Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →To make a laptop quieter during everyday tasks, first choose a less aggressive power mode: in Windows 11, try Best power efficiency or Balanced; on a supported Mac, try Low Power Mode. These settings can reduce energy use and the cooling demand created by routine work, but they cannot clear blocked vents or repair a failing fan. The exact choices and effects depend on the laptop model, operating system and workload.
Choose a quieter power mode
A fan speeds up when a laptop needs to remove heat. Lower-power modes may help when you are browsing, writing or doing other light work, but they can trade some responsiveness or peak performance for energy savings. Keep a higher-performance mode for demanding work that benefits from it, such as sustained intensive tasks.
| System and mode | When to try it | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11: Best power efficiency | Light work when you prioritize lower power use | Microsoft says this mode reduces power use and limits background activity. Results vary by laptop and workload. |
| Windows 11: Balanced | Everyday use when you want a middle ground | It balances performance and battery use; it is also Microsoft’s suggested choice when a custom plan prevents changing the power mode. |
| Mac: Low Power Mode | Quieter, less demanding work on a supported Mac | Apple says it reduces energy use. On supported actively cooled Macs running macOS Sequoia 15.1 or later, it also helps reduce fan noise for quieter tasks. |
| Mac: Automatic | General use when you want the system’s normal behavior | Available choices depend on Mac model and macOS version. |
| Mac: High Power Mode | Intensive work that benefits from greater performance | Apple says this raises available fan speed, so additional fan noise may occur. |
Change the setting in Windows
Windows 11
- Open Start > Settings > System > Power & battery.
- Under Power mode, choose Best power efficiency for light work or Balanced for a less restrictive everyday setting.
- If Windows shows separate choices for battery and plugged-in use, set each as needed. You might prefer efficiency on battery and Balanced while plugged in.
If the Power mode control is unavailable or cannot be changed, a custom plan may be selected. Open Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options and choose Balanced if it is available. A laptop maker’s control utility or custom power plan can also affect which choices Windows displays.
Other Windows settings that can reduce idle energy use
- Energy saver: Windows 11 can dim the screen and limit background processes when the battery is low. This is an energy-saving measure, not a direct fan control.
- Screen and sleep timers: Shorter timers reduce power use while the laptop is idle; they do not directly set fan speed.
- Dynamic refresh rate: On supported systems, this Windows option can save display power. Do not assume it will produce a particular temperature or noise reduction.
Windows 10 power-mode availability depended on the device and manufacturer. Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025; standard free security updates no longer apply after that date.
#1 Best Overall
- Ultra-Portable: Slim, portable, and light weight allowing you to protect your investment wherever you go
- Ergonomic Comfort: Doubles as an ergonomic stand with two adjustable height settings
- Optimized for Laptop Carrying: The metal mesh provides your laptop with a stable laptop carrying surface
- Ultra-Quiet Fans: Three ultra-quiet fans create a noise-free environment for you
- Extra Usb Ports: Extra USB port and power switch design allows for connecting more USB devices. Warm Tips: The packaged cable is USB to USB connection. Type C connection devices need to prepare an Type C to USB adapter
Change the setting on a Mac
On macOS Ventura or later, open Apple menu > System Settings > Battery. Choose Low Power, Automatic or High Power for battery or power-adapter use, where those options are available. On macOS Monterey or earlier, use System Preferences > Battery.
Low Power Mode’s fan-noise benefit has a specific scope: Apple says that on macOS Sequoia 15.1 or later it helps reduce fan noise for quieter tasks on supported Macs with active cooling. Check Apple’s mode and model guidance for eligibility; do not assume every Mac has the same options. High Power Mode is intended for intensive workloads and may increase fan noise.
Rank #2
- Whisper-Quiet Operation: Enjoy a noise-free and interference-free environment with super quiet fans, allowing you to focus on your work or entertainment without distractions.
- Enhanced Cooling Performance: The laptop cooling pad features 5 built-in fans (big fan: 4.72-inch, small fans: 2.76-inch), all with blue LEDs. 2 On/Off switches enable simultaneous control of all 5 fans and LEDs. Simply press the switch to select 1 fan working, 4 fans working, or all 5 working together.
- Dual USB Hub: With a built-in dual USB hub, the laptop fan enables you to connect additional USB devices to your laptop, providing extra connectivity options for your peripherals. Warm tips: The packaged cable is a USB-to-USB connection. Type C connection devices require a Type C to USB adapter.
- Ergonomic Design: The laptop cooling stand also serves as an ergonomic stand, offering 6 adjustable height settings that enable you to customize the angle for optimal comfort during gaming, movie watching, or working for extended periods. Ideal gift for both the back-to-school season and Father's Day.
- Secure and Universal Compatibility: Designed with 2 stoppers on the front surface, this laptop cooler prevents laptops from slipping and keeps 12-17 inch laptops—including Apple Macbook Pro Air, HP, Alienware, Dell, ASUS, and more—cool and secure during use.
Find out what is making the fan run
Check for a busy app or process
A power mode will not make a demanding workload light. On a Surface, Microsoft recommends sorting Task Manager by CPU use and closing applications you do not need. On Windows, open Task Manager, select the Processes view and sort by the CPU column to spot heavy use. Close only apps you recognize and are not using; avoid ending unfamiliar system processes.
Consider workload, charging and the environment
Heavy work and charging can increase cooling demand. Microsoft says Surface fans may run more often or faster in environments warmer than 25°C / 77°F; that figure is Surface-specific, not a universal temperature threshold for laptops. Microsoft also notes that background setup activity can make fans run faster during the first 24 hours on a new Surface.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- 👍【Triple Efficient Fans】TECKNET laptop cooling pad with 3 powerful fans works at 1200 RPM to pull in cool air from the bottom to prevent your laptop, notebook, netbook, Ultrabook, Apple MacBook Pro cool from overheating during extended use or intense gaming.
- ✌️【Easy to Use】Powered directly by your laptop's USB port, the 110mm fans operate quietly and feature a dedicated on/off switch. No external power adapter is needed.
- 👑【Double USB Ports】One USB port can power the laptop cooler, the other one can be connected to external devices, such as keyboard, mouse, audio, etc. Blue LED indicators confirm the fans are running. Note: The included cable is USB-A to USB-A.
- 👍【Ergonomic Comfort】Choose between two adjustable height settings to achieve a more comfortable viewing angle. Integrated rubber pads on the surface and base keep your laptop securely in place.
- 👌【Wide Compatibility】Compatible with various laptop sizes from 12 up to 17 inches, such as Apple MacBook Pro Air, HP, Alienware, Dell, Lenovo, ASUS, etc (USB cable included). The laptop fan can also accurately dissipate heat for your tablet, router, game console.
For Surface devices, Microsoft says the fan responds to workload and that Recommended helps limit fan speed, while Better performance or Best performance can make the device warmer and its fan spin faster. That guidance describes Surface behavior; other laptop makers may use different mode names and tuning.
Check airflow before changing more settings
Power settings cannot compensate for obstructed vents or a cooling fault. Place the laptop on a firm surface with its intake and exhaust vents unobstructed. If you find visible dust or hair, use only the cleaning approach recommended for your exact model. MSI’s guidance for its laptops says to shut down before cleaning, keep distance from exhaust vents, and use compressed-air cans or blowers to remove debris. Do not treat that as permission to clean every laptop the same way: follow your manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.
Rank #4
- 【High-Speed Cooling Performance】 Equipped with two powerful fans and a precision metal mesh design, KYOLLY’s laptop cooling pad delivers optimal airflow to quickly dissipate heat, preventing overheating—even during extended use. Perfect for gaming, multitasking, or long work sessions.
- 【Slim, Lightweight & Highly Portable】 With its ultra-slim profile and lightweight build, this laptop cooler is easy to carry anywhere. A soft blue LED indicator lets you know when the fans are active, combining style with functionality.
- 【5-Level Height Adjustment & Anti-Slip Design】 Customize your typing and viewing angle with five ergonomic height settings. The built-in anti-slip baffles securely hold your laptop in place, making it both a efficient cooler and a reliable stand.
- 【Quiet Operation with Smooth Speed Control】 Enjoy focused work or gameplay thanks to virtually silent fan operation. Adjust wind speed smoothly with the rolling wheel controller to balance cooling power and noise level—ideal for office or shared environments.
- 【Universal Compatibility & Practical USB Ports】 Designed for laptops up to 15.6 inches, this cooler is perfect for home, office, or on-the-go use. Two additional USB ports offer convenient connectivity for peripherals like mice, keyboards, or phones.
For MSI systems, the manufacturer also recommends checking resource-heavy apps, ventilation, BIOS and Windows updates, and its own device utility for MSI-specific controls. Do not apply MSI utilities or fan-profile instructions to another brand.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When a power-mode change is not enough
Windows thermal-management guidance describes the underlying tradeoff: components use power and generate heat, and thermal management works to control heat without needlessly harming the user experience. Do not disable cooling protections or blindly change hidden processor settings. The official guidance does not establish a universal processor setting that safely reduces fan noise across laptop models.
Best Value
- 9 Super Cooling Fans: The 9-core laptop cooling pad can efficiently cool your laptop down, this laptop cooler has the air vent in the top and bottom of the case, you can set different modes for the cooling fans.
- Ergonomic comfort: The gaming laptop cooling pad provides 8 heights adjustment to choose.You can adjust the suitable angle by your needs to relieve the fatigue of the back and neck effectively.
- LCD Display: The LCD of cooler pad readout shows your current fan speed.simple and intuitive.you can easily control the RGB lights and fan speed by touching the buttons.
- 10 RGB Light Modes: The RGB lights of the cooling laptop pad are pretty and it has many lighting options which can get you cool game atmosphere.you can press the botton 2-3 seconds to turn on/off the light.
- Whisper Quiet: The 9 fans of the laptop cooling stand are all added with capacitor components to reduce working noise. the gaming laptop cooler is almost quiet enough not to notice even on max setting.
Seek model-specific troubleshooting or manufacturer-authorized service if excessive heat persists, the laptop repeatedly restarts or shuts down, performance degrades, or the fan makes abnormal mechanical sounds. Microsoft identifies grinding, whining and ticking as abnormal fan sounds on Surface devices; other manufacturers may describe symptoms differently. Use your laptop maker’s support channel for device-specific diagnosis.
Quick Recap
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