Tech Fix Daily

HP Laptop Overheating? How to Cool Things Down

Is your HP laptop heating up like a mini furnace? Whether it’s shutting down mid-task or just running uncomfortably hot, this guide walks you through every fix—from airflow tweaks to thermal paste tips.

🌡️ Step 1: Identify Overheating Symptoms

• Loud fan noise or constant spinning
• Laptop feels hot to the touch, especially near vents
• Sudden shutdowns or performance drops
• CPU temperatures exceeding 85–90°C during light usage

💡 Use tools like HWMonitor or Core Temp to check real-time temperatures

🧼 Step 2: Clean the Vents and Fans

• Power off and unplug the laptop
• Use compressed air to blow out dust from side and bottom vents
• If comfortable, open the back panel and clean the fan blades directly
• Avoid placing the laptop on soft surfaces like beds or cushions

🧽 Dust buildup is the #1 cause of poor airflow and overheating

⚙️ Step 3: Update BIOS and Drivers

• Visit HP Support
• Download the latest BIOS, chipset, and graphics drivers
• Install updates and restart the laptop

🔧 Outdated firmware can cause poor fan control and thermal mismanagement

🧊 Step 4: Adjust Power Settings

• Go to Control Panel → Power Options
• Select “Balanced” or “Power Saver”
• Limit maximum processor state to 80–90% under advanced settings

⚡ Reduces CPU load and heat generation during everyday tasks

🧪 Step 5: Run HP Diagnostics

• Restart and press F2 to enter HP Diagnostics
• Run System Tests → Thermal Test
• Check for fan, battery, or heat pipe issues

🧠 Helps detect hardware faults before they become serious

🧯 Step 6: Reapply Thermal Paste (Advanced)

• If the laptop is older than 3–5 years, thermal paste may have dried out
• Disassemble the laptop and clean the CPU and heatsink
• Apply fresh thermal paste and reassemble

⚠️ Only recommended if you're experienced with hardware repairs

🧰 Step 7: Use External Cooling Solutions

• Invest in a cooling pad with built-in fans
• Elevate the laptop slightly to improve airflow
• Use an external USB fan if working in hot environments

🧼 Step 8: Manage Background Apps

• Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)
• End high-CPU processes you don’t need
• Disable unnecessary startup apps