Scrolling on your computer should be a seamless and quiet experience. However, some users have experienced a perplexing problem where their computer makes buzzing noise when scrolling.
This can be annoying and even alarming, especially if it is not clear what exactly is causing the buzzing noise or whether there is something wrong with the computer.
If you’ve noticed an unexpected buzzing noise accompanying your scrolling movements, it could either be resulting from a faulty or overworked hard drive, a malfunctioning power supply, a damaged touchpad or mouse or even something as simple as too-loud speakers, a coil whine when scrolling, software/driver issue, electrical interference, or inadequate cooling.
In this article, we will explore the common reasons why your computer makes noise when scrolling and provide some troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the issue.
Note that there are different kinds of computer buzzing noises and a range of causes from software to hardware issues.
Normally, the buzzing may be benign and easy to fix, but there’s also the possibility of it being a sign of something more serious going on with your system.
Understanding the possible causes of this buzzing noise can help you diagnose the problem and find a solution.
Tip:
If you are incredibly concerned about the buzzing noise from your computer, it is always a good idea to have a professional take a look at it to diagnose the problem and recommend a solution.
Possible Reasons Your Computer Makes Buzzing Noise When Scrolling
To answer the question ‘Why does my pc make a buzzing noise when I scroll?’, here are a few probable causes and fixes.
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1. Excessively loudspeakers
The noise could be coming from your computer speakers. If the audio volume on your computer is turned up too high, the speakers can produce a buzzing sound when you scroll.
Fix:
Try lowering the volume to see if that helps.
You could also try disconnecting your external speakers or sound system and see if the noise goes away.
2. Hard disk working too hard
The noise could be coming from the hard drive. If the hard drive is working hard (for example, if you have a lot of programs running or if you are transferring a large file), it can produce a buzzing sound.
This is usually nothing to worry about, but if the noise is particularly loud or persistent, it could be a sign that the hard drive is failing.
4. Malfunctioning power supply
The buzzing noise could be coming from the power supply. If your computer’s power supply is malfunctioning, it can produce a buzzing sound.
This could be a sign that the power supply is failing and will need to be replaced.
Fix:
To solve this problem, try replacing your computer’s power supply system with a higher-quality one.
5. Graphics card issues
The noise could be coming from your computer’s graphics card. Some graphics cards are known to produce a buzzing sound when they are under load.
This is usually not a cause for concern, but if the noise is deafening or if it is accompanied by other problems such as graphical glitches or system crashes, it could be a sign of a problem with the graphics card.
Fix:
Try resetting your computer to defaults to see if this problem will be fixed. But you may need to replace your graphics card if it is faulty.
You might also try updating your graphics card drivers to the latest version, as outdated drivers can occasionally cause strange behavior.
6. Inadequate cooling
A faulty computer cooling fan, which could be brought on by dust or other debris obstructing the fan blades, is another potential cause of the buzzing sound.
Fix:
Try cleaning your computer fan and see if this will help solve the buzzing problem.
7. Software or driver issue
Your computer’s buzzing noise could be caused by a software issue, such as a driver conflict or malfunctioning software.
Fix:
To fix this problem; check for and install any available updates for your operating system and drivers.
8. Dirty or damaged touchpad or mouse
Your computer’s buzzing while scrolling may also possibly be because your touchpad or mouse is dirty or damaged.
The dirt or damage may cause the cursor to jump or falter, hence the computer making buzzing noise on scroll.
Fix:
To troubleshoot this; try cleaning your touchpad or mouse and see if the buzzing will dissipate.
Additionally, the touchpad or mouse may malfunction and needs to be replaced. If you’re using a laptop, the touchpad may be combined with the keyboard, which could mean that the keyboard itself needs to be replaced.
9. Coil whine
If the buzzing you’re hearing from your computer is high-pitched, it could be what’s known as coil whine.
A coil whine isn’t necessarily a problem, it is simply an electronic phenomenon when components vibrate at the exact frequency to produce the high-pitched whine.
This noise may be more pronounced when the device is running at high speeds or when the processor is under heavy load.
Unfortunately, in most cases, there isn’t much you can do to fix a coil whine since it’s not exactly a problem. You may have to learn to live with it.
However, if the noise is too loud or disrupts your experience, you can contact the manufacturer of your device to see if they have any solutions.
In some cases, if a specific component in your computer causes the coil to whine when scrolling, you may try underclocking that particular component that is causing the noise and see if that reduces the amount of electrical current flowing through the coils and decrease the noise level.
Alternatively, changing the location of your device or the surface it is sitting on may sometimes reduce the noise level or make it more bearable.
10. Electrical Interference
In some cases, electrical interference from other devices or components can cause buzzing noise when scrolling the mouse.
This interference can occur if there are any loose wires, improper grounding, or if the computer is placed near other electronic devices that create electromagnetic interference.
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Additional fixes for computer makes noise when scrolling
To further troubleshoot the exact cause of your ‘pc makes noise when scrolling’ problem, you can try the following steps:
- Examine your computer for any loose wires or components, and confirm that everything is correctly attached.
- To avoid clogs, clean up any dust or debris from the fans and other components.
- Check the computer’s temperature with monitoring software to ensure it is within typical operating ranges. Overheating components can occasionally produce strange noises.
- If none of the above measures addresses the problem, please seek advice from a computer professional or contact the manufacturer’s support.
They can provide specific guidance based on your computer model and configuration.
Tip:
If your computer’s buzzing noise is relatively new and is accompanied by other abnormal behavior, such as system crashes or performance issues, it’s crucial to back up your data and consider seeking professional help to avoid potential data loss or further damage to your computer.
FAQ
Should I worry if my PC is buzzing?
If your PC is buzzing, it’s natural to have some concerns.
However, the level of worry depends on the intensity, frequency, and accompanying symptoms.
Faint and infrequent buzzing may not be alarming, but if it’s loud, persistent, or accompanied by performance issues, it could indicate a problem.
It’s a good idea to be aware of any odd sounds or behaviours coming from your computer because they could be an indication of a problem that needs to be fixed.
How do I clean the dust out of my computer?
To clean the dust out of your computer, follow these steps:
-Shut down your computer and unplug it from the power source.
-Open the computer case using the appropriate method (screws, latches, etc.).
-Use a can of compressed air to blow away dust from the internal components, focusing on fans, heatsinks, and vents.
-Use a soft cloth or microfiber cloth to wipe away any visible dust particles.
-For stubborn or hard-to-reach areas, use a small brush (such as a clean paintbrush or toothbrush) to gently dislodge dust.
-After cleaning your components, close the computer case and plug it back in.
-You can also clean the external surfaces of your computer using a cloth and mia ld cleaning solution.
Regular dust cleaning helps your computer maintain peak performance and avoid overheating.
Conclusion
In closing, while some buzzing sounds may not be a cause for immediate concern, it’s essential to consider the intensity, frequency, and accompanying symptoms.
Understanding the possible reasons behind the buzzing noise will enable you to take appropriate troubleshooting steps to fix it.
In some cases, the solution might be as simple as adjusting the audio volume or closing some programs to reduce the load on the hard drive.
In other cases, it might be necessary to replace a malfunctioning component or seek professional help to diagnose and fix the problem.
If the computer making buzzing noise problem persists after troubleshooting and taking action with the above suggestions, it may be best to seek technical support from the manufacturer of your computer for further assistance.
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