Laptop overheating and unexpected shutdowns can severely impact performance, productivity and hardware lifespan. Common causes include dust buildup, failing cooling systems, excessive CPU/GPU load or outdated thermal paste. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent long term damage and improve overall system stability.
1️⃣ Clean Dust from the Cooling System
Over time dust came into cooling fan, heatsink, and vents blocking airflow and causing overheating.
✅ Turn Off & Unplug
- Shut down your laptop and disconnect the charger.
- Remove the battery to prevent power flow.
✅ Open the Back Panel
- Use a small Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws on the bottom panel.
- Locate the cooling fan and heatsink.
✅ Clean the Fan & Vents
- Use compressed air or a soft brush to remove dust from the fan blades and heatsink.
- If dust is stuck inside use a cotton swab lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol.
✅ Reassemble & Test
- Screw the panel back in place.
- Turn on the laptop and check if the fan runs smoothly.
2️⃣ Replace Thermal Paste (Most Effective Fix)
Old or dried thermal paste reduces heat transfer causing the CPU/GPU to overheat.
What You Need:
- Thermal paste (Arctic MX-4, Noctua NT-H1, or Cooler Master MasterGel)
- Phillips screwdriver
- Isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) & microfiber cloth
✅ Open the Laptop & Locate the Heatsink
- Follow Step 1 to remove the back panel.
- Unscrew the heatsink covering the CPU & GPU.
✅ Remove Old Thermal Paste
- Use a microfiber cloth + isopropyl alcohol to clean the old thermal paste from the CPU & heatsink.
✅ Apply New Thermal Paste
- Put a small pea sized drop of thermal paste on the CPU.
- Reattach the heatsink and tighten the screws in a crisscross pattern.
✅ Reassemble & Test
- Reassemble your laptop and monitor temperatures using HWMonitor.
3️⃣ Check If Fan Is Working Properly
A faulty fan can cause rapid overheating.
✅ Check Fan Speed in BIOS
- Restart the laptop and press F2 at boot to enter BIOS.
- Check if the fan is detected & running.
✅ Use HWMonitor / SpeedFan
- Download HWMonitor or SpeedFan to check if your fan is spinning.
- If fan speed is 0 RPM or very low the fan may be faulty and needs replacement.
✅ Replace the Fan (If Needed)
- If the fan is noisy replace it
4️⃣ Lower CPU/GPU Usage to Reduce Heat
High CPU/GPU usage causes excessive heat, leading to shutdowns.
✅ Check CPU/GPU Usage
- Press
Ctrl + Shift + Escto open Task Manager. - Go to the Performance tab and check CPU % usage.
✅ Disable Background Apps
- Click Startup tab → Disable unnecessary programs (e.g., Skype, OneDrive, Adobe apps).
✅ Reduce Browser Load
- Avoid opening too many Chrome tabs (Chrome is CPU intensive).
- Use Microsoft Edge or Firefox for lower CPU usage.
✅ Uninstall Unnecessary Programs
- Open
Control Panel > Uninstall a programand remove unused software.
5️⃣ Change Power Settings to Reduce Heat
High power settings push your CPU to 100% increasing heat.
✅ Open Power Options
- Go to Control Panel > Power Options.
- Select Balanced mode instead of High Performance.
✅ Limit CPU Maximum Power
- Click Change plan settings > Advanced power settings.
- Find Processor power management > Maximum processor state:
- Plugged in: Change from 100% to 85%
- Battery: Change from 100% to 80%
This reduces CPU heat without noticeable performance loss.
6️⃣ Update BIOS & Enable Thermal Throttling
An outdated BIOS may not manage heat efficiently.
✅ Check Current BIOS Version
- Press
Win + Rtypemsinfo32and check BIOS Version/Date.
✅ Download Latest BIOS from Company Website
- Search on google for Laptop Website Enter Laptop Model & download the latest BIOS and install it.
✅ Enable CPU Thermal Throttling
- Enter BIOS (
F2on boot) → Power Management Settings - Look for Intel SpeedStep / CPU Throttling → Enable it.
7️⃣ Use a Cooling Pad & Improve Airflow
Cooling pads increase airflow and reduce heat buildup.
✅ Use a Cooling Pad
- Buy a laptop cooling pad and place your laptop on it while using.
✅ Raise Laptop for Better Airflow
- Place two small objects under the back corners to slightly lift the laptop.
🔎 How to Check If Overheating Is Fixed
After applying the fixes monitor CPU/GPU temperatures.
✅ Use HWMonitor to Check Temps
- Normal Idle Temp: 45-55°C
- Under Load (Gaming, Editing, Heavy Use): 70-80°C
- Above 85°C? Something is still wrong!
After this you will get results 🚀 if properly done.
🔥 Final Verdict
If your Laptop is still overheating try:
✔ Cleaning the fan & heatsink again
✔ Reapplying thermal paste (correctly)
✔ Replacing the fan if it’s not spinning properly
✔ Limiting CPU power usage in Windows settings
