Note when it gets hot
Write down what you were doing when it got hot, and any warning or shutdown.
Step 1 of 8
In this guide
Let it cool down
Let it cool down
Note when the heat happens: while charging, with one app, or even when idle. Note loud fans, freezes, unexpected shutdowns or warnings.
If it is very hot or keeps shutting down, save your work, shut it down and unplug the charger or power. Move it away from heat and let it cool before you turn it on again.
If the computer runs cooler and the fan has settled, you can stop here.
Check the temperatures with HWiNFO
Check the temperatures with HWiNFO
Download HWiNFO from the official website (hwinfo.com), install it and open it. When it asks, tick Sensors-only and select Start.
In the sensor list, find your processor (for example Intel Core or AMD Ryzen) and look at CPU Package. The Current column is the temperature now, and Maximum is the highest since HWiNFO opened.
Leave it open while you use the computer normally, then compare with these safe ranges:
- Idle: under 40 to 50°C.
- Busy or gaming: under 80 to 85°C is generally safe for most processors.
- Too hot: going above 90°C again and again can slow the computer down or make it crash.
Also keep an eye on the fan speeds, shown in RPM. If a fan shows 0 RPM while the computer is busy and hot, the fan may have stopped working.
Some graphics cards and power supplies keep their fans off (0 RPM) on purpose until they warm up, usually to about 60°C. A fan showing 0 RPM while that part is cool is normal.
Keep HWiNFO open while you work through the next steps, so you can see whether the temperature drops.
If the temperatures are normal, the heat is not a problem and you can stop here.
Give the vents room to breathe
Give the vents room to breathe
Put a laptop on a firm, flat table, not a bed, cushion or carpet, and keep the vents clear.
For a desktop, leave space around the front, sides and back; do not push it against a wall or into a tight cabinet. Keep either one out of direct sun and away from heaters.
If the computer runs cooler and the fan has settled, you can stop here.
Clean dust from the vents
Clean dust from the vents
Turn the computer off, unplug the charger or power cable and let it cool down again before you start. Check the vents underneath and around the sides, front and back for dust or lint.
Use a can of compressed air to blow dust out of the vents. Plug it back in, turn it on and check whether the fan is quieter.
Don't open the computer if you are not confident. If it needs internal cleaning, contact us.
If the computer runs cooler and the fan has settled, you can stop here.
Close apps that are working the computer hard
Close apps that are working the computer hard
Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), select Processes and then the CPU column to see which apps are busiest.
Save your work and close any busy app you do not need, plus extra browser tabs. If an app is not responding, right-click it and choose End task. Leave Windows processes and anything you do not recognise alone.
If the computer gets hot when playing videos, check your browser's graphics acceleration is on, so the graphics card does the work instead of the processor. Edge: Settings > System and performance. Chrome: Settings > System. Turn on Use graphics acceleration when available and restart the browser.
For memory, disk and startup apps, see our slow computer guide. Do not disable or delete your security software.
If the computer runs cooler and the fan has settled, you can stop here.
Check the power mode
Check the power mode
Open Start → Settings → System → Power & battery. Under Power mode, choose Balanced. Use the computer normally and compare heat and fan activity.
Best performance is available when maximum performance is needed, but can increase power use, heat and fan activity.
If the computer runs cooler and the fan has settled, you can stop here.
Check updates, unwanted software and storage
Check updates, unwanted software and storage
- Windows and driver updates: see our software and drivers guide.
- A malware scan: see our malware guide. Avoid "PC cooling" or temperature-fixer programs.
- A nearly full drive: see our disk space guide.
If the computer runs cooler and the fan has settled, you can stop here.
Check the fan and cooler
Check the fan and cooler
With the computer on, listen to the fan and feel for warm air coming out of the vents. The fan should speed up as it warms.
In HWiNFO, a fan showing 0 RPM while the computer is hot has likely stopped.
If the fan does not run, or makes grinding, clicking or rattling noises, shut the computer down and stop using it, and book IT support below.
Liquid-cooled desktops: if the processor gets very hot within seconds of turning on, even though the fans are spinning, the cooler's pump may have failed. Shut it down and book IT support below.
If the computer is still running hot after these checks, do not open it if you are not confident; book IT support below.
If it runs cooler and the fan has settled, you are done.
Book IT supportFrequently asked questions
Should I put a hot laptop in the fridge?
No. Condensation can damage it. Shut it down and let it cool somewhere away from heat.
Can a soft surface affect cooling?
Yes. Beds, cushions and carpet block the vents. Use a firm, flat surface.
Should I open the computer to clean it?
Only if you are confident. Otherwise clean the outside vents only, and contact us if it needs cleaning or repair inside.
Can higher performance mode make the computer warmer?
Yes. Best performance mode uses more power and makes more heat. Balanced is fine for everyday use.
What should I do about battery swelling?
Stop using the computer, do not press on the swollen area and do not remove the battery yourself. If it is under warranty, contact the manufacturer; otherwise contact us.
