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My fan starts running when I use Word

Anonymous
2024-03-11T14:33:06+00:00

This is my problem, simply put. When I work in Word, the fans start going almost immediately, constantly switching on and off. When I move from Word to any other program – let's say I find something in the document I am working on that I want to check on the internet – the fans switch off almost immediately. When I return to Word, fans are back on again almost instantly.

I have a Lenovo ThinkCentre desktop computer.

Word: Microsoft® Word for Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2402 Build 16.0.17328.20124) 64-biters

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-03-11T16:04:21+00:00

    Hello Eivind,

    Sorry about the issue you're experiencing. Your computer's fan behavior points towards a heating issue. Here are some possible explanations and solutions:

    1. Word Workload: Compared to browsing the web, using Word can be more demanding on your computer's processor. This can cause the temperature to rise, triggering the fans to spin up for cooling. Once you switch to another program, the workload lessens, and the temperature drops, prompting the fans to shut off.

    Solution: Try these steps: Close any unnecessary programs running in the background that might be consuming resources. Ensure you have the latest updates for Microsoft 365. Outdated versions can sometimes be less efficient. If your Word document is particularly complex with many images or formatting, consider simplifying it or working on smaller sections at a time.

    1. Computer Stress: Your once-efficient PC might be having difficulties keeping up with the demand of Word as other programs use its RAM and storage space. To check how much strain Word and other software are putting on your PC, press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC and press "More details". In the "Processes" tab you'll see how much CPU, Memory and Disk resources Word and other programs are using. If you don't need or use some of the other programs on the list, you can right click them and click "End task" to kill them off and free resources for Word.
    2. Dust Buildup: Over time, dust can accumulate inside your computer, blocking airflow and hindering the fans' ability to cool effectively. This can lead to the fans needing to work harder and cycle on and off more frequently.

    Solution: Carefully open your computer case and clean the dust from the fans, vents, and heatsink using compressed air. If you can't do this alone, give it to a computer engineer/repairer.

    1. Fan Settings: Your Lenovo ThinkCentre might have BIOS settings for fan control.

    Solution: Consult your Lenovo ThinkCentre manual or the manufacturer's website to see if there are options to adjust the fan curve. This allows the fans to spin at a lower speed until the temperature reaches a specific threshold before ramping up. Caution: Improper BIOS settings can lead to overheating issues, so proceed with care if you attempt this. Additional Tips:

    1. Ensure Proper Ventilation: Make sure your computer is well-ventilated and not positioned in a hot or enclosed space.

    I also suggest that you use software like HWMonitor. This can help you see if the temperature actually rises significantly when using Word.

    I hope this helps.

    • Stephen N.

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