Why Does My Computer Fan Run All the Time?

Computers allow us to connect with people from around the world, and successfully complete school and business work. Unfortunately, technical issues can arise after prolonged use of a computer or due to manufacturer issues. A computer fan that runs all the time can be from your personal habits when using your computer. Fortunately inexpensive steps can be taken to resolve the matter.

If you are using a laptop computer in your lap or on a cloth for an extended period of time, your computer may be overheating, causing the fan consistently run. Since the computer has little insulation between the surface and the motherboard, the fan stays on. Purchase a cooling pad for the laptop. It can be found at your local office supply store. If you don't want to buy a cooling pad, you can periodically lift your laptop up and sit it on a desk, countertop or another flat surface.

If your desktop is overheating, it could be because it is in a small area with with little ventilation. Ensure your desktop is in an area that allows air to circulate.

You computer fan may have accumulated a lot of dust, which causes the fan to run continuously. Purchase compressed air and periodically spray the computer fan to loosen up any dust that may have accumulated. Most computer fans are exposed, so accessing the fan should not be a challenge.

In some cases, your computer may have either a defective fan or thermostat. Computer providers, such as Dell, allow you to purchase a new fan and replace it yourself. For thermostat issues, you may have to contact a computer repair professional for assistance.

Depending on the age of your computer multiple programs that are running can cause it to overheat. Watching a lot of DVDs, playing video games, and listening to music on your computer also can cause overheating. Considering closing some of your programs and rebooting your computer.

Spyware can continuously run on your computer, causing the fan to overheat. Spyware is software that may have installed on your computer without your knowledge. Perform a virus and spyware scan on your computer. Download.com offers free or paid software for spyware and virus scanning and removal.