If you are concerned that your Dell laptop is running too hot or is too noisy with the fan constantly spinning, then work through the following troubleshooting steps.

Inspiron Laptops

XPS Laptops

Vostro Laptops

Latitude Laptops

Precision Mobile Workstations

G Series

Alienware

Dell Plus Laptop

Dell Pro Laptops

Dell Pro Max Laptops

Dell Pro Plus laptops

Dell Pro Premium

Dell Pro Rugged Laptops

Flashing the system BIOS to the latest version on the computer can help resolve the issue. The Dell BIOS is responsible for managing fan speeds related to dynamic cooling and the performance of the computer.

To download and install the latest BIOS, see Dell Knowledge Base article BIOS Update Guide.

WARNING: Dell Technologies recommends disconnecting any external devices like external hard disk drives, printers, and scanners before updating the BIOS.

WARNING: Dell laptops must have the battery installed and charged to at least 10% before you begin the BIOS update. Dell Technologies recommends connecting the laptop to AC power before proceeding with the update process.

Installing the latest version of the Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework / Intel Dynamic Tuning Driver driver. This is required on computers to control cooling and performance in the Operating System dynamically. To download and install the latest version:

Go to the Drivers & Downloads page.

Identify your Dell computer.

Click Download and Install SupportAssist to auto-detect your Dell computer. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Dell SupportAssist.

Or, enter the Service Tag, Express Service Code, or the Serial number of the Dell computer and click Search.

Or, click Browse all products to select your Dell computer from the catalog manually.

Select the Operating System that is installed on the computer.

Under Category, select Chipset.

Locate the latest Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework / Intel Dynamic Tuning Driver driver.

Click Download and save the file to your computer.

Using File Explorer (also known as Windows Explorer), browse to the location where the downloaded file was saved.

Double-click the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

Consider our Guide to Dell Power Manager

Run the Dell ePSA Diagnostics to check the status of the computer fan. There is no dynamic control available during the ePSA tests, the processor runs at full speed during these tests, and the fans will likely go to high speed throughout the testing.

For more information, see Dell Knowledge Base article How to Run Dell Preboot Diagnostics and Hardware Tests on Your Dell Computer

Is the computer shutting down and leaving error logs in the BIOS?

No, if the computer is not shutting down, and the fan is passing the diagnostic tests, then read these facts you should be aware of about laptops:

Yes, this system is shutting down, or there are thermal errors or fan errors logged in the BIOS. You can find more specific troubleshooting in the Dell Knowledge Base article How to Troubleshoot Overheating, Shutdown, Thermal Issue, or Fan Noise on a Dell Computer.

Additional information can be found in the following articles: Troubleshoot Dell Laptop Overheating Issues, How to Troubleshoot Fan Issues and System Temperature on a Dell Inspiron, XPS, Vostro, Latitude, and Precision Laptop is High When Using CPU Intensive Applications