Laptop (HP Pavilion) thermal shutdown error message - thinks it's overheating but it isn't

[SHolliday]

For the past couple of weeks whenever I have switched my laptop on, it initially shows the HP screen then switches off immediately.  When I switch it on a second time it works, but shows an error message that it forced a thermal shutdown.  However it is working normally once it does start up and I shut it down normally every time.  It does not feel excessively hot, and it has never shut itself down while I am using it.  I am confused as it doesn't seem to be overheating but thinks it is.  Any thoughts?  Thanks.

[MKazi · Accepted solution]

@SHolliday

Thanks for reaching out to us on HP Support Forums. 🙂 I came across your post and would like to help.

I understand that you have an HP Pavilion x360 Convertible series laptop. I read that when you try to power it on, the HP logo appears then it switches off immediately. The laptop powers on fine on the second restart and displays a message staying that "it forced a thermal shutdown".  The laptop works fine otherwise and does not seem to overheat a lot. Not worry, I'll do my best to help you. 

To provide an accurate resolution, I need a few more details: 

• Please let me know the exact product model no. This link will help you to find the model no: http://hp.care/2bygf7l
• Did any hardware changes take place on the laptop recently?
• Did any updates happen on the laptop?
• Is the fan inside the laptop making a loud noise than usual?

I recommend you to perform the following steps to isolate the issue and arrive at a fix: 

• Power off the laptop.
• Remove the battery out. If the battery is integrated then leave the battery inside the laptop.
• Disconnected AC adapter from the laptop.
• Press and hold the power button for 15 seconds.
• Reconnect the battery and plug the AC adapter.
• Power ON the laptop.

If the issue persists then please perform the steps as described in detail from this HP article. These steps usually help in fixing such issues. 

I sincerely hope this fixes the issue. Please feel free to keep me posted. Cheers! 🙂

[SHolliday]

Thank you!  I couldn't remove the battery and had tried holding the power button, but did try this again as you advised.  It actually went through a brief period of getting worse (screen would not show anything) but then started working normally again.  Not sure if it was this solution or it just fixed itself, but it is fine now, so thank you for your help!