How to Control the CPU Fan on Windows 11
Windows 11 doesn’t provide built-in tools for monitoring or customizing CPU fan speed. You must turn to one of three alternative methods to control the CPU fan on Windows 11.
Use first-party software. Modern computers are often compatible with proprietary software to lets you change the CPU fan speed. This is the quickest, easiest solution, but you must download the correct software. Use BIOS. Most PCs ship with a BIOS which can display the current speed of your CPU fan, while more feature-rich BIOS will let you change the fan speed. You can accomplish this without downloading software, but it can be complex. Use a third-party utility. Third-party utilities are capable of detecting the speed of your CPU fan. A few even let you change it. These utilities work on a wide variety of hardware, but you may encounter bugs and compatibility issues.
How to Control the CPU Fan With First-Party Software
First-party software is developed by your PC manufacturer, or the manufacturer of your PC’s motherboard, for use with specific hardware. It will work without compatibility issues and is often the least difficult to use.
Determine the manufacturer and model of your Windows 11 PC. If your Windows 11 PC is a custom build, then determine the manufacturer and model of your PC’s motherboard. Having trouble finding the manufacturer and model of your PC? Look for a serial number printed on the bottom or rear of the computer. If you can’t find a label, try downloading a free system information tool. Visit the support site maintained by the manufacturer of your PC and search for your PC model. Many sites also let you search by serial number or even a purchase number, if you have it. Open the downloads section on the support page dedicated to the model of your PC and look for its system utility. Download the utility. Most PC manufacturers bundle fan control into a system control or overclocking utility. Common examples include Alienware Command Center, Asus AI Suite, and MSI Afterburner. Install and open the utility and look for fan speed control. For example, opening Settings in MSI Afterburner’s menu and selecting the Fan tab will display fan control options. Most software displays fan speed settings as a percentage of maximum. A value of 100 is the fan’s highest setting, while a value of 0 is the lowest. Higher fan settings cool better but are louder, while lower settings offer less cooling but create less noise.
How to Control the CPU Fan With BIOS
BIOS is the rudimentary operating system on your PC’s motherboard. The BIOS software starts when you turn on the PC. Most BIOS let you view or customize CPU fan speed.
Shut down your computer. Once the shut down is complete, turn the computer back on and then immediately tap the shortcut that launches BIOS settings on your PC. This can differ between PCs, but most accept the F2, F12, or Delete keys. Look for a menu option that displays fan settings. This differs between motherboards, but it’s often shown under PC Health, Advanced, or Overclocking. If you’re lucky, fan speed settings may already be visible on the first menu shown. BIOS will typically express fan speed settings as a percentage of maximum. A value of 100 is the fan’s highest setting, while a value of 0 is the lowest. Change the settings as desired, then save and exit.
How to Control the CPU Fan With Third-Party Software
Third-party software is developed by a party other than the manufacturer of your PC. It has the benefit of working on a wide range of PCs, but you’re more likely to encounter it not working perfectly (it could run just fine, of course).
Download and install third-party fan control software. Popular options include SpeedFan, Argus Monitor, and Fan Control. Open the software. Look for Fan or Fan Control. Fan speed will typically be shown as a value between 100 and 0, where a value of 100 is the fan’s highest setting, while a value of 0 is the lowest. Change the settings as desired, then save and exit. Never set CPU fan speed to 0. Most CPUs are not designed to operate without active cooling and will overheat.
Why Can’t I Control My CPU Fan on Windows 11?
If you try all three methods above, yet none work, it’s possible your PC doesn’t allow CPU fan speed control. It might be blocked by the system BIOS, which is sometimes true of laptops, or your CPU fan might not be connected with a motherboard fan connector that allows fan speed control.
