Surface Studio laptop fan grinding

Hi, glad to hear you've managed to fix the issue yourself and that it was a fixable issue and not permanently broken. Unfortunately I haven't yet found anywhere that sells replacement fans, microsoft curiosly did not classify the fans as "replacable components" and as such they're not offering them for sale. Although they are now selling many other parts like the cosmetic plate and the feet which allows us to open the machine without cosmetic problems after reassembly.

I'm experiencing the same fan grinding noise issue with my Surface Laptop Studio which was a replacement after my SB3 had graphic card (hardware) issues. The solution you provided is all related to software updates, drivers, firmware, commands, etc. The issue itself is a hardware issue, the fan is literally grinding against the case, so none of those suggestions above are applicable or logical. I can hear the fan noise change when I pick the laptop up or move it to a different position. I've even got it to stop a few times by gently tapping the spot where the noise is coming from. However, the same thing when I run heavier programs the sound of the fan increases and the device releases some serious heat, like almost burning your skin hot. It's evident that Microsoft does not fully test out its products before releasing them for sale.

I wouldn't ignore it... Especially if it's under warranty. It will likely get worse (more glue will slowly flow into the blob making the noise louder, or eventually breaking the fan).

That said - assuming it's the same problem I had - the fix is relatively easy, and you can absolutely do it yourself with a bit of patience.

The fan needs to work properly - or you can have heat damage to the components. The abrasion on the fan blades prevents it's from working at its intended speed, and there is a small chance of blade damage, or the fan getting stuck and burning out. Which means a more expensive repair at best, or

heat damage which may render the laptop unusable.

If you're not doing anything intense with it (gaming, graphics, etc.) and want to put off the repair and use it for a few weeks? It'll likely be fine.

If you're out of warranty? A set of small screw drivers, a plastic separation tool, and (optionally) new silicone strips (laptop "feet") are all you need to fix this yourself in about 20 minutes.

I got a set on Amazon for $14. A sufficient kit can be under $10.

I still haven't put the replacement feat on mine. One strip fell off and is just missing. The other is hanging on and flat enough to not make it sir weird, and still provides enough grip when it's on a smooth table. I'm putting it off in case I need to do some more glue extraction...

But so far, it's been fine post surgery, and is much happier with its fan functioning.

Hey there, I have a surface laptop studio that also started grinding but it's out of warranty so I probably have open it up. I was just curious, are you referring to the stip that comes down diagonally from the top of the metal fan shroud into the inside of it through the vent hole?

If your problem is the same as mine, it's some glue that's brushing up against it?

Hi Dayv Glusing,

Thank you for reaching Microsoft Community. I understand how annoying it is to have the fan of your Surface grinding and running to loud while using it.

It is normal to have the fan of the Surface to run when running on a heavy load especially when it is also charging while being used. Did this grinding sound appeared immediately when you first got the device or this just recently started?

Kindly try first running these steps below and see if the behavior improves:

1: Check for Windows Update

Go to Windows Settings > Update & Security and select Check for updates

Make sure all updates need are installed including Optional updates

2: Update drivers and firmware

Check what is the current OS Build of your Windows version by going to Settings > System > About. 

Go to Download driver and firmware for Surface, choose Surface Laptop

Then click the link next to Surface Laptop Studio then click Download on the next page.

Choose the .msi file that matches your current OS Build and click Next.

After downloading, run and install the .msi then Restart. 

3: Run System File Checker Tool and DISM commands

Open Command Prompt (Run as administrator)

Type and enter these commands below:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthSFC /scannow

Note: Allow each command to complete its process before entering the next command line

Exit Command Prompt and restart the Surface

Please check also in Task Manager (while the fan is grinding or making the loud noise), if a Windows application or service uses a lot of CPU resources. See this under the Processes tab in Task Manager then select the CPU column heading to sort by it.

Regarding the device getting warm also, do you experience some drop on the performance of the device also whenever it warms up like lags or freezing? It is normal for the Surface to become warm when under normal use with several applications running for extended period but the device should still be running fine.  It complies with the user-accessible surface temperature limits defined by the International Standards for Safety (IEC 60950-1 and IEC 62368). If the temperature will reach above the standards, the Surface would automatically turn off also giving you a thermal sign warning. Here are some guidelines below also to reduce heat related concerns (see: Product safety warnings and instructions (microsoft.com)):

• Use CAUTION when operating your device with a pillow, blanket or other soft material in contact with your device, because the material can block the airflow which may result in the device overheating.
• If your device gets uncomfortably warm, remove it and take a break.
• If your device is used for long periods, its surface can become very warm. While the temperature may not feel hot to the touch, if you maintain physical contact with the device for a long time, your skin might suffer a low-heat injury.
• Never place the power supply unit (PSU) for your device on furniture or any other surface that might be marred by exposure to heat since the surface of the PSU may increase in temperature during normal use.

Hope this helps.

Kind regards,

Marrion