How To Control Fan Speed on a Windows PC

Temperature control is key to the smooth operation of any Windows computer. Because overheating is dangerous to the system, internal fans play a big role in keeping components inside stable.

But sometimes, the fans may spin too quickly, causing a lot of vibrations and noise. Other times, they may not be spinning fast enough, allowing the device to overheat. This is where controlling fan speed on Windows is vital. Read on to learn more about controlling fan speed on different Windows versions.

Control Fan Speed Through the Control Panel

Some Windows operating systems let you change the fan speed. This option can come in handy, and it’s definitely worth knowing. Here’s how to access it:

1. Open the “Control Panel.”
   
2. Select “Hardware and Sound” and click “Power Options.” This leads to a new window.
   
3. Choose “Change Plan Settings.”
   
4. Select “Change Advanced Power Settings.” This opens the “Power Options” dialog box.
   
5. Select “Advanced Settings” then “Processor Power Management” to access the “Options” submenu.
   
6. Choose “System Cooling Policy.” Select the down arrow below “System Cooling Policy” for a drop-down menu.
   
7. Click “Active” to increase the CPU cooling fan speed.
   
8. Select “Apply,” then “OK.”
   

Control Fan Speed Using Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI)

Each UEFI is different, but the steps are pretty much the same on various motherboards. You can access the firmware through settings or by booting your PC.

Through settings:

1. Select “Windows” + “I” to access “Settings.”
   
2. In the “Settings” menu, choose “Update and Security.”
   
3. Select “Recovery” then “Advanced Startup.”
   
4. Choose “Restart Now.”
   
5. Click “Troubleshoot.”
   
6. Select “Advanced Options.”
   
7. Choose “UEFI Firmware” settings.
   
8. Select “Restart.”
   

Through the boot option:

If you can’t get to the settings option, use the boot option to access the firmware.

1. Press the PC power button to display a screen splash which identifies the key you need to press to access the firmware. This key needs to be pressed repeatedly to access the setup mode.
   Note: Normally, function keys, ESC or “Delete” are used. Alternatively, check with the device manufacturer to determine which key you should press.
   
2. Pressing the necessary key will send you to the UEFI firmware. From here, the fan speed can be changed.

The above two methods will lead you to the UEFI firmware. Here, you can change the advanced settings, such as changing fan speed.

• In the firmware, find Qfan Control, Manual Mode, Smart Fan Mode, or any other similar option. If you see a curve graph and a list of PC fans, you’re in the right place.
• Choose the fan you want to adjust, and on the “Fan Mode,” change to “Manual.”
• A graph will appear that has numbers showing fan speed on the left while the temperature will be shown at the bottom. Edit the fan curve dots to achieve the fan curve you want.
• Save the new settings and restart your PC.

Using First-Party Software

This is software that the PC or motherboard manufacturers develop. This is made for specific hardware and works with no compatibility issues.

• You need to determine the model and manufacturer of the Windows device you use in case you have a custom build.
  Note: If you have issues finding the model and manufacturer details, look at the front or bottom of the computer. The information should be on a label. If it is not, you’ll need a free system information tool.
• Go to the support site of the motherboard or PC manufacturer and look for the model. Some sites allow serial number searches or purchase numbers.
• Select the downloads section of your PC model’s dedicated support page. Search for the system utility and download it.
  The fan control is often bundled into an over-locking utility or system control.
• Install the utility and open it to search for fan speed control. This depends on the utility you downloaded.
• In many cases, the fan speed is displayed as a percentage of the maximum. The highest setting is 100, and 0 is the lowest. Higher fan speeds tend to be louder, while the lower ones have a lower cooling effect but are less noisy.

Using SpeedFan or Third Party Software to Control CPU Fan Speed

SpeedFan is third-party fan control software and is amongst the best. The tool will search your PC for informative chips to display temperatures, speeds, and voltages. The software takes advantage of Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology or SMART sensors. These are run through the PC’s video cards and motherboard to extract relevant and accurate data.

1. Download Speed Fan and install it on your PC.
   
2. Run the app, and on the main window, choose “Configure.”
   
3. Navigate to the “Fans” tab and click. This lists all the fans on the PC.
   

SpeedFan is one of the best solutions for those using Windows computers. Mac users can have better luck with smcFanControl.

Installing the software can assist you in checking your CPU temperature readings and determining the RPM. The fan speeds can be manually controlled using such a tool. Fan Speed supports the Case and CPU fans that are built in.

Get an External Fan Hub

If you want to control more than the CPU and case fans, especially if you have additional aftermarket fans, consider getting an external fan hub instead. This is a good option for desktop computers. In the case of a laptop, it would be better to get a cooling pad, a flat device with fans inside that is placed under the laptop and keeps it cool.

There are different types of PC fan controller hubs available as well. Normally, the components fit into the drive bay of a computer. They have controls that make it easy to adjust the PC fans’ speed manually.

The current RPM is displayed, but the GPU and CPU temperatures cannot be monitored.

Adjust Fan Speed for Optimal Performance

Different versions of Windows have different ways of adjusting fan speed exist. Some systems have built-in control options. If yours doesn’t, try first-party or third-party software options to control fan speed. Take care not to overheat your system in the process.

Have you ever needed to control PC fans? Which steps did you use? Let us know in the comments section below.