Your laptop is making a loud grinding noise and you don’t know why. You’re not sure what caused the problem, so it’ll be hard to find out without potentially damaging your computer further. This guide will help you fix the issue and prevent any more problems in the future!
Why Does My Laptop Fan Make A Grinding Noise?
A laptop fan is an important piece of equipment that is designed to provide cooling to a laptop’s processor and other components. A laptop fan is a must-have piece of equipment for a laptop, but it can also be a source of discomfort and distraction when it is running loudly.
If your laptop is making a grinding noise, it may be due to a minor issue that can be fixed. Different types of laptop noises include fan and power noise.
Power noise is usually louder and indicates an issue with the battery or charger. Fan noise indicates an issue with the cooling system or fan assembly.
When the fan inside your laptop starts to make a grinding noise, it’s often due to one of the following reasons:
1. Dirty fan blades
The first common cause of laptop fan noise is that the blades are dirty. Laptop fans work because they take in air from outside and push it outwards, using a centrifugal force to move cool air throughout your device.
If you can’t hear any other grinding sounds, this might be the issue- just give the fan blades a quick clean with some compressed air and be back to normal
Therefore, if you’re laptop is making a loud grinding noise, it’s likely because the fan blades are dirty and need to be cleaned.
Additionally, as your laptop ages, it will overheat more quickly due to the accumulation of dust inside the device. This dust collects on the electronic components and affects their speed.
2. Blocked vents or connectors
Your laptop fan can make a grinding noise for a variety of reasons. One of the most common reasons is that there is dust or other debris blocking the vents or connectors on the device.
This can cause your laptop to overheat and make noise. The fan may also spin faster or slower, depending on how much heat it is trying to dissipate. If the fan is blocked, it will have to work harder and thus create more noise.
3. Overused software
One common reason for a laptop to start making an annoying noise is because of overused software. The software can put a lot of strain on the hardware and when it’s used too much, it can cause the fan to make a grinding noise.
This is often the result of running too many programs at once or using software that is not compatible with your laptop.
4. Hardware failure (such as a broken fan motor)
Your laptop fan may be making a grinding noise because of a hardware failure, such as a broken fan motor.
If you are not comfortable working on the inside of your laptop, it is best to avoid removing any hardware components until you have consulted with an expert.
Also, the hard drive could be making too much noise. If this is the case, you may need to replace the drive in order to continue using your computer.
How to Fix a Laptop Fan Making Buzzing or Grinding Noises
If your laptop fan is making a grinding noise, you can use the following methods to fix this issue
Cleaning the laptop fan
Over time, this fan can become dirty and clogged with dust, hair, and other debris, which can impact performance and cause your computer to overheat.
Here’s how to clean the laptop fan:
- Turn off your computer and unplug it from the power outlet.
- Remove the battery (if possible).
- Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the cover in place.
- Carefully lift the cover off of the laptop (be careful not to damage any cables).
- Locate the fan and use a vacuum cleaner or compressed air to clean out all of the dust and debris.
- Replace the cover and screws, and reattach the battery (if applicable).
- Turn on your computer and check for performance improvements.
Fix it by using software
Laptops have a variety of sensors and fans that help keep the device cool. However, if the laptop is running hot, you can try to fix it by using the software.
There are many third-party programs that allow you to control fan speed and there are also some apps that gain access to system information like SpeedFan.
Some of these programs are:
- Malwarebytes
- CCleaner
- Spybot Search and Destroy
Kill Your underground Processes to Stop a Noisy Laptop Fan
Here are a few tips for killing off those noisy processes:
- You can use the Task Manager (Ctrl+Alt+Delete) to view all the programs that are currently running, and then disable any that you don’t need.
- This will free up resources and stop some of the background noise.
- Use the Windows Disk Cleanup tool to delete any temporary files or cache files that might be causing problems.
- This will help to optimize your computer’s performance and stop background processes from taking up too much CPU time.
- Out-of-date drivers and software can often cause conflicts and lead to noisy laptop fans.
Uninstall Malware
Before doing anything else, make sure your computer is performing optimally by checking for malware. Use antivirus software to protect yourself from viruses.
Mac and Windows computers have their own built-in malware defense mechanisms, but I recommend using an antivirus that comes with more proactive features.
Install a Cooling Software
One popular choice is the CPU cooler, which helps regulate your computer’s temperature and protect it from overheating. Other cooling software options include fan control software and system monitoring tools.
Replace Your Laptop Fan
You can purchase a replacement laptop fan from a computer or electronics store.
For Mac: Reset SMC & PRAM to Make Your Laptop Fan Quieter
If your MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air is running hot, and the fan is constantly on, you may need to reset the System Management Controller (SMC) and Parameter RAM (PRAM).
Resetting the SMC and PRAM can help clear up issues that may be causing your laptop to overheat, such as misconfigured fans or a low-battery condition.
Follow these steps to reset the SMC and PRAM on your Mac:
- Shut down your computer
- Plug in your computer’s power adapter
- Press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds
- Release the Power button and wait for your computer to start up
- Open System Preferences and click on the Energy Saver icon
- Click on the Reset button and then click on the Restart button
Get an Expert to Check the Loud Laptop Fan
The fan is responsible for cooling the internal components of your computer, and if it’s not working properly, it can cause serious damage.
Bring your laptop to a trusted technician and ask them to take a look at the fan. They’ll be able to tell you if there’s anything wrong with it and suggest ways to fix the problem.
Should You Fix a Noisy Laptop Fan or Buy a New One
It could be that the fan needs to be cleaned, or it might be that the fan needs to be replaced. Unplug your laptop and remove the battery. Use a can of compressed air to clean out all the dust and dirt from inside the laptop. Be careful not to damage any of the internal components with compressed air.
You can buy a new laptop fan on Amazon or other online retailers. Just make sure you get one that’s compatible with your laptop model number.