HP 15-dw3xxx Laptop Overheating and freezes

[Caleb-Singh]

Hi All,

I have been having issues with my HP 15-dw3020ni, It overheats and then freezes. I have done a clean install of Windows 11 and keep it fully up to date.

I only have work applications installed on it (like MS Office) and then monitoring software to try and diagnose the issue (HWInfo).

I did recently reapply the thermal paste (I am an IT Technician, so I did it myself), this did help the low-end temps (it gets to 30c now) but has not reduced the higher temps (99c). I use the laptop on a wooden table and have it elevated.

The only thing I have noted which seems abnormal is that the CPU fan stays at a constant speed, regardless of the temperature. The fan should react to the CPU temperature when it gets to 90c+ but it doesn't.

In the bios there is only a setting for "Fan Always On". I have tried "On" and "Off" settings, with and without a fan controller app (Fan Control) but the fan always remains at the same speed when the setting is "On", and the fan doesn't turn on at all when its set to "Off".

I have done a re-install of the bios but it didn't change anything.

Is there any way that I can gain control of the fan or is there something else that I can try?

Update*

I readjusted the CPU cooler (loosened the screws) to allow a bit more space for the thermal paste to stay on top of the CPU and that fixed the overheating issue.

But I'm still not sure why the fan doesn't ramp up when the CPU temp gets to around 88c (During start up and when stress testing), when I enter the bios or do a bios update, the Fan speed ramps up to full speed, so I know that it can.

[Garp_senchau]

@Caleb-Singh, Welcome to HP Support Community,

Thank you for posting your query; I’m here to help by guiding you through steps to resolve this issue

Your troubleshooting is solid, and it’s great that adjusting the CPU cooler helped with the overheating. But the fan not responding dynamically to temperature is definitely concerning. Let’s go over a few possible reasons and fixes.

HP CoolSense & Other Software Interference

HP CoolSense (if installed) can override normal fan behavior. If it's enabled, it might be preventing the fan from ramping up.

Go to Control Panel > HP CoolSense

Disable it and check if the fan behavior improves.

Windows Power & Thermal Management Issues

Windows power management settings may be limiting the fan response.

Open Control Panel > Power Options

Select High Performance (or create a custom plan).

Click Change Plan Settings > Change Advanced Power Settings

Expand Processor Power Management > System Cooling Policy

Set both On Battery and Plugged In to Active.

This forces Windows to ramp up cooling instead of throttling the CPU.

Power drain

Shut down the laptop completely.

Disconnect the power adapter & battery (if removable).

Hold the power button for 30 seconds.

Reconnect power and turn it on.

If none of the above steps help, there’s a chance the thermal sensor on the motherboard isn't properly communicating with the fan controller. Since the fan works in BIOS and during updates, this is less likely but still a possibility.

I hope this helps.

Please feel free to reply here if you have any questions or if you need further clarification on any of the steps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Regards,

[Caleb-Singh]

@Garp_Senchau Thanks so much for your assistance.

My laptop does not have HP CoolSense or any other software (that I know off) which can interfere with the Fan. After I did a full clean install of windows (i.e Complete wipe of the drive and new install), I did not install any applications other than what comes with Windows 11 and MS Office, Adobe, Screenshotting software and maybe 1 or 2 other work-related apps.

I did not have the Cooling Policy Option available, so I followed a tutorial to activate that option again and then I set it to "Active" for both Plugged-In and Battery (and restarted the laptop) but that did not have any positive effect.

I have opened the laptop and removed the battery and done a power cycle to drain all power, but that also did not have any positive effect.

I really appreciate your support; all your suggestions have helped me increase my understanding of diagnosing an HP laptop for cooling issues.

Kind regards,

Caleb

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Caleb-Singh,

You're doing an amazing job troubleshooting your HP 15-dw3xxx, I can see how thorough and patient you’ve been already. Since it’s overheating and freezing even after a clean Windows install, fan control tweaks, and a hardware power cycle, let’s go a bit deeper.

Update BIOS + Chipset Drivers (Very Important)

Sometimes HP laptops throttle or overheat due to outdated BIOS or chipset firmware.

Go to: HP Support – Software & Drivers

Enter HP 15-dw3xxx

Download & install:

BIOS update

Chipset Driver

Thermal Framework / Intel DPTF (if listed)

Make sure your laptop is plugged in and don’t turn it off during BIOS update.

Thermal Paste Check (Advanced but Necessary)

Since you’ve already opened the laptop, this might be worth it.

The thermal paste between your CPU and heatsink might be:

Dried out

Poorly applied

Too thin/thick

If you’re comfy doing this, clean old paste using isopropyl alcohol (90%+), then apply a small pea-sized amount of Arctic Silver 5 or similar.

Even a brand-new laptop might have badly applied paste from the factory.

Check Fan RPM + Sensor Readings

Use a tool like:

HWInfo64 (run in sensors-only mode)

Monitor:

CPU temp (should idle below 55–60°C)

Fan RPM — see if it’s spinning up under load

If the fan isn’t spinning up under high temps, it could be a failing fan or motherboard fan controller issue.

Run HP Diagnostics (UEFI)

Let’s rule out hardware faults:

Turn off the laptop

Press ESC repeatedly on boot → then press F2 for diagnostics

Run:

System Test – Quick

System Test – Extensive

Especially check Thermal and CPU modules

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[Caleb-Singh · Accepted solution]

Hi @Kuroi_Kenshi 

Thank you so much, these are all awesome suggestions, I have gone through your list, and I have done them (all except the Uefi System Test).

I believe that I have potentially found the issue. Whilst I was applying the Thermal paste, I noticed a sticky brown substance on the CPU fan and some of its surroundings (this is a work laptop that I inherited). I think that the previous user had a beverage accident, and it got into the vent and spilled on the fan.

Since the Fan RPM does not show up on HWinfo or Fan Control, i now assume that the controller or some other component may have been damaged by the liquid.

Thank you so much for your support, along with @Garp_Senchau, I really do appreciate all of it. Il have to close off this thread with this comment as I really do believe that either the Fan itself or the controller chip or something else was damaged during a liquid spill.

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Caleb-Singh,

A huge thank you for marking this post as the 'Accepted Solution'! We're thrilled that we could help resolve your issue. 

If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask. We're here to help! 

Thanks again for your confirmation, and we wish you an amazing day ahead! 

Best Regards,