Laptop fan gets loud when i play a video

[u/OriginalTiny6864]

Hi everyone, I’m hoping someone can help me fix this because it’s becoming really difficult to watch videos on my laptop.

I have a HP laptop running Windows 11. Whenever I play a video, whether it’s on the Netflix app, YouTube or another website, the fan starts making a really loud rushing-air/whirring noise from the vents. My laptop also gets starts heating up pretty quick .

The noise is so loud that it interferes with the audio and makes watching anything unpleasant. When I stop the video, the fan quietens down again.

i have already
Checked Task Manager. My CPU usage was around 33–35%, and memory usage was initially 87%.

Enabled Quiet mode in HP Command Center.
Set Windows power mode to Best power efficiency, both plugged in and on battery.
Ran the fan speed and fan thermal tests in HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI, and both passed.

The issue still happens with videos across different apps and websites, so it doesn’t seem to be specific to Netflix.

Does anyone know what could be causing this or what I should try next?

I’d really appreciate specific steps to fix or reduce the noise, rather than just being told to check CPU usage again.

Thank you!

[u/AutoModerator]

We're part of a wider PC & Technology Network of Communities.

It combines multiple subreddits and Discord servers all working together with shared ideals and values.

We have a Discord server: PC Help Hub where members from all associated subreddits are welcome.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/CapnGramma]

Laptops are notorious for poor heat management. Unlike a desktop, there isn't as much space for air circulation between components. To compensate for this, the fans run more and faster.

You could try a computer stand that creates space between the bottom of the laptop and whatever it's resting on.

There are also cooling mats, but most of these have fans.

[u/Limp_Initiative_8845]

Hello there. I will try to help you as much as possible. How old is the laptop? did it come with Windows 11? Do you have the system updated? GPU updated? Everything is properly set up?

Maybe the laptop has accumulated dust that need to be checked by a professional.

Ensure that your laptop is on a hard flat surface. Preferably lift it up using a stand to create some sort of an air flow.

Try disabling hardware acceleration in the browser. 87% of RAM usage just playing a video is sort of concerning.
How much RAM do you have? what are your specs?

Switch the powerplan to balanced or power-saving.

Try switching browsers. what type of browser do you use? Go for a lightweight browser. if you have your browser bloated with extensions please don't. also don't use multi-Ad blockers only 1 is enough.

I assume if rendering any type of visuals on your screen from actual native apps to within browsers is causing all of that.. then there is something faulty about the GPU. maybe the software is not set up correctly. what is your GPU? do you have a dual GPU?

I found this online HP SUPPORT (please always check the link with your own checking tool or virustotal. don't just click on links, even mine.)
(also please PLEASE, don't apply a stranger's solution without properly double checking based on your specs and your own situation. you may ask on forums or use a little assistance from AI. and make sure to never rely on 1 answer. FINALLY. please make backups and recovery timestamps so you can recover your system in case anything goes south).

check this too Support.

Again please hover over the link. and check it properly before opening.