How to Fix Laptop Overheating: Causes, Safe Temps, and Solutions

Overheating is one of the most common laptop problems users face today. When a laptop overheats, it can become noisy, slow down, or even shut off unexpectedly during work or gaming. Even as laptops became more powerful in 2025, the issue of laptop overheating remains highly relevant. In this guide, we'll explain why your laptop gets hot, what temperatures are considered normal, and share practical tips to reduce laptop heat and keep your device running smoothly.

Why Does a Laptop Overheat?

• Dirt and dust in the cooling system: Clogged fans and heatsinks disrupt airflow and cause heat to build up.
• Heavy usage: Gaming, 3D rendering, and video editing put extra load on your laptop.
• Old thermal paste: After 1-2 years, thermal paste loses its effectiveness, increasing heat on your CPU and GPU.
• Improper use: Using your laptop on a soft surface (like a blanket or sofa) can block ventilation.
• Charging and battery use: Laptops tend to get hotter while charging, especially under load.

Tip: If your laptop is running hot and noisy, check the cooling system as soon as possible.

What Is a Safe Operating Temperature for Laptops?

• Regular use (browsing, office apps): 40-60 °C
• Gaming and heavy tasks: 70-85 °C
• Danger zone: 90 °C and above

How to check your laptop temperature:

• Use built-in tools like Windows Task Manager or BIOS.
• Try software such as HWMonitor, AIDA64, or MSI Afterburner.

If your laptop temperature goes above the recommended range, it may throttle performance (reduce CPU/GPU speeds) or even shut down to prevent damage.

How to Reduce Laptop Heat: Effective Tips

1. Clean your laptop from dust:

   Regularly cleaning fans and heatsinks is the most effective way to lower laptop temperature.

2. Replace thermal paste:

   Thermal paste degrades after 1-2 years, causing the processor and graphics chip to overheat. Replacing it can lower temperatures by 5-15 °C.

3. Use a cooling pad:

   A cooling pad increases airflow under your laptop. While it might not solve severe overheating, it can reduce temperature by 3-7 °C.

4. Place your laptop correctly:

   Avoid using your laptop on soft surfaces like beds or couches. Always use a hard, flat surface-placing a book underneath can help improve airflow.

5. Adjust power settings:

   In Windows, switching to "Balanced" or "Power Saver" mode can reduce CPU load and heat generation.

Laptop Heating Up While Charging, Working, or Gaming - What Should You Do?

During Charging

• Always use the original charger.
• Avoid cheap adapters-they can overheat and damage your laptop.

During Everyday Tasks (Browsing, Office Apps)

• Check startup programs and background processes.
• Scan for malware or resource-heavy applications that may be causing overheating.

While Gaming

• Lower graphics settings.
• Enable FPS limits where possible.
• Monitor temperatures using MSI Afterburner.

When Idle

If your laptop is heating up even when not in use:

• Scan for viruses.
• Update your drivers.
• Reset BIOS power management settings.

What Happens If a Laptop Overheats?

• Performance drops (throttling).
• Unexpected shutdowns.
• Faster wear on components (battery, CPU, GPU).
• In rare cases, hardware failure.

Tip: Take action at the first signs of overheating to avoid serious issues.

FAQ

• Why does my laptop get hot and noisy?
  Dust buildup, heavy workloads, or dried-out thermal paste are the main culprits.
• What temperature is dangerous for a laptop?
  Anything above 90 °C.
• How do I check my laptop's temperature?
  Use BIOS, built-in utilities, or third-party apps like HWMonitor, AIDA64, or MSI Afterburner.
• Should I buy a cooling pad?
  Yes, especially if you use your laptop for demanding tasks. However, it's not a substitute for cleaning or replacing thermal paste.
• Can I clean my laptop from dust myself?
  Yes, but do it carefully. If unsure, consider a professional service.

Conclusion

Laptop overheating is not a death sentence for your device. Most issues can be fixed with simple actions:

• Regular dust cleaning
• Thermal paste replacement
• Proper device placement
• Using a cooling pad

By following these steps, you can reduce your laptop's temperature and extend its lifespan.