HP Notebook PCs - Fan is noisy and spins constantly (Windows)

Dust and debris can accumulate in and around the air vents over time, obstructing the airflow and causing the fans to work harder than normal to remove the heat.

1. Turn off the computer.

2. Remove any objects near the computer.

3. Use a vacuum to remove the dust from the vents underneath and on the sides of computer.

   

4. Turn the computer on, and then place it on a hard, level surface, such as a desk or table.

   CAUTION:

   Placing the computer on a cloth surface, such as your lap, a bed, or a couch cushion, can restrict or completely block the airflow. Prolonged air restriction causes overheating and potential damage. Go to HP Notebook PCs - Reducing Heat Inside the Laptop to Prevent Overheating for more information.

Download and install a BIOS update from the HP website.

1. Go to the HP Software and Driver Downloads page.

2. Navigate to the product page for your computer.

3. Select BIOS from the list that displays, and then review any available BIOS updates.

   CAUTION:

   Read the Details section to confirm that the BIOS update is more recent then the one installed and that it applies to your computer. Installing the wrong BIOS could cause your computer to stop working.

   • If you do not see a BIOS update listed for your computer, no update is currently available.

   • If there are multiple BIOS updates available, identify the motherboard installed on your computer using the information from the System Information utility.

   • If you find a BIOS update, click Download. If HP Download and Install Assistant displays, select Download only, and then click Next. Click Save to save the BIOS update file on your computer.

4. Browse to the folder or desktop where you saved the downloaded BIOS update file, and then double-click the file name (example: sp12345) to start the installation.

   The computer might beep, turn off and on the display or cooling fans, or display a blinking power light. This is normal.

   CAUTION:

   Do not turn off or restart the computer until the update process completes.

   

5. Click Yes on the User Account Control screen.

   

6. On the InstallShield Wizard window, click Next.

   

7. Select I accept the terms in the license agreement, and then click Next.

   

8. On the HP BIOS Update and Recovery window, click Next.

   Note:

   Windows that display during the update process might vary depending on your computer.

   

9. Select Update, and then click Next to prepare the update.

   

10. Click Restart Now to install the update.

    

11. On the HP BIOS Update screen, click Apply Update Now, or wait for the update to start automatically.

    

12. Wait while the BIOS update installs. The computer displays the installation progress.

    

13. When prompted, click Continue Startup, or wait for the computer to restart automatically. It might take a few minutes for the computer to restart.

    

14. When the lock screen displays, sign in to your computer.

    

15. If Bitlocker was suspended, search Windows for bitlocker, and then click Resume Protection.

16. Re-enable your antivirus software.

The graphics driver might be out-of-date. Use Windows Update to find and install updates for your computer.

1. Make sure that your computer is connected to the internet.

2. Use either the HP Support Assistant or the HP Support website to find the latest graphic driver for your computer.

   • In Windows, search for and open HP Support Assistant, or click the app icon in the taskbar. If the app is not installed on your computer, download the latest version from the HP Support Assistant website.

   • Go to the HP Customer Support - Software and Driver Downloads page on the HP website.

When the CPU is overburdened by multiple processes, such corrupt software or malware, the fans run continuously to remove the excess heat. Open Windows Task Manager to identify these processes, and then close them.

1. Note:

   An unnecessary or corrupt process can consume anywhere between 1% to 100% of the CPU. Even a low but constant 3% to 4% load can cause the fans to spin faster.

   Make sure your computer is connected to the internet.

2. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and then select Start Task Manager or Task Manager.

   

3. Click More details, if necessary.

   

4. Click the Processes tab, and then click the CPU column header to sort the processes by CPU load.

   

5. Use the internet to research and confirm any suspicious processes that display in the list.

6. Select the suspicious process, and then click End task.

Adjust the power settings to decrease power consumption, which can help the fans maintain an optimal internal temperature up to 30° C (86° F).

1. Turn on the computer.

2. In Windows, click the battery icon on the taskbar, and then click and drag the slider to the appropriate selection between the Best battery life setting and the Best performance setting.

   

Update your Windows 10 computer using Windows Update.

1. In Windows, search for and open Check for updates.

   If there are any available updates, they begin automatically.

2. After the updates install, restart your computer when prompted.

If the previous steps did not resolve your issue, contact HP Customer Support for further assistance.

1. Go to HP Customer Support - Contact.

2. Enter your product serial number to view warranty status and to change your location, if necessary.

3. Select a support option. If you are in Asia Pacific, you will be directed to a local service center in your area.