can a 2021 laptop cook itself? 2025 update

A laptop from 2021 shouldn't "cook itself" under normal circumstances, but it can overheat if not properly managed. Overheating can cause performance issues or even damage internal components. Here’s how to avoid that:

How to Keep Your Laptop Cool:

1. Use a Cooling Pad: These external pads help improve airflow and keep the temperature in check.
2. Elevate Your Laptop: Propping it up slightly can help air circulation around the cooling vents.
3. Keep Vents Unobstructed: Ensure nothing is blocking the laptop’s cooling vents. Dust buildup can cause the system to overheat.
4. Clean Regularly: Periodically clean the vents with compressed air to remove dust.
5. Keep the Environment Cool: Avoid using your laptop in hot, enclosed spaces.

How to Know if the Battery is Good:

1. Battery Health Check: On Windows, you can run a battery report using the command powercfg /batteryreport in Command Prompt to check its health. On a Mac, you can hold the Option key and click the battery icon to see its condition.
2. Battery Wear Level: A good battery will hold about 80% of its charge after 500 charge cycles. If it drops below 50%, it's likely time to replace it.
3. Charge Discharge Behavior: If the laptop drains rapidly or doesn’t hold a charge, the battery may be degrading.
4. System Notifications: Modern laptops alert you when the battery is wearing out or has an issue.

If your laptop feels too hot often or the battery drains quickly, it might need a checkup, either by cleaning the internals or replacing the battery if it’s degraded.