This article teaches you your options for Windows 11 and how to use each to control the fan speed.

It will work without compatibility issues and is often the least difficult to use.

Never set CPU fan speed to 0.

A photo of the bottom of a laptop with the serial number and manufacturer name highlighted.

Most CPUs are not designed to operate without active cooling and will overheat.

Damage can occur when the fan is at 0.

Determine the manufacturer and model of your PC.

Dell customer support search page with model number highlighted in the search field

If you’re using a custom build, find the make and model of the motherboard.

If you might’t find a label, leverage afree system information tool.

Visit the support site maintained by the manufacturer of your PC and search for the model.

MSI Afterburner software with the fan settings tab highlighted.

Many sites also let you search by serial number or even a purchase number, if you have it.

From the downloads section, look for its system utility and download it to your system.

Most PC manufacturers bundle fan control into a system control or overclocking utility.

A screenshot of an Asus BIOS menu with Fan Control highlighted

Common examples includeAlienware Command Center,Asus AI Suite, andMSI Afterburner.

Install and launch the utility, and look for fan speed control.

For example, openingSettingsin MSI Afterburner’s menu and selecting theFantab, will display fan control options.

Argus Monitor utility with Fan Control highlighted

Most software display fan speed options 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 configs cool better but are louder, while lower configs offer less cooling but create less noise.

Most BIOS utilities let you view or customize CPU fan speed.

Enter the BIOS setup utility.

You do this by restarting the computer and pressing a certain key.

The trigger key differs between PCs, but most acceptF2,F10, orDel.

Look for a menu option that displays fan parameters.

This is different between systems, but it’s often shown underPC Health,Advanced, orOverclocking.

If you’re lucky, fan speed options may already be visible on the first menu shown.

Change the fan speed as desired, then save and exit.

BIOS will typically express fan speed configs as a percentage of maximum.

The highest speed is 100, while 0 is the lowest.

Download and implement the software.

Popular options includeSpeedFan,Argus Monitor, andFan Control.

pop kick open the app and look for an option that mentionsFanorFan Control.

Adjust the CPU fan speed and then select a save/apply button to commit the changes.

You must turn to an alternative method instead.

FAQ

Tocontrol your CPU fan on Windows 10, try a third-party tool such as Speedfan.

check that the processor is visible, and remove any duct or other impediment.

Find the power cable connecting the fan to the motherboard, then carefully disconnect this power wire.

Finally, remove the heat sink from the processor.

Your CPU fan may be loud because it’s bogged down with dust and dirt.

To solve the problem, use a can of compressed air to remove the debris.