed slightly, reducing heat without noticeable performance loss for most tasks.

Fix 4: Improve Laptop Ventilation

Better airflow means better cooling:

1. Always use your laptop on a hard, flat surface
2. Never use it on beds, blankets, or your lap for extended periods
3. Consider buying a laptop cooling pad with built-in fans (around $20-40)
4. Prop up the back of the laptop slightly using a book or laptop stand to improve airflow underneath
5. Keep at least 3-4 inches of clear space around all vents
6. Don't push the laptop against walls or into corners

Fix 5: Update Drivers and BIOS

Outdated system software can cause inefficient heat management:

1. Visit your laptop manufacturer's website (Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, etc.)
2. Find the support section and enter your model number
3. Download and install the latest chipset drivers
4. Also download the latest BIOS update (follow the manufacturer's installation instructions carefully)
5. Update your graphics drivers from Nvidia or AMD's website if you have a dedicated GPU
6. Restart after all updates

BIOS updates sometimes include improved fan control algorithms.

Fix 6: Close Unnecessary Applications

The fewer programs running, the less heat generated:

1. Close browser tabs you're not using (each tab uses resources)
2. Quit programs running in the background (check the system tray)
3. Don't run games or video editing while doing other tasks
4. Disable startup programs (see the related guide on fixing startup programs)

Fix 7: Check for Malware

Cryptominers and other malware can max out your CPU, causing heat:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings
2. Go to Privacy & Security > Windows Security
3. Click Virus & threat protection
4. Select Scan options and choose Full scan
5. Click Scan now and let it complete
6. Remove any threats found