How to Troubleshoot Common Issues with Gaming Laptops

14 December 2025

Gaming laptops are powerful machines built to handle demanding applications. But let's be real—problems pop up when you least expect them. Maybe your FPS suddenly drops, your laptop overheats, or it refuses to turn on. Don’t panic! Troubleshooting common gaming laptop issues doesn’t require a degree in computer science.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most frequent problems and how to fix them like a pro. Ready? Let’s dive in!

1. Laptop Running Slow or Lagging in Games

Nothing's worse than a high-end laptop struggling to keep up with your games. If you're experiencing frame drops or sluggish performance, here’s what to check:

✅ Close Unnecessary Background Programs

Games require your full system power. Press `Ctrl + Shift + Esc` to open Task Manager and look for apps hogging your CPU or RAM. Close anything unnecessary.

✅ Update Your GPU Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers are a major cause of lag. Head to:

- NVIDIA: GeForce Experience
- AMD: AMD Radeon Software
- Intel: Intel Driver & Support Assistant

Download and install the latest updates.

✅ Check Your Power Plan

Your laptop may not be using full performance mode. Go to `Control Panel > Power Options` and select High Performance.

✅ Lower In-Game Settings

If your laptop can't handle ultra settings, try lowering the resolution, shadows, textures, and anti-aliasing. This can instantly boost FPS.

2. Overheating Issues & Loud Fan Noise

Gaming laptops get hot, no surprise there. But when temperatures go over 90°C, your performance takes a hit.

✅ Clean Your Laptop Vents & Fans

Dust buildup blocks airflow, making your laptop hotter than a summer afternoon. Grab a can of compressed air and gently blow out dust from the vents.

✅ Use a Cooling Pad

A cooling pad provides extra airflow to help lower temperatures. It’s a simple and affordable way to keep your laptop cool.

✅ Reapply Thermal Paste

If your laptop is still overheating, consider repasting the CPU and GPU with high-quality thermal paste. If you're unsure how to do this, seek professional help.

✅ Adjust Fan Speeds

Use software like MSI Afterburner or your laptop’s built-in fan control utility to manually increase fan speed when gaming.

3. Battery Draining Too Fast

Gaming laptops aren’t known for great battery life, but if yours drains abnormally fast, try the following:

✅ Reduce Screen Brightness

A high-brightness display consumes excessive power. Lower it a bit to conserve battery life.

✅ Disable Background Apps

Apps running in the background can eat power. Check your startup programs and disable unnecessary ones (`Ctrl + Shift + Esc > Startup`).

✅ Switch to Integrated Graphics

For non-gaming tasks, use your integrated GPU instead of the dedicated one. You can do this through NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon Settings.

4. Laptop Won’t Turn On

Pressing the power button, but nothing happens? Let's troubleshoot.

✅ Check the Charger & Battery

- Ensure your charger is plugged in properly.
- Try a different power outlet.
- Remove the battery (if possible), hold the power button for 30 seconds, then reconnect it and try again.

✅ Inspect the Power Adapter

Sometimes, a faulty adapter prevents charging. Check for frayed cables or try using a different charger.

✅ Perform a Hard Reset

Unplug everything, remove the battery (if possible), then hold the power button for 30-60 seconds. Reconnect and try again.

5. Game Crashes or Won’t Launch

Nothing is more frustrating than launching a game, only to have it crash on startup.

✅ Run as Administrator

Right-click the game’s `.exe` file and select Run as administrator. This can resolve permission-related issues.

✅ Verify Game Files

Steam, Epic Games, and other platforms allow you to check for corrupted files. In Steam, for example:
- Right-click the game in your library
- Go to Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files

✅ Disable Overlays & Background Apps

Overlays like Discord, NVIDIA GeForce Experience, and Steam Overlay can sometimes cause conflicts. Disable them temporarily and see if your game runs smoothly.

6. Wi-Fi Keeps Dropping or Slow Connection

Online multiplayer games need stable internet. If your laptop struggles with Wi-Fi, try these fixes:

✅ Restart Your Router & Laptop

Sometimes, all you need is a simple reboot to refresh the connection.

✅ Move Closer to Your Router

Obstructions and distance weaken Wi-Fi signals. If possible, sit closer to the router or use a wired Ethernet connection for lower latency.

✅ Update Network Drivers

Outdated Wi-Fi drivers can cause instability. Update them via:
- Device Manager (`Windows + X > Device Manager > Network Adapters`)
- Download the latest drivers from your laptop manufacturer’s site.

✅ Disable Power-Saving Mode for Wi-Fi

- Open Device Manager
- Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter > Properties
- Go to Power Management and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power

7. Keyboard or Touchpad Not Working

If your keys or trackpad stop responding, don’t freak out.

✅ Check for Dirt & Debris

Crumbs and dust can jam keys. Use compressed air to clean between them.

✅ Restart the Laptop

Sounds basic, but a quick restart often fixes unresponsive peripherals.

✅ Reinstall Keyboard/Touchpad Drivers

- Open Device Manager (`Windows + X > Device Manager`)
- Expand Keyboards or Mice and other pointing devices
- Right-click > Uninstall device > Restart your laptop

8. Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) While Gaming

Seeing a blue screen with cryptic error codes? Here’s how to fix it:

✅ Identify the Error Code

Take note of the error message (e.g., "VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE") and search online for specific fixes related to it.

✅ Check for Overheating

Excessive heat can cause crashes. Monitor temperatures using HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner.

✅ Remove Recently Installed Drivers

If the issue started after updating GPU drivers, try rolling them back:
- Open Device Manager
- Right-click your GPU > Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver

Final Thoughts

Your gaming laptop is a beast, but like any high-powered machine, it needs regular maintenance. Whether it's lag, overheating, or game crashes, troubleshooting doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With these fixes, you can keep your laptop running smoothly and stay focused on what matters most—your games!

Got a tricky issue not covered here? Drop a comment and let’s brainstorm solutions together!