Laptop overheating can destroy your machine. Most often, overheating will be caused by the processor, or the failing of your computer’s ventilation system. Recognizing signs of overheating early is important, as is caring for your machine to ensure it has a long, healthy, and operating life.

The first sign of laptop overheating is simply and plainly, heat. It is common for a laptop to be warm to the touch, but when warm becomes too hot to touch it is time for concern. As soon as possible shut down the machine to stop the heat from building and potentially causing hardware damage, then check to see if there is a hot spot in particular. Nine times out of ten, it will be hotter around the processor. In this case you can have either a bad processor or some kind of fault in your ventilation, for example a blocked vent or malfunctioning fan. It’s also possible that the thermal compound that is between the processor and the heat sink has simply has lost its thermal conductivity and is not properly transferring the heat from the CPU to the heat sink material. Always make sure that the back, sides, and bottom of your laptop are free of obstruction and able to get cool air into your machine. Also, check when you turn on your machine that you can hear your fan running. If it’s hot and the fan never kicks on, you may have to get your fan repaired. You may also hear your fan running at full speed all the time, possibly from the time the machine comes. This may indicate a fan problem and should be addressed.

If your laptop is overheating without your notice, the next step is that programs will begin to freeze or lock up as your system becomes too hot to function, followed shortly afterward by a system shutdown. Your computer may shut itself down to avoid any damage, and if this happens allow the system to sit as you check it over for possible causes.

To prevent further issues with laptop overheating, be sure to clean air intakes on your machine regularly, keeping them free of dust and debris. Also, pay attention to your fans. If they run routinely at their highest and loudest setting, something may be wrong with your processor or your heat sink, which may require repair or replacement.