Is It Normal for the Laptop to Vibrate? What Should I Do?

If you’re dealing with a vibrating laptop, you’re not alone! Laptops are portable machines, but this comes at a cost. 

The internal processor of the laptop has to deal with heavy work, which burdens its parts. Result? Vibration!

So, is it normal for the laptop to vibrate? No but sometimes it is not a serious condition. However, you should NOT IGNORE it! 

Generally, the laptop vibrates when one or some of its hardware is not working in optimal condition. It can affect the lifespan and performance of your computer. 

In this guide, we will look at the causes of the vibrating laptops and what you should do to fix them. 

Let’s take a closer look!

Why is My Laptop Vibrating?

There could be multiple causes of vibration in the laptop. While some might not be serious, others can permanently damage the computer. 

Here are some common reasons why you feel a vibration

1- The Fans are Dusty

Fans are installed on the laptop to cool the systems inside it. However, when the computer starts making a noise, the fans are usually the common culprit!

When you perform a heavy task on the laptop, like using it for a longer time, it can cause heat build-up. As a result, the fans spin faster to keep the other parts cooler. It can often cause dust and debris to fill up the fan. 

A dusty fan then makes a noise and starts vibrating the laptop. Therefore, check the fan first when you feel your computer vibrating. 

Note:
People usually ask if cooling pads are bad for laptops. There are better choices than the cooling pad for cooling your computer as it blows a lot of dust and air inside. It causes the laptop’s sensors to react the opposite and keep stressing the laptop. 

Some laptops don’t use fans; instead, they have liquid pipes to keep them cool. 

If you don’t find a fan in your computer, consider the other reasons for vibration!

2- The Hard Drive is Getting Old

Another potential cause of vibration is the overworked hard drive. The hard drive stores our data on a series of fast-spinning magnetic disks (called the platter). These disks move at the speed of several thousand revolutions per minute.  

Under optimal conditions, these revolutions do not make a sound. However, it spins aggressively when the hard drive is old or gets too much load. It makes a noise, and the laptop starts vibrating. 

A damaged hard drive can deteriorate your laptop. You can lose all your data, or it might die completely.

3- Your Laptop Has a Metal Chassis

The metal case of the laptop can also be the cause of vibration. Although it is rare, the electrostatic discharge from the metal case of the laptop can feel like vibration. 

It is likely due to the current flow, if you feel tingling, when you connect the power adapter. Normally, the charge is not noticeable to the hands. But, in this case, a current of almost 0.1 mA can get to your body. Moreover, it completes the circuit if your feet are on the ground level. 

Check if you feel a vibration while connecting the laptop to a plug. If that is the case, the vibration is due to the computer’s metal chassis. 

4- DVD/CD Drive is Not Running Well 

Many laptops don’t come with a CD/DVD drive today but if you have an older model, consider this as a cause too. 

When you insert a CD into a laptop, it spins. A lot of data puts pressure on the drive to turn faster. If the CD case is damaged or not well seated, it can cause considerable vibrations. 

5- The Internal Parts are Misplaced

External damage due to breaking or hitting can cause the laptop’s internal parts to be misplaced. The small pieces cannot adhere to the pressure and become loose. 

The loose internal parts like the storage drive or RAM can cause a vibration when the laptop is turned on. 

6- Loose Cables Inside the Laptop

The tiny cables joining the laptop circuits inside can get loose due to damage. If these broken wires come in contact with the fan, it can create a rattling sound. 

You can feel heavy vibrations in the laptop. 

Is It Normal For Laptops To Vibrate?

As with many electronic devices, laptops also make some weird noises occasionally. It can also include slight vibration. 

However, it is NOT normal for laptops to vibrate considerably. If your computer is shaking, something is not working in optimal condition. So, you need to be cautious. 

The cause could be something trivial like dust particles or potentially damaging such as failure of the hard drive. In any case, it is better to curb it from the start. 

Is It Normal If a Laptop Slightly Vibrates?

The vibration, even if it is slight, is not normal. You need to determine the origin of the vibration before it turns into anything potentially dangerous. 

Here is how you can get an idea of the cause of the vibrations:

• If the vibration starts when the laptop is heated, it is likely the fan. You can confirm by listening closely around the fan. 
• If the vibrations and noise start when the laptop is turned on, it can be a malfunctioning hard drive. In this case, you will also see bugs and errors in your computer. 
• If the vibrations arose after a shock, pressure, hit, or damage to the laptop, it could be the loose wires. The external force can cause the systems inside to break or get loose, which causes vibrations. 
• If the vibrations are not coming from the fan or the drive, the most probable scenario is that another component is damaged. It can be unsoldered or unscrewed and makes noise. 

Does Vibration Damage the Laptop?

The origin of vibration determines if it is threatening or not. Usually, the vibration permanently damages the laptop if it is due to the magnetic hard drive. 

The damage to the hard drive can cause permanent data corruption as well.     

What To Do When Your Laptop Vibrates?

If your want your laptop to last longer, don’t ignore the need for maintenance signs such as the vibration. Whenever you feel the laptop vibrating, you should investigate the root cause and fix it.  

Below are some of the solutions to how you can stop the vibrations in your laptop:

1- What To Do For Dusty Fans?

If your fans are dusty, you need to clean them.

Warning: If your laptop is still under warranty, DO NOT open the case independently. Opening the laptop will make the warranty invalid. Take it to your supplier and get it checked.

How to Clean the Dusty Fans?

1. Turn off the computer and open the cover by unscrewing it. 
2. You can easily access the fan—Dust the fan’s blades and radiator. 
3. Use a soft brush with long bristles to clean the fan’s blades. However, if you don’t want to open the laptop, use a blower machine. 
4. If the fan keeps making noise after the dusting, a little greasing will help.
5. Disassemble the fan (if you can) and put grease on the stem. 
6. Reassemble the fan and check the vibration again. If the problem persists, you might have to replace the fan.

See: Video tutorial on how to clean laptop cooling fans! 

Note:
Avoid putting your laptop on a soft surface while using it. It can block the air vents, and the fibers can easily block the fan again. 

2- What To Do If the Fan is Broken?

If the laptop fan is broken, its blade is missing, or it is not rotating appropriately, you will have to change it. 

Ensure that the new fan you place inside it is compatible with the laptop. The fan should also provide adequate cooling for the laptop to run smoothly. 

The best way to avoid a mistake is to check your retailer to see if they have spare parts.

3- What To Do If Hard Drive is Problematic?

If your hard drive is the cause of the vibration, you will have to replace it. Buy a new hard drive and re-attach it. 

Note:
If you still have an HDD, we recommend switching to SSD (Solid State Drive). This drive does not use revolving disks and is durable. 

4- What To Do If Metal Chassis Has Current?

If you think the vibration is due to the current flowing through the metal chassis, change the adapter or plug. 

Try plugging in the charger in a different wall socket. Also, keep your feet off the ground while connecting the charger. It will break the circuit, and you won’t feel the vibration in your hands. 

5- What To Do If Wires/Parts Are Misplaced? 

In case of any missing parts or wires inside the laptop, try to fix them with a screwdriver. Make sure to check if the RAM and storage device is connected adequately. 

Also, see the bottom panel for any loose wires touching the fan.

6- What To Do If The Problem Persists?

If the problem persists or you cannot find its origin, take it to a repairer. You can choose an independent laptop repair service or a brand’s after-sale services. 

In both cases, they will diagnose the problem with a physical inspection. You might have to repair or replace the faulty part causing the vibration.  

FAQs

1- Why is my computer buzzing loudly?

The audible buzzing sound in a PC is not normal and indicates something is wrong. The buzzing can be due to a faulty hard drive, obstructed fans, loose cables or wires, damaged power supply, overload on the PC, or jammed CD-Rom. 

2- Why is my laptop vibrating when plugged in?

If you feel a vibration in your laptop while charging, it is probably the current flowing through the metal chassis. The AC-powered devices can conduct current with their metal bodies. 

Try a different socket or keep your feet off the ground to break the circuit. 

3- Why is my Dell laptop vibrating while charging?

The Dell laptop usually has a metal body. Therefore, you can feel the vibration if the Dell laptop is conducting current. Here is what you can do:

• Try a different wall socket
• Try Changing the power adapter or power cable
• Get your wires checked by a certified electrician
• Take it to a service center to get it tested, or contact Dell after-sales services. 

4- Why is my MacBook making a vibrating noise?

The most common cause of vibration in a MacBook is the fans. There could be one of the few following reasons:

• The fan is dusty and filled with debris
• The latest operating system takes too many resources and gets the fan overworked
• The MacBook is old, and the processor is getting weak, which makes the fan spin faster
• The room is warm, and the fan is exerting extra effort to cool the system

However, the vibration can be due to an overworked hard drive or processor if you have an old MacBook. 

5- Do vibrations damage SSD?

It is unlikely for an SSD to get damaged easily. The slight vibrations usually don’t have a severe impact on it. 

However, exposure to long-term vibrations can hurt the performance of SSD. 

6- Can vibrations damage a hard drive?

The strong vibrations in the laptop can damage a hard drive. The head of the hard drive can collide with the platter to ruin the magnetic surface. It can result in permanent drive failure. 

Conclusion

Is it normal for the laptop to vibrate? No! 

But like any other electronic device, laptops can produce vibrations occasionally. While the cause might not be serious, you should pay attention to the vibrations. 

The most probable causes of vibrations are dusty fans, overworked hard drives, jammed CD-Rom, loose wires, missing parts, or a metal chassis. 

If you feel vibrations in your laptop, try to determine the origin of it. Follow the solutions proposed in this article, or take it to a repairer to get the laptop checked.