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HP Notebook PCs - Reduce heat inside the laptop to prevent overheating in Windows

When temperatures inside the computer rise, the risk of damage to important internal components from overheating increases.

You can help prevent overheating by making sure there is adequate ventilation around the computer, the fan vents are cleaned regularly, the computer is in a cool environment, and the BIOS is up-to-date. For more information, go to HP Notebook PCs - Protecting and caring for your notebook.

You might experience these issues when the computer overheats:

  • After pressing the Power button, the computer freezes on a black screen and Windows does not start, or Windows starts but does not respond.

  • Basic tasks or applications take more time to complete than usual.

  • Windows does not respond, suddenly restarts, or displays an error message while in use.

  • Games stop responding during play.

  • Fans inside the computer become louder as they start spinning faster to remove excess heat.

  • The mouse and keyboard stop responding.

Clean the vents and inspect the fans

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.

Note:

It is not necessary to open the computer to clean the vents.

  1. Turn off the computer, and then disconnect the power cord.

  2. Move any objects away from the computer.

  3. Find the vents on your laptop. They are usually underneath and on the sides of the computer.

    Note:

    Some HP laptops do not have vents. If you cannot find any vents, see Increase efficiency to reduce heat.

    Identifying the vents on an HP notebook PC

  4. Use canned air to remove the dust from the vents to improve airflow.

    Cleaning bottom vent with compressed air

  5. Wait five to ten minutes to allow the computer to cool down.

  6. Reconnect the power cord, and then turn on the computer.

  7. Listen to the fans.

    • If the fans seem to be working correctly, place the laptop on a hard, level surface, such as a desk or table, and then try to increase the efficiency of your computer to reduce heat.

      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.

    • If a fan is making a loud growling noise or not moving, there is an issue with the fan. Go to HP Notebook PCs - Fan is noisy and spins constantly (Windows) for more information.

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.

Make sure that there is adequate ventilation for the computer

To decrease the likelihood of overheating problems, make sure that the fans on your computer are able to ventilate properly. Proper ventilation for the system is important for computer operation.

Follow these guidelines to ensure adequate ventilation:

  • Keep the computer upright and on a sturdy, level surface.

  • Provide at least 15.25 cm (6 in) of clearance around each vent.

  • If the computer is being used at high altitudes, above 1500 m (5000 ft), take extra care to keep the computer cool. When moving the computer to a higher altitude, the temperature inside the computer decreases by approximately 1º C ( 34º F) every 300 m (1000 ft) of altitude.

Use HP software to manage internal temperature in Windows

On select HP computers, you can use HP software, such as HP CoolSense or HP Command Center, to help manage the temperature inside the computer and prevent overheating.

Use HP CoolSense Technology to regulate internal temperature

When you enable HP CoolSense in Windows, a motion sensor inside the laptop automatically adjusts the computer performance and fan speed to keep the computer cool.

For more information, go to HP Notebook PCs - HP CoolSense Technology.

In Windows, search for HP CoolSense.

  • If HP CoolSense displays in the list, select it. Click the HP CoolSense icon in the taskbar, and then select On.

    Selecting settings for HP CoolSense Technology

  • If HP CoolSense does not display in the list, the feature is not available on your computer.

Reduce heat by changing the thermal profile in HP Command Center

On select HP notebook computers, you can use HP Command Center to manage the temperature inside your computer, along with other thermal control options.

For more information, go to HP ENVY, Spectre Notebook PCs - HP Command Center (Windows 10).

  • If HP Command Center displays in the list, select Thermal Profile, and then select the Cool mode option to turn on the feature.

    Selecting the Cool mode option in HP Command Center

  • If HP Command Center does not display in the list, the feature is not available on your computer.

If your computer does not support either feature, or if the issue persists, you might need to change the system performance settings (select products only) or update the BIOS.

Change the system performance settings to reduce heat and prevent overheating (Windows)

If your laptop is an HP Spectre 13 or HP x360, you can adjust the PC system performance to decrease power consumption, which can reduce strain on the fans and help decrease the internal temperature.

  1. In Windows, search for and open Control Panel.

  2. In the Control Panel search field, type cool control.

    • If HP Cool Control displays in the list, select HP Cool Control, and then select On from the pop-up menu. If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

      Using the HP Cool Control popup menu

    • If HP Cool Control does not display in the list, the application is not available on your laptop. Turn off the computer, and then continue with the remainder of these steps.

  3. Turn the computer on, and then repeatedly press f10 to open the BIOS.

  4. On the BIOS menu, navigate to the System Configuration tab, and then select System Power Scheme.

    System configuration tab in BIOS with System Power Scheme highlighted

  5. Select Balance, and then press f10 to save your settings and exit the BIOS.

    System configuration tab in BIOS with System Power Scheme Balance highlighted

If the issue persists, you might try updating the BIOS, testing for hardware failures, or contacting HP Customer Support.

Update the PC with HP Support Assistant

Use HP Support Assistant to find and install updates, including BIOS updates, for your computer with Windows.

  1. 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.

  2. On the My Dashboard tab, find your computer, and then click Updates.

  3. Wait while HP Support Assistant analyzes the system.

  4. After the analysis completes, select the listed updates, download and install the updates, and then follow any on-screen instructions.

  5. If prompted, restart the computer, and then close the tool.

Test for hardware failure

Overheating can be caused by different types of hardware failures.

For instructions on how to test for hardware failures to ensure that your hardware is functioning correctly, see HP PCs - Testing for hardware failures in Windows 10.

Contact HP Customer Support

Contact HP Customer Support for further assistance if the issue persists.

  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. Support options vary by country/region.

Additional support options

Try one of our automated tools or diagnostics
Ask a question on our HP Support Community page
Get in touch with one of our support agents

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