An overheating computer can be easily sensed by the various signs it shows. For instance, your computer suddenly slows down or shuts down, you hear loud whirring noises, the central processing unit feels hot to touch, etc. 

Don’t worry if you see any of these signs. You just need to find the best computer repair services for overheating or try these quick fixes:

• Improve the airflow
• Keep the software updated
• Close the programs that use a lot of CPU power 
• Optimize your computer’s settings
• Shutdown your computer
• Dust your device

Let us look into each of these points in more detail to understand the overheating issue better. 

Experts Tips for Fixing an Overheating Computer

Follow these steps to cool down your computer and optimize its performance: 

• Improve the Airflow 

Your computer can still overheat even if its internal systems are working fine. The reason can be obstructed airflow from its surroundings. Therefore, to ensure better airflow, consider placing your laptop or computer on a flat surface free from obstacles. 

In the case of laptops, their internal components are already positioned very close together. Placing it on a soft surface like a sofa can impede the airflow. Always place your laptop on a flat and hard surface. 

The key is to use your overheating computer in a well-ventilated room. If you do not have access to such a room, consider using a cooling pad that blows air upwards. 

• Keep the Software Updated

While PC overheating issues are pretty common, they can be fixed and even avoided by following simple steps. For instance, you should keep the software updated to the latest version.

These updates are essential to resolve any bugs and fix inefficiencies that might have been slowing down your computer and causing it to overheat. Updating the software, in general, is beneficial for speeding up your computer.

• Close the Programs that Use a Lot of CPU Power

When the  CPU has to work harder,  it generates a lot of heat. And when it continues to work harder for a longer time, the temperature is definitely going to rise. Programs that cause high CPU usage will cause your device to slow down and overheat. 

If you experience this, make sure you close all the opened programs and let your computer’s processor breathe. You can also open the Task Manager to review the applications that utilize the major chunk of power from the CPU. You can simply select End task to shut them down.

• Optimize Your Computer’s Settings

You don’t always need computer repair services when your computer overheats. More often than not, our computer settings also contribute to overheating. For instance, high brightness and high screen resolution consume a lot of power. 

So, whenever you observe high heat dissipation from your computer, consider changing the settings slightly. This will considerably reduce the temperature of your device. 

• Shut Down Your Computer

The easiest and most reliable way to resolve the PC overheating issue is to shut it down for a while. Keeping too many tabs and applications open on your computer browser can be exhausting for the system.

Shutting down the computer gives it some rest as the background processes come to a halt. This will also clean up and speed up the PC. You should do it occasionally to keep the system neat and tidy. 

• Dust Your Computer

Dirt and dust accumulation is normal. But what’s not normal is clogged-up ventilation ducts. This reduces the airflow and significantly contributes to overheating. That said, if you are not used to dusting up your computer, develop this habit now. 

Before cleaning the device, shut down your computer. At the same time, unplug all the cables and cords, and remove any casing on the computer; then thoroughly clean all the parts, even the unreachable tight spaces.

Conclusion

While fixing an overheating computer is not that difficult, it’s essential you find the root cause and take the necessary steps to prevent overheating in the future. If the issue persists, you might need to take your device for a computer repair. 

Therefore, stay vigilant, completely shut down your computer from time to time to let it breathe, dust it off thoroughly, keep the software updated, and optimize the computer settings. 

This will definitely help your computer go through the years without any issues. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I improve my computer’s cooling system?

To improve the computer’s cooling system, clean your computer regularly to remove any dust build-up, close background programs, monitor physical usage, and check for malfunctioning fans. 

Does heat damage my computer?

Yes, high temperatures can affect the speed and efficiency of your computers. They can result in slow processing speed and may also cause applications to freeze or crash. 

What are the causes of overheating computers?

Computer overheating can result from various factors, including faulty or inadequate cooling systems, high humidity or temperature, poor ventilation, overclocking of your CPU, and many others.