How to fix an Acer Chromebook that keeps overheating

If your Acer® Chromebook™ feels more like a heating pad than a laptop, it’s time to cool things down. Overheating is not normal, and if it continues, it may damage the Chromebook’s internal components and decrease its lifespan.

Asurion Experts help people fix their tech every day, and we know what it takes to get your Chromebook back to working as it should. Here’s how to fix an overheating Acer Chromebook—and prevent it from heating up again.

Why is your Acer Chromebook overheating?

Overheating is usually caused by one (or more) of these common issues:

• Heavy usage: Activities such as gaming and streaming videos require higher processing speeds that generate heat.
• Blocked vents: Dust and grime may clog vents and hinder air circulation, as can using your Chromebook on a soft surface that blocks airflow.
• Outdated software: An outdated operating system, driver, or other component can cause inefficient Acer Chromebook performance. 

Let’s walk through a few ways to troubleshoot the problem. 

Troubleshooting steps for Chromebook overheating

Try these options to prevent an Acer Chromebook from heating up so fast.

Give your Chromebook a break

If it’s hot to the touch, shut it down and unplug it. Let it cool off for 15–30 minutes before using it again. If you typically use it while it’s charging, give that a break too—it naturally produces more heat.

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Check for blocked vents and verify proper airflow

Shut the Acer Chromebook down. Once it’s powered off, use a can of compressed air to clean out dust in the vents and fans of your device. 

Close unnecessary apps and processes

Do you have multiple apps or internet tabs open on your device? Heavy usage may cause the Chromebook’s temperature to climb. Use the device’s taskbar to identify open apps and exit the ones you don’t need.

1. Press the Search and Esc keys simultaneously to open Task Manager.
2. Click on tasks you don’t need and click the End process button to shut them down. 

Reduce screen brightness and adjust power settings

A too-bright screen isn’t just hard on your eyes. It also saps a Chromebook’s power supply and may cause overheating. To lower the brightness level, press the F5 key on your Acer Chromebook. You can increase brightness with the F6 key. 

Alternatively, you can adjust screen brightness through the device’s taskbar. 

1. Click the battery or time icon to open the device’s settings. 
2. Use the screen brightness slider to adjust display settings.

Update ChromeOS and any apps

Outdated system software can prevent your Chromebook from running smoothly. Check for updates using these steps.

1. Click the Time icon > Settings on the Acer Chromebook’s desktop.
2. Select About ChromeOS from the available options on the left.
3. The Chromebook’s current operating system version appears. Click Check for updates. The device automatically downloads and installs any updates it finds.

Reset or Powerwash your Chromebook

Powerwashing a Chromebook restores it to its factory settings. It may remove any software conflicts that cause the device to overheat.

1. Click the Status Bar icons on the bottom right, then click Settings. 
2. Expand Advanced settings and click Reset settings.
3. Click Reset under Powerwash. 
4. Click Reset.
5. Once the Acer Chromebook restarts, select Powerwash.
6. Click Continue to finish the process.

Ways to prevent Chromebook overheating

Try these steps to stop a Chromebook from running too hot.

• Keep the Chromebook in a cool, dry environment. Chromebooks work best when kept indoors, away from direct sunlight and liquids. Try not to eat or drink while using the Chromebook, and avoid taking it to the beach or pool.
• Use a laptop cooling pad for better airflow. Laptop cooling pads position your Chromebook at an angle, increasing airflow. Some come with electronic fans to further improve circulation. It’s worth purchasing a laptop cooling pad if you use the Acer Chromebook regularly and want to maximize its lifespan.
• Regularly clean dust from the vents. Compressed air works wonders! Keep a can handy to remove dust from vents and fan areas.
• Monitor CPU usage with Task Manager. You can track CPU usage with Task Manager. If you notice it’s higher than usual, exit out of apps or tabs you don’t need. 

FAQ

Why is my Acer Chromebook so hot all the time?

It could be working too hard—running too many apps, sitting on a soft surface, or struggling with outdated software.

Can overheating permanently damage my Chromebook?

Yes, if left unchecked. Long-term overheating can shorten battery life, impact performance, or cause internal components to fail.

Do Acer Chromebooks have fans?

Some models have fans, while others use passive cooling. If yours doesn’t have a fan, airflow becomes even more important.

How can I tell if my Chromebook is overheating?

If it’s hot to the touch, shuts down randomly, or the fan (if present) is constantly running, your Chromebook may be overheating.

Will a factory reset fix overheating?

A reset can help if the cause is software-related, but it won’t fix issues like a failing battery or internal damage. If you're unsure, bring it to a Acer repair expert for diagnosis.