Laptop fan making noise: Reasons and how to fix it

All of us have different preferences when it comes to a laptop – some like theirs to be thin and light, while others prefer the beasts that are gaming laptops. However, all of us can agree on one thing – we don’t like our laptop fan sounding like a jet engine taking off. So, if your laptop CPU fan making noise has got you all worried, fret not because we are here to guide you.

Is it normal for a laptop fan to make noise?

While ordinarily, laptops operate silently, a bit of fan noise now and then is standard. It’s your laptop’s way of saying that it is handling demanding tasks and thus needs the fan to work at its full potential to keep it cool. However, if your laptop fan starts making excessive noise, it points towards an underlying issue that could affect your laptop’s performance and longevity.

Why is my laptop fan making more noise than usual?

There are several reasons why your laptop fan is louder than usual. In most cases, it can be traced back to either dust accumulation, overheating or damage to the fan mechanism.

Dust accumulation: Over time, dust and debris can accumulate in your laptop’s vents and cooling fan, obstructing unrestricted airflow and making the fan work harder than usual. 

Overheating: If you use your laptop to handle demanding tasks or place it in a position with inadequate ventilation, the laptop CPU fan will spin faster to dissipate the heat generated. This leads to increased noise.

ALSO READ: Tips to keep your laptop from overheating

Hardware malfunction: In some cases, physical damage to the fan blades or other internal components can cause abnormal laptop fan noises. If your laptop constantly overheats or has unclean vents, the fan has to work more to compensate for it. This overworking might also lead to the fan wearing out.

How to fix a noisy laptop fan

It turns out that stopping your laptop CPU fan from making noise is quite easy. Here are a few steps you can take to address a noisy laptop fan:

Change laptop position: While laptops let you work from anywhere, some surfaces or positions block the vents. If you have been using your laptop in the same place for a long time, try changing the position or using a laptop stand. The restricted airflow often results in your machine heating up and the fan working overtime.

Kill background processes: Laptops usually have several programs running in the background, which consume resources. If your device is lagging, overheating, or making too much noise, close all unused programs (including the 10+ open tabs on your web browser). You can also remove background processes via Activity Monitor (MacOS) or Task Manager (Windows).

Clean the vents: Regularly cleaning your laptop’s vents and fan can significantly reduce dust buildup and improve airflow. To do so, switch off your computer and use a can of compressed air to blow out dust from the vents. Ensure you hold the can at an angle, so you don’t spray air directly inside the machine.

Manage power settings: Whether you use a Windows laptop or a MacBook, you can adjust your laptop’s power settings. An energy-saving or battery-saver mode will lower the CPU’s processing power, which can, in turn, reduce the fan’s activity.

Update drivers and BIOS: Outdated drivers or BIOS versions can sometimes lead to fan malfunctions. While these updates are usually automatic, it is a good idea to check for and install the latest updates periodically.

If you have an old laptop or a laptop you use for heavy processing like gaming or video editing, you should consider investing in a cooling pad to provide additional ventilation. And if none of this helps, it is advisable to seek professional help.

Remember, a noisy fan is not just a nuisance; it can also indicate serious underlying issues. By taking proactive steps about your laptop fan making noise, you can keep your laptop running smoothly for a long time.