The CPU fan helps in keeping the processor cool. It usually works in tandem with the CPU heatsink by dissipating the heat that the heatsink absorbs from the processor. It’s always best to make sure that this fan is functioning properly to avoid any performance related issues that could slow down your computer. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will show you how to fix CPU fan not spinning issue.
How To Fix CPU Fan Not Spinning Issue
Before performing any of the recommended troubleshooting steps listed below it’s best to restart your computer first. This action refreshes the operating system and remove any corrupt temporary data that could be causing the problem.
Before performing any of the recommended troubleshooting steps listed below it’s best to restart your computer first. This action refreshes the operating system and remove any corrupt temporary data that could be causing the problem.
There are several factors that can cause the CPU not to spin. There might be a lot of dust that’s clogging the fan motor thus preventing it to turn. It can also be caused by some wire stuck in the fan blade preventing it from turning. There’s also the possibility that the fan is not getting any power from the motherboard. To fix this problem you should follow the recommended troubleshooting steps listed below.
Clean the fan with a can of compressed air
The first thing you should do in this case is to make sure that the fan is not clogged with dust. After inspecting that no wires are interfering with the rotation of the fan you can use a can of compressed air to blow out the dust on the fan motor and blades.
Check if the CPU fan not spinning issue still occurs.
Try resetting the BIOS
The computer BIOS controls the way the fan works. If the problem is caused by a misconfigured BIOS setting then this problem can occur. To fix this you will need to reset your computer BIOS to its default settings.
- Turn off your computer
- Press the power button and immediately press F2 to enter into BIOS setup
- Press F9 (or the load defaults button shown on the BIOS screen) to reset your BIOS
- Press Esc or F10 and select “save and Exit” press Enter and allow your system to restart.
Check if the CPU fan not spinning issue still occurs.
Replace the CPU fan
There’s a possibility that the problem can be caused by a defective CPU fan. The best way to check if this is what’s causing the problem is to replace it with a new one.
Replace the power supply unit
The power supply unit of your computer might not be supplying the correct voltage needed by the fan to work. If you have a multimeter you can check the output voltage. If it does not have a 5V or 12V output then the fan will not work. To fix this you will need to replace the power supply unit with a new one.
Replace the motherboard
Since the CPU fan gets its power from the computer motherboard then one factor that can cause it not to spin is the motherboard itself. If this is already a motherboard related problem then you will need to replace the motherboard.