By David Support · March 10, 2026 · Updated November 12, 2026 · 2 min read
Laptops rarely die without warning. Here are five signs that something is wrong, what usually causes each one, and what to do before you lose your files.
Key takeaways
- Heat, a failing battery, freezing and physical damage are the most common early warnings.
- A swollen battery is a safety risk. Stop using and charging the laptop.
- Back up your files at the first sign of drive or memory trouble.
- Acting early is almost always cheaper than waiting for a complete failure.
1. It runs hot and the fan never stops
Constant fan noise and a hot base usually mean dust-clogged vents, a blocked fan or dried-out thermal paste. Left alone, overheating shortens the life of the processor and can cause sudden shutdowns. A professional clean and fresh thermal paste often fixes it for far less than a new laptop.
What to do now: use the laptop on a hard, flat surface, never on a bed or sofa, and avoid heavy work until it has been cleaned.
2. The battery drains fast or the case is bulging
A battery that lasts minutes, or a laptop whose case or trackpad is lifting, is a battery problem. A swollen lithium battery is a genuine safety risk.
What to do now: stop using and charging the laptop, keep it away from anything flammable, and have it checked. Do not press on or puncture a swollen battery.
3. It is slow even after a restart
If a restart does not help, the cause may be malware, a nearly full drive or a failing drive. Replacing an old spinning hard drive with an SSD is one of the biggest speed upgrades there is. Our guide to fixing a slow computer walks through what to try first.
4. Freezes, blue screens or random restarts
These can be software, but they are also classic signs of a failing drive or memory. Clicking or grinding from the drive is a particularly urgent warning.
What to do now: back up your files immediately, before the problem gets worse. See how to back up your computer.
5. Physical or liquid damage
A cracked screen, a loose hinge or a spilled drink needs attention quickly. A crack can spread and damage the display further, and liquid causes corrosion that gets worse every hour. Read what to do in spilled liquid on a laptop.
What to do next
Back up what you can, then get a diagnosis. David Support diagnoses laptops for free, tells you the cost before any work starts, and charges nothing if we cannot fix it. Not sure whether it is worth fixing? See repair or replace your laptop.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to keep using a laptop with a swollen battery?
No. Stop using and charging it, keep it away from flammable items, and have the battery replaced by a professional.
Can overheating damage my laptop permanently?
Yes. Long periods of high heat can shorten the life of the processor and other parts. A cleaning is much cheaper than the damage.
Should I back up before bringing in a failing laptop?
If it still starts, yes. If you hear clicking from the drive, back up straight away and stop using it for anything else.
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