Is your laptop producing a loud noise? A noisy fan is really frustrating and distracting for laptop users. You might have started wondering how to stop laptop fan noise. You do not need to be a tech expert for the solution. We have provided a brief guide to preventing the loud fan noise of your laptop.
My Laptop Fan Is Making Noise- Explore the Reasons
Before reading the guide on how to prevent laptop fan noise, you must identify the root cause of the problem. We have listed the potential factors that answer your question- Why is my laptop fan so loud?
High CPU Usage
Gaming and video editing are resource-intensive tasks for laptop users. Moreover, opening several browser tabs at a time also leads to high CPU usage. Most laptop users have reported a loud fan noise and increased heat due to excessive CPU usage. Especially, gaming laptop users frequently experience a loud noise. (check our list of top gaming laptops)
Dirt Accumulation
Dust and grime are the most common causes of your laptop fan being loud and buzzing. Your laptop’s vent and fan collect debris and dust over time. The accumulated dust prevents airflow. So, the built-in fan works harder to control the internal temperature.
Malfunctioning Hardware
If internal components and fan blades have signs of damage, your laptop fan will make noise abnormally. For example, a deteriorated fan’s motor and bearings cause clicking and grinding sounds. A hard disc failure also produces odd noises.
Outdated Drivers
Laptop fans become noisy if you do not have the latest drivers. Without optimized drivers, your device will experience stress to perform even simple tasks. So, update drivers regularly to avoid these problems. However, in case you experience an overheating problem after the update, roll back to the stable version.
Malware
A malware-infected malware causes high CPU usage, leading to an annoying fan noise. So, make sure you have installed a powerful antivirus program to scan and remove malware from your device. You can check the Task Manager to find an unusual process that represents a sign of infection.
Overheating
While using your laptop for demanding tasks, overheating issues occur. Sometimes, the device is positioned incorrectly, which causes inadequate ventilation. In that case, the laptop fan will work faster for heat dissipation and cause an increased noise.
Powerful Hardware That Needs Robust Fans
Laptops with high-end hardware may cause a loud noise when the fan spins. So, extra fan noise is a common cause of high-powered laptops, including gaming laptops. There is no need to feel concerned about the loud fan noise of these devices. Still, if it disturbs you, use headphones that block out the fan during gaming or working sessions.
How to Stop Laptop Fan Noise
You can now go through a brief guide on how to stop laptop fan noise in Windows 11 or higher.
Use Software for Fan Curve Adjustment
You can manually adjust your laptop fan’s speed with a third-party application. But, remember, if you reduce the fan curve, it will affect the normal cooling process and cause GPU thermal throttling. Your device may also perform slowly to protect against potential overheating issues. (Read our blog on how to keep your laptop cool).
So, you can use laptop fan curve adjustment software only if you do not run the device for resource-intensive activities (such as video editing). However, for those who do light activities, reducing the fan curve is a solution for loud fan noise. Thus, look for fan control apps that are compatible with your Windows laptop or MacBook.
Update BIOS or Drivers
Outdated BIOS or driver versions cause your laptop fan to malfunction. Although the updates are automatic, you must check for available updates periodically. Outdated drivers may cause several issues in your devices. So, updating them regularly is an important step.
Perform a Factory Reset
A factory reset is the best option for a laptop loud fan fix if your device is infected with a malicious program. Modern laptops have Windows Defender pre-installed. Still, you can look for professional help for malware removal. An anti-malware tool also helps you remove malicious applications from your device.
In some cases, malware resists your efforts for removal. So, a factory reset on the device is the safest alternative. You need to reinstall your Operating System. But, make sure you have backed up your data first before performing a factory reset.
Clean Your Laptop Fans
A loud and vibrating laptop fan is often a constant issue that can cause overheating problems in your device. Hair and dust buildup reduce airflow to the internal components. So, your laptop fan spins more frequently. But, reduced airflow leads to improper heat dissipation. Thus, you have to clean your laptop’s parts using a brush or compressed air.
Compressed air will blow away the dirt accumulated on the fans. Isopropyl alcohol is also effective in cleaning stubborn residue. Dry the parts before reconnecting the device.
Note that opening a new laptop can void the warranty. Moreover, without solid knowledge, you could damage the components. So, it is better to rely on professionals to clean the fan.
Use Thermal Paste
A special compound, known as thermal paste, needs to be reapplied between the heat sink and the GPU/CPU. It helps with more efficient heat transfer from the processor.
The thermal paste dries out in the older laptop and cannot transfer heat effectively. However, thermal paste replacement is not easy without technical skills. Let experts manage it and avoid further issues. Re-application of thermal paste will make your loud laptop fans quieter.
Stop Some Background Processes
Your laptop fan will run faster and cause noise if the GPU/CPU is under load. It is normal, especially when you do demanding tasks, such as video editing and gaming. But, you should identify and close unnecessary background processes.
Windows laptop users can do it by accessing Task Manager. On the contrary, MacBook users have to use the Activity Monitor for the same.
Why Is My Laptop Fan Loud but Not Hot?
Although your laptop does not feel hot, its fan may cause a loud noise. The potential factors causing this problem are a malfunctioning fan, dust buildup, and high CPU usage. Clean the fan or replace this component for the ultimate solution.
How to Fix a Laptop Fan Loud on Startup
A loud laptop fan on startup is an annoying issue that can be solved with a few simple steps. Reduce your CPU usage or repair the faulty fan. Drivers also need an update to deal with the persistent problem.
Laptop Fan Loud After Water Spill
A loud laptop fan after a water spill on your device indicates issues with the fan. However, water might have interfered with normal operation. You should dry your device’s parts thoroughly. Professional cleaning is the best option for addressing water damage.
Conclusion
Our simple guide on how to stop laptop fan noise will help you solve the problem. You need to address common issues, such as dust buildup and high CPU usage. A few adjustments will solve the problem. If these steps do not prevent a loud laptop fan, look for professional assistance.
