I have a very annoying issue with my laptop. It is barely 8 months old, so I expect it to function well. However, it is making a buzzing noise that is worrying me.
So, why is my HP laptop making a buzzing noise?
While no laptop is 100% silent, loud buzzing noises indicate a problem. Loud buzzing noises happens usually due to dust trapped inside the fans. Cleaning the fans or replacing them can solve the issue.
In this post, I will discuss why laptops make a buzzing noise and how you can stop it.
Contents
Why Is My HP Laptop Making a Buzzing Noise?
As indicated earlier, dust settling on the fans is the main reason a laptop makes a buzzing sound. It is normal for laptops to make noise when running. However, buzzing noises are abnormal to noises that computers make.
The fan overworking can also make a buzzing noise. After all, the fan is the only moving part of the laptop. Let’s see the major causes why your laptop is making a buzzing noise.
1. Dust Accumulating in the Fan
Dust is the main reason for a buzzing sound in an HP laptop. Just as dust gets indoors and accumulates on furniture, it can get inside your laptop.
So how does dust get in the fans? Your laptop is probably clean and well handled. Over the years, small dust particles build up inside the laptop, no matter how hard you try to prevent it.
Apart from dust, hair strays, bread crumbs, dirt and debris can also enter your laptop. Do you have pets? If yes, then it’s common for pet hairs to get inside the laptop.
The same applies to dust which is a natural occurrence. When we dust our chairs, some dust might get inside laptops.
Accumulated dust on the fan reduces its efficiency. As the fans force their way through dust and hair strays, they make a buzzing sound. I’ll later discuss how to stop your HP laptop from making a buzzing sound.
2. Overheating
An overheating laptop can also make your laptop produce a buzzing sound. Fans help dissipate the heat produced as laptops operate. When laptops get hotter than normal, fans work harder to keep the laptops cool.
How harder the fan works depends on the internal and external temperatures. Are you putting more demands on your laptop than it can handle? Editing HD videos and gaming requires powerful processors. If you put more load than what your laptop can handle, then it gets hot, and fans start making a buzzing sound.
Another reason for overheating is when there is poor ventilation. There need to be a few inches of space underneath the laptop to allow or good airflow. If the airflow is restricted, laptops get hotter and can even make a jet engine like noise due to overworking fans.
In general, you need to ensure laptops don’t overwork even though they are machines. Just as humans take a break, machines need breaks to cool.
3. Damaged Fan
A damaged fan might wobble and grind against laptop components. You need to set the laptop on even surfaces when working. In case of falls, fans might bend and affect how they rotate.
Even when there are no external damages, falls can damage internal laptop components. A wire tangled inside the fans can lead to buzzing noises. Basically, anything getting in the way of the fan can trigger this noise.
Apart from the fan, there are other causes of an HP laptop making a buzzing noise. These include:
- Frequency interference from other devices closeby
- A failing/defective hard drive
- Corrupted sound card drivers
- Improperly grounded electrical outlet
- A faulty power supply
Understanding the cause of a buzzing noise in a laptop makes it easier to fix it.
How Do I Stop My HP Laptop from Buzzing?
You can stop an HP laptop buzzing by implementing a few tips or upgrading some of the laptop components. The problem might be even as simple as adjusting the speakers’ volume.
Are you overworking the laptop? Shut your laptop down whenever away from work. You need to be aware of all programs running in the background. Below are tips to stop your HP laptop from buzzing.
1. Adjust the Volumes
Before you make an effort, try and turn the laptop volume down. Is that sound okay? If the laptop still buzzes even after turning the volume down, then the problem is not the speakers.
You need to move to the next step below as you narrow down your choices.
2. Uninstall Malware
Malware in your laptop can make it run abnormally and heat, leading to buzzing noises. Is your laptop slow? A slow laptop is a sign of a virus or malware infection.
Make sure you install antivirus software and scan your laptop. Windows and Mac computers come with built-in defense programs. It is important to scan your laptop often and get rid of viruses and malware.
3. Clear Unnecessary Process
If your laptop is buzzing because of overworking, then clear unnecessary processes. If there are no viruses, more processes running can overheat your computer and make it buzz.
The processor must not be running several programs at once. If you’re using a Windows laptop, then visit the Task Manager and check the processes running. For Mac laptops, check the Activity Monitor.
What’s your laptop’s CPU processing power? The number is usually indicated in a percentage. For example, a laptop running at 17% processing power will be silent compared to one running at 80% power.
Make sure you know the program takes most of the processing power. If it’s unnecessary, then clear it.
4. Clean the Laptop Fans of Dust and Dirt
Getting rid of dust and dirt on your laptop fans can help stop the buzzing. As indicated earlier, this is the main cause of most buzzing sounds in laptops.
Before cleaning the fan, make sure the laptop is switched off and all cables disconnected. The power cable should be disconnected for safety purposes.
Cleaning the fan is easy and a perfect DIY project. You can do it by blowing compressed air or opening and removing the fan. Remove the fan cover and access the fan. Blow compressed air to get dust and dirt outside and away from the laptop.
You don’t need any harsh chemicals to clean a laptop fan. You can get a brush and sweep away any dirt on the brush. A brush also ensures you get into the fan crevices and clean all dust.
You can clean the fans without opening the laptop covers. However, if you have some experience, then open it and clean it thoroughly. Never attempt opening the laptop unless you’re sure of what you’re doing.
5. Replace the Fan
If the laptop fan is tool old or damaged, then consider replacing it. You need to make sure the fans are in good condition and working optimally. Bent or lose fans should be removed and replaced.
When replacing a laptop fan, make sure you take the dimensions of the old fan and choose a matching fit. Check the exact code of your laptop before purchasing a new fan.
It is advised to leave laptop repairs and servicing to professions. If the laptop is under warranty, don’t open it, as this can make the warranty null and void.
6. Ensure Good Airflow
Depending on the fan’s location, you need to ensure there is excellent airflow. Install rubber feet under the laptop and use laptops on flat surfaces. This ensures excellent heat dissipation and keeps laptops cool.
Never use your laptop on your lap for extended periods.
7. Get a Stand or a Cooling Pad
You can also invest in a quality laptop stand or cooling pad. A portable stand is a good idea if you use your laptops on your pads. It allows for flexibility on where you can use your laptop.
Cooling pads also ensure fans work less, reducing the buzzing sound. Furthermore, they are inexpensive and a great way to extend the lifespan of your laptop.
Extra steps to stop buzzing noises in laptops
- Check and ensure the latest version of audio drivers are installed
- Update old audio drivers
- Check audio ports and ensure cables are well connected and functioning
- Turn off frequency devices near the laptop
The few tips above can help solve a buzzing sound in an HP laptop.
Final Words
It makes more sense to fix a buzzing laptop than buy a new one. If the laptop is working just fine, then consider buying new fans or having a professional check it. After all, the cost of a new laptop is way too high.
There are high chances the issue is simple and easily fixable. Taking good care of your laptop and servicing it frequently can prevent buzzing noises. Avoid overuse and run antivirus programs to ensure your laptop runs optimally.