Laptop crackles - what to do?
This guide shows you what you can do if your laptop crackles.
Laptop crackles: Check fan
Most of the crackle comes from the laptop fan. Try to find out whether the crackling in the area of the fan can be heard louder. If so, follow these steps.
- A foreign body in the notebook's fan is often responsible for the crackling. Turn off the laptop and blow hard and dry into the opening on the fan.
- You can also carefully vacuum the fan from the outside with the vacuum cleaner.
- If that doesn't help, you'll need to unscrew the laptop and clean the inside of the fan. You can read here how it works.
Laptop crackles: check power supply
Another possible cause of the crackling is the power adapter of your laptop. Check if the problem is resolved when the laptop is running on battery. If not, follow the steps below.
- Check whether all connection cables on the power pack and on the laptop are correctly inserted.
- Try a different power supply if possible. The power adapter socket on the laptop may be damaged.
- If the fault is in the power supply, you need a new one. If the socket on the laptop is damaged, you should have it repaired by a specialist.
Laptop crackles: check speakers
The internal speaker of the laptop can also be responsible for the crackling. Check this by turning off the sound on the laptop. If you can no longer hear crackling, try the following.
- Remove all possible sources of interference. Cell phone radiation or the like may cause crackling in the speaker.
- If available, switch off the internal microphone of your laptop. You can read here how it works.
- Connect an external speaker. This way you can find out whether the laptop's internal speakers are defective. If so, you should consult a professional.
Laptop still crackles: consult a specialist
If you can rule out the causes mentioned, the only option left is to consult a specialist. Plugs in the laptop may be oxidized or contacts may no longer be conductive. Check to see if the laptop warms excessively when it crackles. If so, you should stop using it before the damage is repaired.
In the next practical tip, we will show you how to spice up your notebook with an illuminated keyboard.