Computers · Repair guide

How to fix a computer that is overheating

8 fixes, easiest first4 min readUpdated November 2026

Quick fix

Put the PC on a hard, flat surface with space around its vents, then open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc and close any app using a lot of CPU. If it still runs hot, power it off, unplug it and blow dust out of the vents with compressed air.

What it means

A PC overheats when it makes more heat than its fans and vents can remove. Blocked or dusty vents, soft surfaces under a laptop, and apps working the processor hard are the usual causes. When it gets too hot, the PC slows itself down and may shut off without warning to protect its parts.

Common causes

  • Blocked vents, for example a laptop on a bed, sofa or lap
  • Dust built up in the vents and fans
  • Apps or background tasks keeping the processor busy
  • Too many apps starting with Windows
  • A hot room or direct sunlight
  • Out-of-date drivers or power and thermal settings
  • A failing fan

How to fix it

Work down the list. Each fix is safe to try before moving on to the next.

01Give the vents room to breatheEasy

  1. Use a laptop on a hard, flat surface such as a desk, not a bed, pillow, blanket or your lap.
  2. Keep a desktop upright with space at the front, back and sides so air can flow in and out.
  3. Move the PC out of direct sunlight and away from heaters.
  4. A laptop cooling pad with its own fans can help if you often use it in warm places.

Why it helps: Fabric and tight spaces block the air the fans need, which makes heat build up fast.

02Find and close apps working the processor hardEasy

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. On the Processes page, select the CPU column heading to sort by the highest use.
  3. If an app you are not using sits near the top, save your work in it, select it and choose End task.
  4. Do not end tasks you do not recognize as Windows parts or security software; search the name first if unsure.

Why it helps: An app stuck at high CPU use makes the processor run hot and the fans spin loudly.

03Stop extra apps from starting with WindowsEasy

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > Startup.
  2. Turn off apps you do not need running all the time, such as chat, game launchers or updaters.
  3. Leave your antivirus or security app turned on.
  4. You can also do this in Task Manager on the Startup apps page. Restart the PC afterwards.

Why it helps: Fewer background apps means less work for the processor and less heat when you turn the PC on.

04Choose a cooler power modeEasy

  1. Go to Settings > System > Power & battery.
  2. Under Power mode, choose Balanced or Best power efficiency instead of Best performance.
  3. If you cannot change it, open Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options and select Balanced.

Why it helps: A lower power mode lets the processor run cooler during everyday use.

05Clean dust out of the ventsMedium

  1. Warning: only clean with the PC shut down and the power cable unplugged. Never block the vents or run the PC with a fan removed or stopped.
  2. Save your work, shut down the PC and unplug it from the wall. Unplug a laptop's charger too.
  3. Take the PC somewhere you do not mind dust, such as outdoors or near an open window.
  4. Blow short bursts of compressed air into the vents.
  5. Do not use a vacuum cleaner; it can build up static that damages parts.
  6. Do not open a laptop or the power supply. If a desktop is very dusty inside, ask a repair shop to clean it.

Why it helps: Dust clogs vents and fans over time, so the same work produces much more heat.

06Update Windows, drivers and your maker's thermal settingsMedium

  1. Go to Settings > Windows Update, select Check for updates and install everything offered, including optional driver updates.
  2. Open your PC maker's support app or website and install its recommended updates for your model.
  3. If you have a Dell, open Dell Optimizer or MyDell and check the thermal setting; Dell says Dell Power Manager features have moved to these apps.
  4. If the heat started right after an update, check your PC maker's site for a newer driver or fix before changing anything else.

Why it helps: PC makers release driver and power-management updates that change how the fans and processor handle heat.

07Run your PC maker's fan and hardware testMedium

  1. If you have a Dell: restart and press F12 repeatedly at the Dell logo, choose Diagnostics, then Advanced test. Clear Select all, select the fan tests, check Thorough mode and run them. Write down any error and validation codes. Loud fans during the test are normal.
  2. If you have an HP: turn the PC off, turn it on and press Esc about once a second until a menu appears, then press F2 to open HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI. Select System Tests, then Fast Test, and write down any 24-digit failure ID.
  3. If you have a Lenovo: in Windows, open Lenovo Vantage and run Hardware scan. On a ThinkPad you can also press F10 right after turning it on to open the UEFI Diagnostics tool.
  4. For other brands, check your PC maker's support site for its built-in hardware test.

Why it helps: These tests show whether a fan or sensor has failed, which no setting can fix.

08Scan for malwareMedium

  1. Select Start, type Windows Security and open it.
  2. Go to Virus & threat protection and, under Current threats, start a quick scan.
  3. If anything is found, follow the steps to remove it, then restart.
  4. If the PC is still busy and hot with nothing open, open Scan options, choose Full scan, and start the scan. It can take an hour or more.

Why it helps: Hidden malware such as crypto miners can keep the processor at full load and make the PC run hot.

Check it's fixed

  • The fans quiet down when you are not running heavy apps.
  • The PC no longer shuts off by itself during normal use.
  • Task Manager shows low CPU use when the PC is idle.

When to get help

Stop using the PC, unplug it and contact the maker or a repair shop if the case or keyboard is swelling or lifting, you smell burning, or it is too hot to touch after shutdown. Also get help if a fan test fails or it keeps shutting down after cleaning the vents.

Questions

Why does my computer shut down when it gets hot?

PCs turn off automatically when parts reach an unsafe temperature, to protect them from damage. Clear the vents and reduce heavy apps; if it keeps happening, have the fans checked.

Is it normal for my laptop fan to be loud?

Fans get louder during heavy work such as games, video calls or updates. Loud fans when the laptop is idle usually point to blocked vents, dust or a busy background app.

Why did my computer start overheating after an update?

Right after an update Windows often finishes setup and scanning in the background, which can make the PC warm for a while. If it stays hot for days, check Task Manager and install your maker's latest drivers.

Can overheating damage my computer?

Regular overheating can shorten the life of parts and cause freezes, crashes and sudden shutdowns. Fixing airflow early helps protect the hardware.

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