How to Check Fan Speed, CPU/GPU Temps, and Thermals on HP Laptops

Learn how to check fan speed, CPU and GPU temperatures, and overall thermal performance on HP laptops using built-in tools and third-party software. Prevent overheating and improve performance with these easy steps.

6/26/20252 min read

Your HP laptop might be running slow, heating up, or showing unexpected errors—and you're wondering whether the hardware is at fault. Fortunately, HP provides built-in diagnostic tools that allow you to test various components of your laptop easily, even without expert knowledge. In this blog post, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to perform component tests on HP laptops using HP’s built-in diagnostic software.

What is a Component Test?

A component test checks individual hardware parts like the processor, memory (RAM), hard drive (HDD/SSD), battery, keyboard, touchpad, fan, and graphics. These tests help detect issues early so you can decide whether to replace a part, update drivers, or seek service.

Tools You’ll Need

Most HP laptops come with HP PC Hardware Diagnostics pre-installed. If it's not available, you can download it from HP’s official website or access it during boot (pre-boot environment).

You can perform tests either:

Inside Windows (via the app)
Outside Windows (via BIOS/UEFI)

Let’s look at both methods.

Method 1: Using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics in Windows

Step 1: Open the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics

Press the Start button and search for “HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Windows”.
Click to open the tool. If it is not installed, download it from HP.

Step 2: Select “Component Tests” Once the application opens:

Click on “Component Tests”.
You’ll see various options like:

Memory Test
Hard Drive Test
Battery Test
Fan Test
Processor Test
Keyboard Test
Touchpad Test
Display Test

Step 3: Run Tests Click on the component you want to test. Let’s say you choose Memory Test:

The test may take several minutes.
Results will display as Pass or Fail.
If any component fails, you'll receive a failure ID (useful if contacting HP support).

Repeat for other components.

Method 2: Using HP Diagnostics in BIOS (Outside Windows)

If your laptop won’t boot into Windows or you're troubleshooting deeper issues, use the pre-boot method.

Step 1: Enter Diagnostics Mode

Turn off your laptop completely.
Press the power button, then immediately press the Esc key repeatedly (once per second).
On the Startup Menu, press F2 to open HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI.

Step 2: Run Component Tests

Select "Component Tests" from the menu to begin running the component tests.
Just like in Windows, you’ll see options for Battery, Hard Drive, Memory, Keyboard, etc.
After choosing your desired test, hit Enter.
The tool will begin testing and display results.

Common Tests to Run (And Why)

Battery Test: Checks health and charging capability.
Hard Drive Test: Identifies bad sectors or failing storage.
Memory Test: Detects faulty RAM that may cause random crashes.
Fan Test: Confirms if cooling system is working properly.
Keyboard & Touchpad: Helps identify unresponsive keys or cursor lag.
Running these regularly—especially when your laptop slows down—can prevent bigger issues later.

What to Do After Testing

If All Tests Pass: The issue might be software-related. Consider cleaning up Windows, updating drivers, or scanning for malware.
If a Test Fails: Write down the Failure ID. You can contact HP support and provide this code to get quick help.
Back Up Your Data: Especially if the hard drive shows signs of failure.

Final Tips Run

component tests once every few months for preventive maintenance.
Always run tests when your laptop behaves unusually.
Keep your BIOS and diagnostics tool updated from the HP Support website.

By regularly using HP's built-in tools, you can monitor the health of your laptop’s key components and extend its lifespan. Whether you're a casual user or a tech-savvy student, these tests are easy, safe, and incredibly useful.