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- HP Envy Laptop runs hot when idle

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09-10-2023 10:51 AM
I bought this laptop a week ago and it was fine when I was using it as a laptop. This weekend, I attached it to my docking station and two monitor set up, then changed the power option to not go to sleep when I closed the laptop. It is supposed to go to sleep after I don't use it for 5 minutes. But apparently it does not do this. When I came in to use the lap top this morning, it was so hot I could barely touch it! That's kind of scary and dangerous. I've never had that problem with other laptops before.
I've changed the setting to shut down when I close the laptop. I would prefer the other option. Is there another setting I need to use with Windows 11? I'm new to this operating system and assumed it would be similar to Windows 10.
09-12-2023 11:39 PM
Hi @IndyJoni,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
If your HP Envy laptop is running hot when it's idle, there are several potential causes and solutions you can consider. Overheating can be detrimental to your laptop's performance and longevity, so addressing this issue is important. Here are some steps you can take to diagnose and mitigate the problem:
- Check for Dust and Blockages: Dust and debris can accumulate inside your laptop's vents and fans, obstructing airflow and causing overheating. Turn off your laptop, unplug it, and open it up if you feel comfortable doing so (or consult a professional). Use compressed air to blow out any dust or debris from the vents and fans.
- Update or Roll Back Graphics Drivers: Sometimes, graphics drivers can cause laptops to overheat when idle. Check if there are updates available for your graphics drivers through the manufacturer's website. If updating doesn't help, consider rolling back to a previous driver version to see if that resolves the issue.
- Adjust Power Settings: Your laptop's power settings can impact its temperature. Go to your laptop's power settings and ensure it's not set to a high-performance mode when it's not necessary. Use a balanced or power-saving plan instead.
- Close Unnecessary Background Processes: Check your Task Manager for any unnecessary background processes or applications that might be running and consuming CPU or GPU resources. Close any applications that you don't need.
- Check for Malware: Malware or viruses can run in the background and consume system resources, leading to increased heat generation. Run a full system scan with reliable antivirus software to ensure your laptop is clean.
- Elevate the Laptop: Place your laptop on a hard, flat surface, like a table or laptop cooling pad, rather than on soft surfaces like beds or couches. This allows for better airflow and cooling.
- Update BIOS: Sometimes, updating the laptop's BIOS can help resolve overheating issues. Check HP's website for any available BIOS updates for your specific laptop model.
- Use a Cooling Pad: Consider using an external laptop cooling pad with built-in fans to help dissipate heat more effectively.
- Monitor Temperatures: Install software to monitor your laptop's temperatures in real-time, such as Core Temp or HWMonitor. This can help you identify which component is overheating.
- Hardware Issues: In some cases, a faulty component like the CPU or GPU can cause overheating. If none of the above solutions work, it's possible that there's a hardware issue.
Remember that laptops naturally generate some heat when they're running, but excessive heat during idle periods can indicate a problem that needs attention.
I hope this helps.
Take care and have a good day.
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Alden4
HP Support
HP Support Community Moderator