Laptop whirring noise is often caused by overworked cooling fans trying to dissipate heat. Addressing the root cause of the heat or excessive fan speed is key. Based on common issues, you can stop laptop whirring noise by cleaning dust, removing malware, using the laptop on a proper surface, and using an additional cooler.
Common Causes & Solutions
Loud whirring sounds from a laptop typically indicate that the internal fans are working hard. This usually happens when the laptop's components, like the CPU or GPU, get hot due to heavy tasks, blocked airflow, or other issues. The provided references highlight the most frequent culprits and how to address them.
Here are the primary methods to reduce or eliminate laptop whirring:
1. Remove Dust
Dust is the most common cause of laptop noises. Over time, dust accumulates inside the laptop, particularly on heatsinks and fan blades. This layer of dust acts as an insulator, trapping heat, and also obstructs airflow through the vents. The fans then have to spin faster and louder to try and cool the components.
- Action: Clean the interior of your laptop.
- Use compressed air to blow dust out of the vents.
- For a more thorough cleaning (recommended if comfortable), open the laptop case carefully and clean the fans and heatsinks directly. Ensure the laptop is powered off and unplugged before opening.
2. Remove Malware
Malware can contribute to loud fan noises as it can increase a laptop's working temperature and cause it to not obey commands correctly. Malicious software often runs processes in the background, consuming CPU and RAM resources unnecessarily. This increased workload generates more heat, forcing the fans to speed up. Malware can also interfere with power management settings.
- Action: Scan your laptop for malware and remove any threats.
- Run a full system scan using reputable antivirus and anti-malware software.
- Keep your security software updated.
3. Use Your Laptop on the Correct Surface
The surface you place your laptop on significantly impacts airflow. Soft surfaces like beds, couches, or carpets can easily block the intake or exhaust vents on the bottom or sides of your laptop. When vents are blocked, hot air cannot escape efficiently, and cool air cannot enter, causing internal temperatures to rise rapidly.
- Action: Use your laptop on a flat, hard surface.
- A desk or a lap desk provides a stable, flat surface that allows proper airflow around the laptop's vents.
- Avoid using the laptop directly on soft furnishings for extended periods.
4. Use an Additional Cooler
If your laptop still gets hot and noisy, especially during demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, an additional cooling solution can help. Laptop cooling pads, which sit underneath the laptop, contain fans that blow cool air onto the laptop's base, assisting its internal cooling system.
- Action: Invest in and use a laptop cooling pad.
- This can help lower the overall temperature, allowing the laptop's internal fans to slow down or run less frequently, reducing noise.
These steps, derived directly from common causes of laptop heat and fan noise, are effective ways to address persistent whirring sounds.
