6 Quick Fixes For CPU Fan Error in 2024

By: Editorial Team

You’ll often get CPU fan error warning notifications from your BIOS on boot to indicate issues with your fan.

The error message varies depending on the CPU brand. For example, if you have an Asus CPU, the message will be, “CPU Fan Has Failed.”

This error is frustrating, but it prevents the CPU from overheating and damaging your hardware.

Before you can remedy this error, identify the cause or source of overheating. This article seeks to explain what causes CPU fan errors and possible fixes.

Why Do CPU Fan Errors Appear?

CPU fan errors are attributed to:

  • Dust or dirt accumulation
  • Faulty CPU fan
  • Increased fan speed
  • Incorrect CPU fan settings
  • Incorrect CPU fan installation

Once your PC displays the CPU fan error, issues such as unexpected shutdowns, burning smells, and damaged motherboards may ensue.

How To Fix CPU Fan Error

Resolve the error using the remedies below.

Clean CPU Fan

Before you rush to check BIOS or any other settings, check whether the normal function is being hindered by dirt or dust clogging the fans. Your CPU fans and vents have accumulated dirt over months.

To check whether your fans and vents are dirty;

  • Switch off your laptop or PC and unplug from power.
  • Open your computer and locate the fan. Use screwdrivers to open the cover of your PC or laptop.
  • Use compressed air, a toothbrush, or a soft brush to clean the vents and fan.
  • Alternatively, buy a CPU fan cleaning kit.
  • Clean the dust from the vents and fans. Clean any dust that falls on your PC or laptop.

If your laptop’s fan is malfunctioning, seek local customer service to avoid voiding the warranty. Also, proceed with caution when opening, cleaning and closing your PC or laptop to avoid further damage.

Don’t use cleaning agents as they’ll damage other components and invalidate your warranty. While your PC or laptop is still open, inspect the fan for signs of damage or faulty installation.

Check for Connection and Installation Errors

PC builds have gained popularity, and you can view how-to videos online. While these videos are great, they don’t guarantee perfect builds.

You can follow the build instructions and still mess up the fan installation or connection.

Open your PC and inspect the fans and vents to check for these issues. Was the fan installed correctly?

Relocate Your PC

Your CPU Fan could be overheating because it’s placed in direct sunlight or close to a heating source. Relocating your PC to a cooler room can reduce CPU fan overheating errors.

Disable Overclocking

Your CPU fan could be malfunctioning because you’ve been overclocking the CPU. Consider removing these settings and disabling the custom fan curves you’ve configured. Changing the settings to normal should fix your CPU fan error.

Also, if you have to overclock your CPU consider upgrading your fan.

Replace the Fan

If you’ve tried all recommended fixes without success, consider replacing your CPU fan. The current fan could be damaged; thus, triggering the CPU fan error notification. Replacing it should resolve this.

Disable CPU fan Warning

If all other remedies are unsuccessful, you can disable the CPU fan warning. Note that doing so could damage your PC. Therefore, be cautious and only use this as a last resort remedy. Do so by following these steps:

  • Boot into BIOS
  • Press F2 or F12 depending on PC brand
  • Open the Power tab and select monitor
  • Scroll to CPU fan speed and change it to ignore
  • Confirm the changes and boot into Windows
  • Alternatively, reduce default RPM from 600 RPM to 300 RPM
  • Confirm the changes and boot into Windows

Final Thoughts

CPU fan errors are severe, and overlocking them can shorten your CPU’s lifespan. Follow the instructions provided under each fix, and hopefully, your CPU fan will resume normal function.

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