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• Mac Overheating Problems

To sum up, the overheating of your Mac is directly proportional to how the fans circulate. If there’s any barrier or hindrance that stops the movement of the fans, your MacBook will overheat and eventually crash or shut down without any pre-warning.

Despite being a highly energy-efficient machine that can tackle heavy workloads, MacBook Pro is not immune to overheating just like any other laptop in the market. As to what can prevent heating, it’s not the sort of problem that can be sorted out with a trick or two. Rather, it’s kind of a challenge that can be encountered with a set of tips.

So, if your MacBook often runs too hot to handle and you are running out of ideas to keep it cool, give these tips a shot to fix the MacBook Pro overheating issue.

13 Tips to Fix MacBook Pro Overheating Issue

As you might have already guessed, there could be more than one reason behind the overheating problem. Thus, nailing down each culprit would be the right way to go.

Side Note: The below-mentioned tips can work on any MacBook including MacBook Air. So, it doesn’t matter which model you have, you can follow the same solutions to overcome the hurdle.

So, Why Does Your MacBook Run Hot in the First Place?

First things first, so many things can cause your MacBook to overheat. It could be due to too many resource-hogging apps, overkilling, worn-out fan or cluttered storage/memory. Not to mention, a software bug might also be playing a spoilsport from behind the scene. Yeah, you heard it right! The problem could be both hardware and software specific. So, you have to look for solutions keeping in mind either aspects.

As overheating can cause your notebook to shut down unexpectedly that could result in data loss, the sooner you find the right answer, the better it is not only for your laptop but also for your workflow. Therefore, be sure to check off all the tips so that you can get rid of the problem and also prevent it from occurring again and again.

Quick Access:

Tip #1. First Up, Nab All the Memory Hogging Apps

While almost every app claims to be less resource-hogging, very few of them can walk the talk. They force the processor to work overtime, thereby disturbing the entire heat level of the notebook. When the CPU goes on the overdrive, the fan has to accelerate to dissipate the heat. And this is where the problem begins!

So, before going on to troubleshoot the MacBook overheating issues, make sure to give a close look at how CPU resources are used on your macOS device.

To open Activity Monitor, launch Finder → Applications folder → Utilities. Now, double-click on the Activity Monitor icon and then make sure the CPU tab is selected at the top.

Now, a detailed sheet will appear on the screen showing how much CPU resources a specific app is using. The memory hogging apps would appear right at the top. In my case, it’s none other than Google Chrome and its helper (the so-called usual suspects) that are getting the most out of CPU on my MacBook. And I guess your story might not be dissimilar to mine.

Once you have caught the culprits red-handed, either delete them all or stop using them heavily.

Tip #2. Make Sure to Keep the MacBook’s Vents Unobstructed While Using

Are you in the habit of putting your MacBook on the stomach or lap and work while relaxing on the couch/bed? If yes, the devil could well be in this very habit.

As MacBooks vent from the backside, ensure that the rear side of the notebook isn’t blocked. Else, the notebook will heat up quickly. Avoid resting it on things like blanket or pillow as it prevents the device from venting properly. A flat surface like a table, desk, or book is the right place to put the notebook on while you are working on it.

Tip #3. Why Not Use Stand for Your MacBook

I prefer to use a stand for multiple reasons. First and foremost, it allows the MacBook to vent properly so that it can remain cool even after hours of use. And second, it provides enhanced viewing angles. If you like the idea of a stand, get a user-friendly one right now. For that, you don’t need to look beyond our roundup of the best stands for MacBook.

Tip #4. Avoid Putting Your MacBook in Direct Sunlight

Though it’s not a MacBook Pro overheating solution per se but rather a precaution, avoid sitting your notebook in the direct sunlight. I have noticed it many a time that my laptop easily heats whenever it faces the sunlight. So, I make sure to keep the notebook away from it. Moreover, Apple suggests users keep the device at a place where the temperature is between 10-35 degrees Celsius.

Tip #5. Keep Fewer Tabs and Windows Open

For smooth-sailing performance, it’s always better to keep fewer tabs and windows open. When you aren’t using any tab or a window, make sure to close it. While this tip sounds basic and age-old, not many people follow it consistently. It’s these tiny things that help improve performance. So, the next time you go for an extensive web browsing (or something of that kind), ensure that only the needed tabs are open.

Tip #6. Customize Energy Saver Settings

Granted, MacBook Pros and multitasking go hand-in-hand due largely to the high-end specs and highly optimized macOS. But that doesn’t mean the notebooks don’t have any loopholes. While dealing with heavy files (i.e during video editing, graphic designing or running hardcore games that require a ton of memory), the laptops tend to get hot.

Mac Overheating Problems

If you are a power user, don’t fail to customize the energy saver settings in line with your needs. It can help extend the battery life of your MacBook and also alleviate the heating issue to a good extent. To do so, click on the Apple() menu → System → Energy Saver.

Now, adjust energy-related settings. For instance, you can enable/disable automatic graphics switching, put hard disks to sleep when possible, etc.

Tip #7. Check Your MacBook’s Fan

There is a reason why a cooling fan exists, isn’t it? It plays a decisive role in preventing a MacBook from heating. If you find your notebook often running rather hot, the fan might be at fault. It may either be completely worn out or unable to carry out its task with the needed proficiency. macOS comes with a hardware diagnostic tool that can help you spot hardware issues on your device.

Step #1. To use this tool, make sure to remove all the peripheral devices and turn off your MacBook first.

Step #2. Now, restart your notebook and then hold down the D key to kickstart either Apple Hardware Test (On MacBook made before June 2013) or Apple Diagnostics ( On MacBook made after June 2013).

Side Note: On older MacBooks like 2011 model, holding down the D key may not kickstart the Apple Hardware Test. In this case, you can use the Option-D key combination to get the job done.

Step #3. Next, follow the on-screen instructions to begin the test.

After the basic test which takes just a few minutes, macOS will report hardware issues. If you want to go for an in-depth hardware test, you have the option to check a box for it. Keep in mind, an in-depth test will require an hour or more.

If you see any of these, take the laptop to a service provider and you will get further advice on what to do.

At the end of the test, if you see reference codes starting with PPF, there may be a problem with the cooling fan. In this case, contact Apple or take your notebook to an Apple-authorized service provider.

Tip #8. Reset SMC

The other reliable trick that can work in troubleshooting the overheating issues of MacBook Pro is to reset SMC. For those unfamiliar, it stands for the system management controller which plays a vital role in controlling the thermal management of the macOS device. Times when the fan of the notebook is running high, it can help resolve the problem.

First off, click on Apple Menu and choose Shut Down. When your note is turned off, press “shift+option+control” keys on the keyboard and the power button at once. Make sure to hold them for 10 seconds and then release all the keys. Now, turn on the laptop by pressing the power button. That’s it! You have reset the SMC.

Tip #9. Wipe Out All Useless Stuff

Though not many of you may believe, a cluttered Mac not only runs sluggishly but also gets too hot. Hence, it pays to wipe out all the redundant files and unused apps frequently.

If cleaning up the Mac isn’t one of your virtues, chances are pretty high that your laptop might already be cluttered. So, the villain could be none other than the useless documents and data that may have piled up over time.

To me, the best way to keep a notebook decluttered is to remove unnecessary data regularly so that it doesn’t become a huge chunk. Just in case, you find it a bit tedious to get rid of the useless files manually, take advantage of third-party cleanup tools.

The ones that I have found quite reliable are MacClean and TweakBit MacRepair. Give them a try to keep track of unnecessary files and delete them all with ease.

Side Note: Many of these third-party tools also come with the option to remove malware which also causes Macs to overheat. If the storage clean up tools don’t feature malware removal features, get an anti-malware application to not only offer additional safeguards to your notebook but also prevent it from heating.

Tip #10. Clean Your Mac

Believe it or not, dirt and dust do sneak into Mac and start creating problems. Having been on the receiving end a few times, I wouldn’t be surprised if the issue would be caused by grime or dust that may have piled up over the years. So, how would you clean it up?

Well, you can (or take the help of a tech-savvy friend) use a screwdriver to remove the bottom panel of the notebook. Then, use a soft cloth to clean the debris. Compressed air can also come in handy in blowing away dust from the cooling fan and its vents.

Tip #11. Get Rid of Flash

Never let flash videos and spammy advertisements run amuck as they also play a good part in stoking overheating issues on Mac. It’s because they often load up automatically, hacking away plenty of resources of the system and thereby putting undue pressure on the laptop. So, be sure to disable Flash plug-ins in the web browsers.

In macOS Safari, click on Safari menu → Preferences → Websites. Now, deselect the tickbox located on the left of the plug-in name.

If you want to completely remove flash-plugins from your Mac, head over to Adobe’s website and download the Flash plug-in uninstaller. After that, run the uninstaller to get rid of the Flash from your device.

Tip #12. Disable Turbo Boost

MacBooks come with an Intel processor that features a productivity-boosting technology called “Turbo Boost.” What it primarily does is amps up the standard clock rate to enable the processor to tackle heavy files faster. While Turbo Boost ramps up productivity, the increased performance comes at a cost of a lot of extra energy consumption resulting in overheating.

Unfortunately, macOS doesn’t offer a native tool to disable this feature. But bother not, there is a super handy tool to turn it off/on. So, if you are willing to keep your Mac cool overlooking the slight dip in performance, head over to our complete guide.

Tip #13. Update Your MacBook

You can keep a host of issues at bay just by keeping your MacBook updated. And the answer to this overheating issue might also be packed inside the new software update. So, hop into the System Preferences → Software Update and then download and install the latest macOS update as usual.

Signing Off…

After going through all the MacBook Pro overheating solutions, you may have observed that one can take control of the issue just by taking care of basic things – in most cases.

Wiping out useless data, keeping flash videos/malware at bay, allowing the MacBook to vent properly, and putting the notebook in sync with the latest software update can go a long way in preventing this issue from cropping up.

You may also like to catch up with these posts:

Hopefully, these tips can help you keep your MacBook cool. Have any tips to share with us?

Suraj is a digital marketing expert on the iGB's team. He contributes to the social media section along with tips and tricks for iPhone, Apple Watch. Apart from blogging, he likes to work out as much as he can in his gym and love to listening to retro music.

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This page focuses on finding why does computer freeze when playing games and how to fix PC freezes while playing games in Windows 10/8/7.

If your computer randomly freezes when playing games in Windows 10, 8, 7, don't worry. Follow this page, you'll find reliable solutions to improve computer performance and have an enjoyable gaming time:

Computer Randomly Freezes When Playing Games on Windows 10

'I have recently upgraded Windows 10 from 32 bit to 64 bit and now my games are randomly locking up on me. The game freezes, with the sound looped (very short sample, so it just sounds like buzzing), and sometimes resumes after a second or two, other times stays locked up.

The same happens with several different games, and not in particularly performance-heavy spots. Why do my games keep freezing and how do I fix it? Can anyone help me? Thank you very much!!'

According to many game players, it's despairing when their computers or PCs freeze when playing games at home. So how to resolve this issue and make your computer running fast and smooth when playing games?

Let's find out what is making your computer stuck and how to get rid of this issue now.

Why Does PC Keep Freezing When Playing Games

As a matter of fact, there are a lot of factors that may cause your computer slow or even stuck. Here is a list of main reasons that may cause your games freezing in Windows 10/8/7:

• Graphics card low performance
• Low Internet speed, unstable network connection
• Computer hard drive slow or full
• Low memory storage
• Incompatible Graphics card driver or outdated Graphics card driver
• Insufficient disk space
• Computer or system compatible issue
• Windows 10 automatic update stuck games
• ...

As the factors that cause your games freezing on the computer are various, the fixes may also different. It doesn't matter if you are not quite sure which factor is freezing your computer.

Just follow the tips below one by one, you'll make your computer running fast again while playing games.

Quick Tips to Fix 'Computer Freezes When Playing Games' in Windows 10/8/7

In this part, we'll list some quick tips to help you avoid and fix computer freeze issue while playing games in Windows 10/8/7.

#1. Use Gaming Computer/Notebooks

Don't use a normal computer or a business notebook to play games, especially huge online games.

#2. Close Programs that Are Taking High CPU, RAM, Memory Usage

It's an efficient way to end the task of running programs that are taking high CPU, RAM memory usage when your computer gets stuck.

This method also works when your PC freezing when playing games. Here are the steps:

Step 1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Del keys to bring up Task Manager.

Step 2. Click 'Task Manager' and go to the process tab.

Step 3. Find the running programs that are taking high CPU or memory, select them and click' End Task'.

Note that if you don't mind to lose your game, you can also choose to close the running game. After this, you can restart the PC and play games on your computer again.

#3. Improve Internet Speed, Update Network Bandwidth

Note that, if the network connection is unstable or the network bandwidth is very low, you'll certainly get stuck while playing games. So, here are what you can do:

Step 1. Make sure the internet connection cables are good.

If not, change with a new internet connection wire and reconnect it to your computer tightly.

Step 2. If you are using WiFi, make sure the Router works in a good condition.

You can also release the limit of network bandwidth on your gaming PC. If the Router gets old, change it with a new one.

Step 3. Check the bandwidth of your network, if it's low, update it to a higher one.

Part 1. Update Computer Hardware to Get Rid Of 'PC Freezes While Gaming' Error

Applies to: Fix 'PC freezes while gaming' or 'game freezing Windows 10' error due to low hardware performance issues.

Note that sometimes, when the computer hardware devices are not compatible with your games, it's easy to get freeze while playing games on your PC.

Therefore, it's important to update all hardware devices on your PC. Check out and see what you can do here.

#1. Update CPU Chip

If the CPU chip is old or not compatible with your current computer motherboard, the computer performance will be degraded. So here's what you can do:

Step 1. Check and purchase a new CPU processer that is compatible with your computer.

Step 2. Back up your computer data and OS. (Optional)

If you are worried about losing data and system crash after upgrading CPU, you can turn to reliable Windows backup software like EaseUS Todo Backup for help.

Step 3. When you get the new CPU home, remove the old one with tools, and secure the new process in your PC.

#2. Update Graphics Card

Mostly, the Graphics card is the second important hardware that decides whether your computer can run games smoothly. If the Graphics card is not compatible or too old, it will affect the gaming performance of your PC.

Here are the steps:

Step 1. Purchase a new graphics card or a gaming graphics card (with higher performance).

Step 2. Uninstall the current graphics card:

Go to Device Manager > Display adapters > Right-click your current graphics card and select 'Uninstall device'.

Step 3. Install the new card.

Step 4. Download and install new graphics card drivers.

You may download the drivers from the graphics card manufacturers' website and install them your PC.

#3. Upgrade Disk to SSD, Migrate OS and Games to SSD

If the computer hard drive is getting old or running out of space, the computer will slow down while running programs, especially when you are playing games.

So the best way out is to upgrade the old hard drive, migrating your OS with installed games to a new SSD. Here is how to do it:

1. Purchase and Prepare a New SSD

Step 1. Purchase a new SSD with a gger storage capacity than your old hard drive.

Step 2. Install SSD to your computer and initialize it to the same partition style of your OS disk.

Open Disk Management > Right-click unallocated SSD volume and select 'Initialize Disk' > Select 'MBR' or 'GPT'.

2. Migrate OS with Games to New SSD

To do so, you'll need the help of a professional Windows migration tool for help. Here, we'd like to recommend you try EaseUS Todo Backup.

It will simply migrate the Windows OS, moving installed games, programs, and software together to your SSD in only a few clicks. Follow the steps here to move Windows 10/8/7 and your games to the new disk: (We'll take migrate Windows 10 to SSD as an example.)

Let's see how to clone your Windows 10 OS to a new HDD/SSD without reinstallation Windows OS now:

Step 1. Connect the new HDD/SSD to your PC.

Step 2. Run EaseUS Todo Backup for Windows 10 Clone.

Select 'System Clone' on the left tool panel by clicking the icon at the left top corner.

Step 3. Choose the destination disk - HDD/SSD to save Windows 10 system

Choose the new HDD or SSD as your target disk for saving the cloned Windows 10 system.

Then click 'Proceed'to start cloning Windows 10 to HDD/SSD now.

After this, insert your new HDD or SSD into your computer and reboot PC, change the boot order to set computer boot from new HDD/SSD with cloned Windows 10 system:

• Restart PC and press F2 orF8 to enter BIOS settings.
• In the Boot option, select new HDD/SSD as the new boot drive and save all the changes.
• Exit BIOS and restart the computer, you should be able to see Windows 10 running on your new disk without any problems.

3. Set Up PC and Games Running from SSD

Step 1. Install SSD to PC, restart PC, and press F2/F8/Del to enter BIOS.

Step 2. Go to the Boot menu, set the SSD as the boot drive in the Boot Priority section.

Step 3. Save all the changes and restart the o run from the new SSD.

#4. Leave Sufficient Memory, Add New Memory Cards

Note that when the memory is with low space on your computer, the gaming speed will be affected. So the best way out is to extend the memory storage by adding new memory cards.

Step 1. Purchase a new memory stick, it must share the same capacity as your current memory stick.

Step 2. Install the memory stick to your computer.

#5. Avoid Overheat

When the computer reaches a high temperature, the computer performance will go down. Due to the computer self-protection mechanism, the CPU and graphics card will also slow down if the device is overheated.

So how to avoid overheating issue on your computer? Here are two things that you can do:

1. Clear computer dust

When the computer or laptop has been used for a long period, the dust will go inside the computer, covering all types of hardware devices in your PC.

With too much dust, the computer will get overheat easily.

2. Check if the Fan Is Running

If the fan doesn't work, the computer will also get a high temperature. So it is to the CPU, graphics, motherboard, and other devices.

So you need to check if the fan is running properly. If not, check its power cable. Or, you can change a new fan to keep the computer cool.

The above 5 tips mainly focus on helping you upgrading hardware devices to resolve the freezing issue on Windows PC. But you need to know that software issue may also cause your PC freeze while gaming.

Follow the next part with tutorials to thoroughly make your computer work fast while running games and programs on it.

Part 2. Improve Software Condition to Address 'Computer Freezes When Playing Games in Windows 10'

Applies to: Get rid of the computer freezes when playing games in Windows 10' issue by upgrading software conditions in your PC.

Here we collected 4 tips to help you resolve software issue on your PC, providing a perfect condition for you to play games:

#1. Clean Up Junk Files in C Drive

When the system C drive is full with useless junk files, the computer performance will be affected. To clean up the junk files, you'll need to turn to professional tools for help.

Here, we'd like to suggest you try EaseUS Tools M, a tiny but powerful tool for Windows.

Step 1.  DOWNLOAD and install EaseUS Tools M. Select 'System Cleanup' on the main screen.

Step 2. Select the type of junk files you want to scan and click 'Analyze'.

Step 3. Identify and select useless files and click 'Clean up' to remove those files from your PC or laptop.

#2. Extend System and Game Drive

If the system or game drive is out of space, you will also experience slow performance while playing games. To resolve this issue, you have two options to go:

Option 1. Move and Save Large Files to External Hard Drive

It's a way to free up disk space in the target drive. To do so, you'll need to prepare an external hard drive with enough space.

Step 1. Connect the external hard drive to your PC.

Step 2. Open File Explorer, find the large files on your PC.

Step 3. Copy & cut those large files and save to your external hard drive.

Option 2. Extend System C (Game Drive)

The other way that you can try is to add more free space to your current system C drive or game drive. By doing so, your computer games will have sufficient space to load images and save game caches. As a result, you'll enjoy a smooth gaming time.

Professional partition manager software - EaseUS Partition Master with its Resize/Move feature can extend your system drive within only a few simple clicks.

Step 1: Launch EaseUS Partition Master

Step 2: Add space to the System C drive

1. Shrink partition and leave unallocated space for extending C: drive:

• Right-click on a partition next to the C: drive and select 'Resize/Move'.
• Drag the end of the partition that is next to the C: drive and shrink it, leaving unallocated space next to the system C: drive, and click 'OK'.

2. Right-click on the System C: drive and select 'Resize/Move'.

To add space to the C: drive, drag the system partition end into the unallocated space.

Step 3: Confirm to extend system C drive

Click the 'Execute Operation' button, it will list the pending operations, and click 'Apply' to execute the changes and extend the C drive.

#3. Disable Windows 10 Automatic Update

Note that if you use Windows 10 on your computer, you may get stuck while playing games when the Windows 10 update assistant receives and installs a new update.

To avoid this, we suggest you disable Windows 10 automatic updates. Here are the steps:

Step 1. Press Windows + R keysat the same time to invoke the Run box.

Step 2.Type services.msc and press Enter.

Step 3. Locate and double-click 'Windows Update'.

Step 4. In Startup type, select 'Disabled'. Then click 'Apply' and 'OK' to save the settings.

#4. Install Compatible Games on Your OS

Sometimes, when your computer OS doesn't reach the hardware requirement of the games, you may not be able to play it smoothly.

Here, we have two tips for you:

1. Install OS-compatible games on your computer.

2. Upgrade your computer OS, CPU to meet the game request if necessary.

For example, if the game requires Windows 10 but your OS is Windows 8 or so, you can try to upgrade the Windows OS to Windows 10 so as to make it work.

Here is how to get the latest update on your PC:

Step 1. Click the 'Start' menu and click the 'Settings' tab.

Step 2. Click 'Update & security'.

Step 3. Select 'Windows Update' in the left pane and click 'Check for updates'.

Step 4. If there is a new update available, click 'Install Now'.

Make sure you have an active Internet connection and follow the onscreen instruction to complete the process.

The Bottom Line

On this page, we mainly focused on finding the reasons that make your computer freeze while playing games and how to get rid of this issue from your PC.

For a quick fix, if your computer freezes in playing games, you can first disable and end task of running programs that are taking high CPU usage.

To thoroughly get rid of this issue, making your computer fast in playing games, you need to follow the suggestions as shown above to upgrade both hardware devices and software settings on your PC.

Note that, to avoid unnecessary file loss or OS crash issue, or if you want to save some precious game shots, we suggest you back up them all to an external storage device with a reliable back up tool like EaseUS Todo Backup for help.