Central Processing Unit (CPU) fan error is a common error message that can appear when starting a Windows desktop or laptop computer. The alert is usually triggered after a computer shuts down due to overheating.
This can occur when the fan (or fans) cannot adequately cool the hardware. The CPU error message and forced shutdown, while frustrating, indicate that the computer’s security measures are working properly.
If the fans are not working and the computer continues to overheat, hardware components can be permanently damaged. There are ways to confirm the cause of the overheating and the resulting error messages, as well as ways to fix them How to Fix a CPU Fan Error.
How the CPU Fan Error Appears
CPU fan errors often occur during the boot or startup process of a Windows PC; it does not appear during normal Windows operation. The error message text is usually displayed as follows:
“Error: CPU fan has failed!
CPU fan error”
What Causes CPU Fan Errors
A CPU fan error on startup is usually due to physical damage to the fan, incorrect settings, or external factors that cause the computer to overheat and force the fan to run at unusually high speeds. Dust or other objects blocking the device vents may cause CPU fan errors.
How to Fix a CPU Fan Error
Since hardware and software issues can cause CPU fan errors, the solutions are just as diverse and include checking specific settings and the internal CPU fan. Follow these tips to avoid CPU overheating and error messages.
Move your computer; If you leave your computer in a place with high heat or sunlight, it can overheat and shut down no matter how hard the fan is running. Try to put your computer in a cooler room and never put it in direct sunlight all day.
Stop overclocking; A consequence of overclocking is a dramatic increase in system heat than standard fans cannot handle. Overheating can damage circuits and cause frequent shutdowns and overheating errors.
Keep your computer cool; The easiest way to clean the vents is to remove the brush from the vacuum and then use it at full power to suck up dust and dirt. Alternatively, use a blowgun or compressed air to blow off the dust.
Clean the CPU fans; This step requires you to turn off the computer, unplug it from the power source, and open the case. Once opened, you can clean the inside and remove dust with an air gun or compressed air. Do not spray cleaning agents as this can seriously damage various components.
Check your CPU fan; With your computer open, check your device’s fans to make sure they haven’t become loose or shifted. Depending on your fan model, you should be able to snap them back into place with a screwdriver or glue.
Check your CPU fan’s location; If you installed the CPU fan yourself, make sure it’s in the right place. I should have connected it to the CPU header on the motherboard. If you plugged it somewhere else, the fan might work when the computer is on, but it doesn’t cool the CPU enough, which is its main purpose.
Try an alternate CPU fan header; If you have multiple CPU fan headers on your motherboard, try moving the fan to a different slot. This sometimes fixes the CPU fan error.
Check the CPU fan’s settings in BIOS; You can use it to troubleshoot technical issues and make sure everything is as it should be. Then select Advanced Settings > Hardware Monitor > CPU Fan. Enable active heatsink and fan duct with fan and disable passive heatsink and fan duct without the fan. Save changes and exit BIOS.
Change the BIOS setting; If you can see your CPU fan is working properly and you are sure your computer is not overheating or getting too hot, change this BIOS setup change in step n.
Fix #8 can fix the CPU fan error message bypass and get your device working. To do this, open the BIOS and select Monitor > Fan Speed Monitor > N/A > Ignore > Exit > Save Changes.
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