Laptop overheats and shuts down automatically.

Question

Original Title: My laptop suddenly turns off without any warning

I normally use my laptop or internet purposes, just browsing through social networking site and watch videos, while i watch any videos or anything i realize that my laptop kinda heats up, the videos don't load smoothly and the next thing you know it suddenly shuts down. Is it because of the overheating? also there's little space in C drive and F. could it be overheating because of so many files in the drives that it overheats to process them? my operating system is Windows 7. please help me with this

Answer 1

Yes. The shutdown is due to overheat and is termed as Thermal Shutdown. The possible causes are fan failure and dust clogging in the fins.

Heat is generated when processor/graphic processor works. It is normal and low free space won't increase the amount of heat generated. Low free space will cause lag in normal working of Windows. You can go to the Properties of each partition (C and F), click Disk Cleanup. This will delete any unwanted, temporary files. It is a good practise to maintain 10% free space or at least 20 GB free space (whichever is higher) in C drive.

Answer 2

It is theoretically possible that an excessively full disk would contribute to overheating but in practice it would of minor consideration.

Inside the laptop in most cases there is a small gap between the fan outlet and the cooling radiator. Over time this tends to fill with a matt of dust which blocks airflow and so reduce cooling effect. Although spraying with an airduster can help sometimes it is impacted and the only solution is to open the laptop case and remove the fan in order to get that plug of dust fibres out.

Unfortunately opening the case of a laptop is frequently quite difficult if never done before.

As to the full drives the only real solution is a full housekeeping exercise of deleting unwanted files, backing up important ones and uninstalling redundant and unwanted software.

Answer 3

Hi Fahmida,

To provide the appropriate resolution, I would need more information from your end.

1. What is the make and model number of the laptop?
2. Do you receive message or notification when the laptop overheats?

Usually, overheating occurs due to hardware issue.

I would suggest you to check with the following steps to try and resolve overheating issues:

a) Clean air vents and check if air fan is working or not.

b) Use some software, then, check if your system's fan is working at right speed.

c) Do not use your notebook/laptop on a surface that block air vents.

d) Thermal pads might be burnt. Try replacing them with new one.

e) There might be some fault with the hardware. You can get it checked with professional expert.

f) Adjust power settings to your needs. Lower energy consumption will result lower heat generation.

g) Never leave operating laptop with closed lid. This always generates heat inside laptop. You may close lid only if laptop will automatically go into sleep or hibernation mode.

h) You may also try installing latest softwares and drivers from the manufacturer website.

If the issue persists, I would suggest you to contact the manufacturer support for better assistance.

Hope this information helps.