If you have problems with laptop overheating, it can be uncomfortable and possibly dangerous. There are several steps you can take to diagnose and treat laptop overheating yourself. If these steps don't solve your problem, you may need to bring your laptop to a professional for repairs.

The most obvious symptom of laptop overheating is discomfort while using the laptop. In more severe cases, the excess heat can cause the laptop to shut down, or might even damage the internal components or start a fire. Some people have been burned by overheated laptops, so it is best to address these symptoms as soon as they are noticeable, to insure that a more serious problem does not develop.

Laptops can produce a lot of heat, because all of their components are packed into a tight space, and there is little room for airflow and heat reduction elements like heat sinks and fans. The first step to prevent a laptop from overheating is to make sure that the laptop vents and fans are not blocked, and are open to the air. If the vents or fans are blocked by stickers, paint, lint, or debris, carefully clean them to insure good air flow. If you use your laptop on thick carpet, a blanket, or similar surface, make sure that the cooling vents and fans are not obstructed.

One simple step to help prevent laptop overheating is to use a lap desk or specialized laptop cooling platform. A simple lap desk will keep the laptop clear of loose clothes or other obstructions, and can keep a good airflow in and around the laptop to reduce heat. If that isn't enough, there are electric laptop cooling platforms with fans to blow air against the bottom of the laptop. This extra airflow can help prevent laptop overheating, and will provide added comfort. The tradeoff is that they can be noisy, and often require their own power supply in the form of batteries or an electric outlet.

The more the laptop works, the higher the heat. You might find your laptop overheating more frequently when you perform specific tasks like playing video games, watching movies, or using advanced programs. If your laptop only begins to overheat when you perform advanced tasks, you can change the settings to lower the performance, which can cool down the laptop. This is usually a less desirable solution, so it is recommended to save it as a last resort.

If, after trying all these solutions, you still have a problem with laptop overheating, it might be a good idea to have a computer professional perform a diagnostic check, and possibly repairs.