According to HP <\/a>, 70\u00b0C to 80\u00b0C is perfectly normal under heavy load, and 80\u00b0C to 90\u00b0C is concerning if the computer is not overclocked.<\/p>\n Anything above the 90\u00b0C mark is considered dangerous.<\/p>\n However, spikes above 94\u00b0C during intense gaming are to be expected but not recommended to be sustained for too long. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n The major reasons for overheating <\/a> are long hours of demanding tasks, too many active background applications, and damaged cooling units. Malware applications, outdated software, and defective hardware can also cause your computer to produce excessive heat.<\/p>\n Overheating manifests in different ways. The following should alert you about your computer\u2019s thermal management:<\/p>\n I\u2019ll be covering the steps you can take to cool down your laptop when it starts overheating. You can start with the first solution and work your way down, as the simplest processes come first.<\/p>\n Your laptop may be getting too hot because its fans cannot adequately remove hot air. This issue usually occurs because you place it on uneven surfaces, such as a pillow, bed, or cushioned area. You can resolve the problem by placing the system on a flat surface like a table.<\/p>\n Your CPU gets to work more when there are lots of background processes eating up your computer\u2019s resources. This is especially the case if you\u2019re running demanding applications like games on the surface and have other programs running in the background. Killing off these applications and services can cool things off a bit and give your PC the much-needed breather.<\/p>\n You can shut down background applications <\/a> by opening the Task Manager and ending processes that may be spiking CPU, memory, or disk usage. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n You can also go to the Settings application, select Apps<\/i>, and open the Startup <\/i> page to disable startup programs.<\/p>\n Some of the tasks you run make your laptop punch above its weight and produce more heat, especially when it doesn\u2019t quite meet the recommended requirements. These tasks include running 3D modeling applications, opening more browsing tabs than your computer can handle, and playing demanding games<\/a>.<\/p>\n Finishing up these tasks and closing the related applications will see your laptop cool down almost immediately. If the heat persists after closing the app\u2019s window, some instances of the program may still be running.<\/p>\n Follow these steps to check and close them:<\/p>\n Sometimes, restarting your PC <\/a> is the best thing you can do to shut down apps running in the background. It gives your computer a refresh and releases items held in the system memory.<\/p>\n You can also shut down your laptop for a while to allow it to cool off before you resume what you were doing, especially if you\u2019ve been at it for hours.<\/p>\n Your power or performance settings generally determine how hot your computer will run. Higher performance settings somewhat release the safety wheels and allow your CPU and GPU to produce more heat since they require more power to be faster.<\/p>\n That is, reverting to more balanced or lower settings is one of the quickest ways to cool down your laptop. The process is simple; you can go to Settings > Power & battery <\/i> and select Best power efficiency <\/i> or Balanced <\/i> next to Power mode<\/i>.<\/p>\n Additionally, you can take advantage of your OEM\u2019s (original equipment manufacturer) built-in application to reduce your system\u2019s performance mode. For example, Lenovo\u2019s Vantage software program <\/a> allows you to switch between preset thermal modes such as Performance <\/i>, Balance <\/i>, and Quiet <\/i>.<\/p>\n Overclocking <\/a><\/p>\n is one of the major triggers for overheating, especially in laptops. OEMs limit the clock speeds of most laptop CPUs and GPUs because they lack the cooling technology to manage the resulting heat.<\/p>\n That is why it is ideal to consider the maximum speeds and wattage of the laptops you intend to buy. While overclocking is mainly a desktop activity, people find ways to boost RAM, GPU, and CPU speeds on laptops. If you have applied any overclocking, reverse your settings to reduce your computer\u2019s temperature.<\/p>\n If you overclocked through the BIOS and don\u2019t know how to reverse it, restore your BIOS <\/a> to the default settings, and everything should be fine.<\/p>\n Underclocking involves reducing your CPU or GPU\u2019s current speed to cool down your computer\u2019s temperature. This tweak has immediate results, as you\u2019ll notice your computer\u2019s temperature drop in real time.<\/p>\n However, undervolting focuses on reducing how much power is fed to the CPU, which also reduces its clock speeds.<\/p>\n By reducing clock speeds with underclocking, you also reduce the CPU\u2019s power demands, hence why they are used synonymously. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n There are different ways to underclock your CPU, from easy methods to advanced procedures. We\u2019ll start with the easy one.<\/p>\n Using advanced power options<\/b><\/p>\n I alluded to this process earlier while talking about changing power options. However, I\u2019ll show you how to use advanced power options to specifically reduce your CPU clock speed.<\/p>\n It\u2019s best if you create a new custom plan. Follow these steps:<\/p>\n These steps will show you how to keep your laptop cool by applying those CPU changes:<\/p>\n Using dedicated software<\/b><\/p>\n As I mentioned, most laptops, especially gaming setups, have built-in applications with manual CPU and GPU clock-setting controls. Take the MSI Dragon Center <\/a>, for example. It allows users to reduce CPU and GPU clock speeds when they select lower-use scenarios like Balanced <\/i>, Silent <\/i>, or Super Battery <\/i>. Users can also create custom scenarios and manually clock down CPU speeds.<\/p>\n If your computer does not have such an application, you can use other third-party tools like Intel XTU <\/a> (if your processor supports it) and ThrottleStop<\/a>. These programs have different settings and interfaces. So it\u2019s critical that you learn how to use them right.<\/p>\n You may also need applications that monitor your CPU and GPU temperatures <\/a> to measure your settings.<\/p>\n Using the Registry Editor<\/b><\/p>\n You can tweak your CPU\u2019s clock speeds using registry settings<\/a>. This method is quite advanced and risky, so you\u2019re advised to seek help if you\u2019re not very familiar with the Registry Editor.<\/p>\n This solution is quite different from others, as it may involve opening your computer. Sometimes, dust buildup could prevent your computer\u2019s cooling fans from passing out hot air or taking in cool air. This issue always results in overheating and can cause further damage. So do not hesitate to clean your laptop <\/a> once in a while.<\/p>\n You can start by using compressed air to get rid of the dust without opening your system.<\/p>\n However, if that process fails to get rid of the problem, you may have to disassemble your laptop. In some cases, it\u2019s not just dust. Other components may be obstructing your fans.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve once had to open up my laptop because a serial number sticker somehow got into my air vents and stopped one of my fans from rotating. If you cannot open your laptop, consider getting help from an expert.<\/p>\n You can hardly avoid a hot laptop if you intend to run demanding tasks like games, 3D modeling, and simulation for long periods.<\/p>\n You can try to avoid hazardous temperature levels by taking measures that will improve your cooling system and reduce the burden on your internal components. These measures include using fan control software<\/a>, managing gaming FPS, reducing background applications, and using cooling pads, among others.<\/p>\nSigns of an Overheating Laptop<\/h2>\n
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How to Cool Down Your Laptop<\/h2>\n
First step: Place your laptop on a flat surface<\/h3>\n
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Second step: Close background apps<\/h3>\n
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Third step: Finish and close intensive tasks<\/h3>\n
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Ctrl + Shift + Esc<\/code>).<\/li>\n\r\n \t
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Fourth step: Restart your computer<\/h3>\n
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Fifth step: Change power settings<\/h3>\n
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Sixth step: Undo overclocking<\/h3>\n
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Seventh step: Underclock your computer<\/h3>\n
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Eighth step: Clear your laptop\u2019s vents and fans to improve airflow<\/h3>\n
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How to Keep Your Laptop Cool During Intensive Tasks<\/h2>\n
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