CPU Fan Error: What It Is and How to Fix It

When setting up a Windows desktop computer or laptop, the CPU fan error is a common error message. Typically, the alert appears after a computer has shut down due to overheating. This is because when the fan (or fans) is unable to cool the hardware adequately.

Although inconvenient, the CPU error warning and forced shutdown show that the computer’s safeguards are in place. However, if the fans aren’t working correctly and the laptop continues to overheat, various hardware components may be permanently damaged.

There are several techniques to determine the source of overheating and the error messages that occur and resolve them.

How the CPU Fan Error Appears

The CPU fan errors usually show during the boot-up or start-up procedure; it does not display during standard Windows usage. The text of the error is usually one of the following:

• “CPU Fan Failed!” says the error message.
• “CPU Fan Error” is a common error message.

What Causes CPU Fan Errors?

There are several reasons why PC users may see the matching CPU fan error notice in the POST. To fix your computer fan problem, you must first understand why you are receiving this message.

• The fan information in the BIOS interface is incorrectly set.
• Due to dust or poor quality, the processor fan is running too slowly.
• Check your CPU fan settings
• The CPU fans have been damaged or broken, resulting in PC overheating issues.

The fan information in the BIOS interface is incorrectly set

Before obtaining this CPU fan error warning, did you open the BIOS interface by accident or on purpose to reset the CPU fan information? In all honesty, if your computer can’t recognize the fans of the connected CPU or can’t detect the fan speed at all because you haven’t adjusted the fan settings correctly, it’s because you haven’t changed the fan settings correctly.

Due to dust or poor quality, the processor fan is running too slowly

In most cases, important CPU fan issues occur when the CPU fan operates too slowly or stops working because the fans used have been clogged with dust over time, or the fan is of poor quality. As a result, inspect and clean your CPU fans.

Check your CPU fan settings

Are you confident your computer’s CPU fans are correctly connected? Have you lately associated your CPU fans or dropped/started your computer, causing a problem or loss of connection? You could be left with CPU fan failure issues if the CPU fan isn’t correctly attached to it. So reconnect it to have a chance.

The CPU fans have been damaged or broken, resulting in PC overheating issues

After that, if the matching fan difficulties aren’t caused by the factors above, you might want to check to see whether your CPU fan has any physical issues.

For example, suppose your fans are severely damaged or broken and can no longer function properly. In that case, a CPU fan error message will undoubtedly appear on your computer’s start screen, allowing you to avoid some of the more overheating severe issues, such as your computer suddenly freezing, unexpected computer failure, slow computer operation, and so on

How To Get Rid Of CPU Fan Error?

Here are the lists of methods you can try to get rid of CPU fan errors:

• In your BIOS, lower the default fan speed.
• CPU Fan Speed Control Is Disabled; it is in the BIOS.
• Examine your hardware.
• Identifying and Resolving Hardware Issues
• Troubleshooting Software
• Change the location of your computer.
• Stop overclocking your computer
• Make sure the air vents are clean
• Make sure the CPU fans are clean
• Examine your computer fan

In your BIOS, lower the default fan speed

• Enter the BIOS of your machine.
• Go to the fan settings for the CPU. Depending on your motherboard, the portions may alter. Look for anything that has to do with CPU fan control, which is usually available in the advanced settings section.
• Now search for the RPM alerts control setting. 600 rpm should be the default setting (revolutions per minute).
• Reduce the default RPM to 300 and save your modifications.
• Exit the BIOS and restart the computer.

CPU Fan Speed Control Is Disabled; it is in the BIOS

• Start by going into your BIOS.
• Go to the above-mentioned advanced settings.
• Look for the section titled “Monitor.”
• To ignore and validate the changes, alter the CPU fan speed.
• Look for improvements once you’ve booted up Windows.

Examine your hardware

• Make sure the fan connections are secure. Examine the motherboard’s connector.
• Remove the fan and give it a good dusting. Compressed air can be used to clean it.
• Check to see if the fan is on and working correctly.
• Reapply thermal paste to decrease the CPU temperature.
• Any issues related to the CPU fan error at startup should have gone away after that. Bring your computer in for diagnosis and repair if the problem persists.

You can also change the cooler, which is a simple procedure.

Identifying and Resolving Hardware Issues

Before you begin, make sure you have the confidence to remove the computer and inspect the fans for yourself. If you don’t have this fundamental understanding, we recommend having your system checked by a local specialist. 

Please review your fan for physical damage by following these step-by-step procedures.

• Remove the processor case glass to show the fans linked to the motherboard after turning off your computer.
• Then double-check that all of the cables for each fan are securely attached and that no wires are loose.
• After that, switch on the power to the system but do not replace the glass. Keep an eye on the fans to make sure they aren’t rotating.
• If a fan isn’t spinning after you’ve double-checked the wires, it’s likely that the fan is broken and has to be replaced.
• Congratulations if all of the fans are operational. Your fans don’t appear to be physically broken, and the error message seems to be the result of a software malfunction.

Troubleshooting Software

If the fans appear to be working correctly in the hardware diagnostics, the problem is most likely caused by a software error. To fix the problem, follow the steps below:

• Press the F10 key to open BIOS settings after turning on the machine (the resolution may vary depending on the manufacturer).
• Go to the section on fan control now. Hardware Monitor is commonly found under Advanced Settings in some BIOS, while it may just have a separate tab in others.
• Make that the Q-Fan control option on the CPU is turned on.
•  Following that, you may notice the CPU fan’s lower speed restriction. Set this option to ignore, then restart your computer.
• Check whether this resolves your issue.

Change The Location Of Your Computer

Even if your computer’s fan is working hard, leaving it in a place with a lot of heat or sunlight can cause it to overheat and shut down. Consider relocating your computer to a more relaxed room or ensuring that it is never exposed to direct sunlight during the day.

Stop Overclocking Your Computer

Overclocking causes a significant increase in system heat that is unmanageable by the essential fans. Circuits may be damaged, resulting in frequent shutdowns and overheating issues.

Make Sure The Air Vents Are Clean

To clean the ducts, remove the brush from your vacuum cleaner and use it at full power to suction out any dust and dirt. Alternatively, clear the dust with an airgun.

Make Sure The CPU Fans Are Clean

Turn your computer off, unplug it from the power source, then open up the casing for this step. With an air gun or canned air, clean the interior and remove dust once it’s been opened. Cleaning agents should not be sprayed onto any parts since this can cause serious harm to various components.

Examine Your Computer’s Fan

While your computer is open, physically inspect the fans to ensure they haven’t come loose or fallen out of place. With a screwdriver or adhesive, you should be able to secure your fans back into position, depending on the type.

Frequently Asked Questions

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