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

When a computer fan spins loudly for a long period of time, there might be an issue with a fan, or the computer might be overheating. Adjust the power settings, clean the fan vents, check for suspicious processes, and then update the BIOS to help reduce the internal temperature.

Note:

It is normal for the fans to spin loudly for five to twenty seconds when the computer initially turns on.

Reducing fan noise by changing the thermal profile in HP Command Center

On select HP notebook computers, you can use the HP Command Center app to control the thermal profile of the computer and reduce the noise generated by the cooling fan.

Note:

You might need to install the HP Command Center app from the Microsoft Store.

In Windows, search for and open HP Command Center.
On the Thermal Profile tab, select the quiet mode.

If your computer does not support either feature, or if the issue persists, you might need to clean the air vents.

Cleaning the air vents to reduce fan workload

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.

How to Clean the Air Vents in HP Notebooks

Learn how to clean the air vents in HP Notebooks.

Turn off the computer.
Remove any objects near the computer.
Use a vacuum to remove the dust from the vents underneath and on the sides of computer.
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 - Reduce heat inside the laptop to prevent overheating in Windows for more information.

If the issue persists, you might need to increase the efficiency of the computer to reduce heat.

Installing the BIOS update

Download and install a BIOS update from the HP website.

Go to the HP Software and Driver Downloads page.
Navigate to the product page for your computer.
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.
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.
Click Yes on the User Account Control screen.
On the InstallShield Wizard window, click Next.
Select I accept the terms in the license agreement, and then click Next.
On the HP BIOS Update and Recovery window, click Next.

Note:
Windows that display during the update process might vary depending on your computer.
Select Update, and then click Next to prepare the update.
Click Restart Now to install the update.
On the HP BIOS Update screen, click Apply Update Now, or wait for the update to start automatically.
Wait while the BIOS update installs. The computer displays the installation progress.
When prompted, click Continue Startup, or wait for the computer to restart automatically. It might take a few minutes for the computer to restart.
When the lock screen displays, sign in to your computer.
If Bitlocker was suspended, search Windows for bitlocker, and then click Resume Protection.
Re-enable your antivirus software.

Update the graphics driver in Windows

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

Note:

HP does not recommend installing drivers from third-party websites, as this can create additional problems. If you choose to install a non-HP driver, make sure to create a Windows System Restore before starting the update. Go to HP PCs - Using Microsoft System Restore for more information.

Updating the BIOS when Windows Does Not Start - Notebook Computers with Windows 8, 7

Learn how to update the BIOS when Windows does not start on your notebook using Windows 7 or Windows 8.

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

If the driver is current and the issue persists, use Task Manager to identify corrupt processes.

Using Task Manager to identify corrupt processes and reduce heat

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

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 that your computer is connected to the internet.
Press ctrl + alt + delete, and then select Start Task Manager or Task Manager.
Click More details, if necessary.
Click the Processes tab, and then click the CPU column header to sort the processes by CPU load.
Use the internet to research and confirm any suspicious processes that are displayed in the list.
Select each suspicious process, and then click End task.

If you did not find any suspicious processes or the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Adjusting the computer power settings in Windows 11 to reduce fan noise

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

Turn on the computer.
In Windows, search for and open Power, sleep and battery settings.
On the Power mode menu, select either Balanced or Best power efficiency.

Adjusting the computer power settings in Windows 10 to reduce fan noise

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

How to Adjust Windows Power Settings to Reduce Fan Noise

In this video, we will see how to reduce fan noise on your HP Notebook. We will do this by adjusting the Windows Power Settings. Just follow the simple steps in this video to reduce the strain on the fans.

Turn on the computer.
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.

If the issue persists, you might need to increase the efficiency to reduce heat.

Increase efficiency to reduce heat

The computer works harder and generates more heat when multiple applications are open simultaneously, or while playing graphically intense video games.

Use the following tips to improve computer efficiency.

Change which applications run when Windows starts by using the Startup tab in Task Manager.
Close applications when you are done using them.
Close the internet browser when you are not using it.
Lower the game resolution and decrease the graphics settings if the computer becomes warmer than usual while playing.

If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Run Windows Update

Update your Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer using Windows Update.

How To Update Windows 10

Learn how to update Windows 10.

In Windows, search for and open Check for updates.
If there are any available updates, they begin automatically.
Note:
To download and install optional updates, use the following instructions for your operating system:
- In Windows 11, select Advanced options > Optional updates, select the updates that you want to install, and then click Download & install.
- In Windows 10, select View all optional updates, select the updates that you want to install, and then click Download and install.
After the updates install, restart your computer when prompted.

Contact HP Customer Support

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

Go to HP Customer Support - Contact.
Enter your product serial number to view warranty status and to change your location, if necessary.
Select a support option. If you are in Asia Pacific, you will be directed to a local service center in your area.

Additional support options

Try one of our automated tools or diagnostics

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