Why is my laptop overheating?

Start with the simple causes

A laptop that runs warm is often just doing its job. When the processor is working on intensive tasks, the fans run faster to provide additional airflow, and the rushing-air sound is a normal part of the cooling process.^[1] If the ambient temperature is high, the fans turn on sooner and run faster.^[1] Video calls, games, a big file transfer or a search indexing pass after you set up a new machine can all do it.

Surface and room are the next things to check, and they are free. If you use your device on a soft surface like a couch, pillow, bed, or your lap, its fans might run more.^[1] Apple adds: Don’t use your Mac laptop in your bed, on a pillow, or under bedding.^[2] Don’t put anything over the keyboard.^[2] Apple's range for a Mac laptop is to use it where the ambient temperature is between 50° and 95° F (10° and 35° C).^[2] Don’t leave your Mac laptop in your car, because temperatures in parked cars can exceed this range.^[2] The advice is written for Macs, but the physics is the same for any laptop with vents.

Find what is loading the processor

If the laptop is hot while you are barely using it, something is working in the background. Apple's advice is to use Activity Monitor to check CPU activity.^[2] On Windows the equivalent is Task Manager. Look for malfunctioning processes that can put a significant load on the CPU and check for unexpected fan use.^[2] A browser tab stuck on a script, a sync or backup that never finishes, or a crashed app that keeps retrying are common culprits. Closing the program often settles the fans within a minute or two.

If that does not do it, Apple's next suggestions are to close and open the lid on your laptop, or restart your computer.^[2] On an Intel-based Mac, Apple's fan guidance also lists resetting the System Management Controller (SMC).^[1] Also make sure that you’ve installed all Mac software updates,^[2] and charge with the adapter made for the laptop: Apple's wording is Use only Apple-authorized power adapters.^[2]

Dust and blocked vents

Over a few years, dust and pet hair collect in the vents and on the heat sink behind them. The fan then works harder and louder and the laptop still runs hot. Apple's own note on vents is that if your Mac laptop has ventilation openings, don't put anything into them.^[2] So from the outside only: shut the laptop down, unplug it, and use short bursts of compressed air at the vents, holding the fan still so it does not overspin.

Opening the case is a different job. The fan, the copper heat pipe and the processor's thermal paste sit under the keyboard or bottom panel, and the battery is in there too. A shop can clean the fan, replace it, or reapply thermal paste on a laptop that has aged. That is the fix to expect when the laptop is clean on the outside, updated, and still hot.

What not to trust

Temperature apps can read alarmingly high without there being a fault. Apple points out that they don't measure the external case temperature,^[2] and says: Never use third-party apps to diagnose possible hardware issues.^[2]

Stop and call a pro if

• The fans run fast even when the laptop is idle and properly ventilated. Apple's wording for this case is: If the fans in your device run fast even when it isn't experiencing heavy usage and is properly ventilated.^[1] After the restart and update steps above, that points to a fan, sensor or thermal-paste fault, and Apple's advice for ongoing temperature issues is: If you have issues with your Mac laptop’s operating temperature, contact Apple. Or visit an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider.^[2]
• The laptop shuts itself off to cool down. A repeated shutdown means the protection is kicking in and a technician should check the cooling assembly.
• The case bulges, the trackpad lifts or the lid will not close flat. The U.S. Fire Administration's advice: Stop using lithium-ion batteries if you notice an odor, change in color, too much heat, change in shape, leaking or odd noises.^[3] Unplug the laptop, leave it on a hard non-flammable surface away from anything that can burn, and take it in. Apple says the batteries should be serviced by Apple or an authorized service provider.^[4]
• There is a burning smell, a hissing sound or smoke. Unplug it if you can do so safely, get away from it and call 911 if there is fire or smoke.
• You would have to open the case. Do not pry at the bottom panel or the battery yourself.

Getting help in Virginia

For what a fan, battery or board repair tends to cost, read how much laptop repair costs in Virginia, and if the machine is several years old, whether an old laptop is worth repairing. Browse more electronics repair answers or find electronics repair businesses near you. Back up your files before handing a hot laptop to anyone.

When you are ready, describe the problem once and local repair businesses quote it.