PCs and laptops often develop fan problems due to dust, improper fan installation, etc.
Your PC will notify you when this happens by shutting down and displaying the CPU fan error on boot.
The message can also appear after cleaning or replacing the CPU fan to indicate a problem. This article offers solutions to CPU fan error on boot problems and highlights the main causes.
What Causes CPU Fan Error On Boot?
It could be any of these causes:
- Dust accumulation
- Hardware issue
- Loose connection
- BIOS settings
- PC location
How to Fix CPU Fan Error on Boot
Theoretically, you can fix the fan error without consulting a technician by following these remedies:
Clean the CPU Fan
If the CPU fan malfunctioned due to dust accumulation, it’s only logical that cleaning the PC should resolve it. Start by blowing compressed air through the fan holes on your laptop or computer.
Don’t attempt to blow air using your mouth; instead, use canned air on one side of the build. Check for signs of dust as you blow the compressed air. If you notice dust, repeat the same on the other side.
Restart your PC to confirm if you’re still getting the error on boot. Cleaning your laptop will follow the same routine with a few changes.
Blow compressed air towards the keyboard, fan holes, USB ports, network ports, HDMI, and power port.
If the surface cleaning doesn’t help, try deep cleaning. This will require some technical skills as you’ll need to open your PC or laptop.
Accessing the internal components of your PC requires extreme caution to avoid breaking them.
Get the right size screwdriver and begin removing the cover. Lift the cover, locate the fan and use compressed air to clean it. You can detach or unplug the CPU fan if you’re confident you can plug it back without issue.
Visually inspect that the CPU fan is clean and not obstructed by wires. Plug the CPU fan in place, reassemble the cover and restart your PC.
Reconnect CPU Fan Wires Correctly
Have you had your PC inspected, cleaned, or repaired recently? Did the CPU fan error on boot occur immediately after?
If yes, it points to installation or repair issues. Whoever opened your computer and performed the repairs may have made mistakes when connecting the fan.
Open the computer to check that all the CPU fan wires are in the right ports.
- 5 Reasons Why CPU Fan Isn’t Working and How to Fix It
- Sys Fan Vs CPU Fan: Everything You Need To Know
Change BIOS Settings
Access BIOS settings to change the default RPM or change CPU fan monitoring. To adjust fan monitoring:
- Power off your PC
- Power it on and press F1, F2, F10, or F12 on startup
- Go to power tab and click on hardware monitor
- Scroll to CPU fan speed and change it to ignore
- Confirm changes and exit BIOS
To change default RPM:
- Follow the same steps as outlined above
- Open BIOS settings
- Go to advanced settings
- Open CPU fan alert settings
- Lower default RPM
- Confirm changes and exit BIOS
Although these options will disable the error, they might not resolve it.
Therefore, don’t change monitoring settings to ignore if you’re uncertain whether your CPU fan is functioning or not.
Also, don’t change the settings if your CPU has had overheating issues before.
You need these settings to monitor and safeguard your PC in case it overheats.
Replace CPU Fans
Repairs rarely work once the CPU fan is damaged, especially when the damage is extensive. Check if your PC or laptop warranty covers fan replacement and if it’s still valid.
Final Thoughts
If you’re still getting the error after all these fixes, visit a local service center and consult a hardware technician.
