5 Simple Ways to Fix Laptop Overheating (Gaming & Work Guide)

Does your laptop feel like it’s burning up when you play games or run heavy software? Do the fans sound like a jet engine taking off?

Laptop overheating is a serious issue. Not only does it make your keyboard uncomfortable to touch, but excessive heat can also permanently damage your processor and battery, significantly reducing your laptop’s lifespan.

At BHTechHub, we want your device to run cool and smooth. Here are 5 proven methods to stop your laptop from overheating instantly.

1. Stop Blocking the Air Vents

This is the #1 mistake most laptop users make. Laptops need to “breathe.” They suck in cool air from the bottom or sides and blow out hot air from the back.

• The Problem: Placing your laptop on a bed, pillow, or blanket blocks these vents. The heat gets trapped inside, causing the temperature to skyrocket.
• The Fix: Always use your laptop on a hard, flat surface like a desk or a table. If you must use it in bed, place a book or a wooden tray underneath it.

2. Clean the Dust (The Silent Killer)

Over time, dust accumulates inside your laptop fans and heatsinks. This dust acts like a blanket, preventing the fans from cooling the processor.

How to clean it:

• Buy a can of Compressed Air (available at most tech stores).
• Turn off your laptop and spray short bursts of air into the vents. This will dislodge the dust and improve airflow instantly.

3. Check for High CPU Usage

Sometimes, the heat isn’t caused by hardware, but by a “stuck” program running in the background.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Click on the CPU column to sort by usage.
3. If you see an app using 80-90% CPU that you aren’t using, right-click it and select End Task.

4. Invest in a Laptop Cooling Pad

If you are a gamer or a video editor, your laptop’s built-in fans might not be enough. A Cooling Pad is an external stand with built-in fans that blow cool air directly into your laptop. It is a cheap investment that can lower temperatures by 5-10 degrees Celsius.

5. Change the Thermal Paste (Advanced)

If your laptop is more than 3 years old and still overheats after trying the tips above, the “Thermal Paste” inside might have dried up.

• Note: This requires opening your laptop. If you are not comfortable doing this, take it to a professional technician. Applying fresh thermal paste can make an old laptop run like brand new.

Conclusion

Heat is the enemy of electronics. By keeping your vents clean and using your laptop on a proper surface, you can protect your investment and enjoy smoother performance.

Pro Tip: If your laptop shuts down automatically, it means it has reached a dangerous temperature. Let it cool down completely before turning it on again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is 80°C safe for a laptop while gaming? A: Yes, 70°C to 85°C is considered normal for gaming laptops under load. However, if it goes above 90°C, you should be worried.

Q: Can cooling pads really help? A: Yes, specifically for laptops with intake vents at the bottom. They improve airflow significantly.