CPU Fan Error on Boot: Why it Occurs & How to Fix it?

Seeing the CPU fan error is a common problem that occurs while booting Windows PC or laptops. This dreaded error message is a warning sign that points out the malfunction of the CPU fan error on boot or after the unexpected system shut down due to the overheating.

Apparently, this frustrating error message not always signifies broken or damaged computer fans or hardware issues.

Many users are able to fix the problem without changing the CPU fan. Well, we managed to shortlist the potential fixes to get rid of the CPU fan problem by tweaking some of the computer settings.

So, if you are also wondering how to fix CPU fan error then keep reading the article to resolve this irritating problem without spending a single penny.

But first, learn why you are getting the error on your computer

What Causes CPU Fan Error?

There are a couple of common reasons responsible for the CPU fan error on boot but fan is running error. So below have a look at some of them:

Due to both the hardware and software issues
Physical damage of the fan
Incorrectly setting your fan information in the BIOS interface
Dust or other particles block the device air vents and cause the CPU fan problem
The external factors cause the computer to overheat and force the fan to unusual speeds.

So, these are some of the common reasons for the error, now learn how the CPU fan error appears.

When does the CPU Fan Error Appear?

Commonly the CPU fan error on startup appears during booting the system or the start-up process on Windows PC. And you will see the following error message on your screen:

The error commonly appears during the bootup or start-up process on a Windows PC; it does not appear during regular Windows operation. The error message text usually appears as one of the following:

“CPU Fan Error”
“Error: CPU Fan Has Failed!”
“CPU Fan Error on Boot but Fan is Running”
“CPU Fan Speed Error Detected”

Now below have a look at quick and easy solutions to fix CPU fan error on boot.

How Do I Fix CPU Fan Error?

Follow the solutions given one by one till you find the one that works for you.

Table of Contents

#1 – Check the Hardware

The error is commonly related to hardware issues, so very first check for the hardware issues:

Firstly verify the fan connections and also inspect the motherboard connection.
Check the cooling fan is spinning and working as projected.
Re-apply the thermal paste for reducing the CPU temperatures.
Clean the fan dust or use the pressurized air for cleaning it.

Now restart your system and check the CPU fan error on boot is fixed or else head to the next solution.

#2 – Change the CPU Fan Settings from BIOS

Here you need to try the quick edit to change the CPU fan settings from BIOS and restart your system.

Follow the steps given:

Reboot your system to enter the BIOS screen by clicking the F2, F12, or Del buttons.
Then click the Power tab > highlight Hardware monitor option from the list appears.
Now choose CPU Fan Speed option > change it to
And click CHASSIS FAN SPEED option > change it into N/A.
Next pick the last option Power Fan Speed > change it into

Hopefully, now your system will not show the CPU fan error message, but if still getting the error then simply head to the next solution.

You can also read our guide on the PC fan Speed Controller.

#3 – Lower the Default Fan RPM

Many users confirmed that lowering the default fan RPM in BIOS worked for them to fix CPU fan error on boot.

So follow the steps to do so:

Reboot your computer to enter the BIOS screen by clicking the F2, F12, or Del buttons.
Next head to CPU Fan settings. Well, the sections may differ as per your motherboards, so, the main thing is to look for the CPU Fan control settings in the Advanced settings menu
And search for the setting that controls RPM warnings, the default value must be around 600 RPM (Rotations per Minute).
Then lower the default value to 300 RPM > save the changes.
Lastly, exit BIOS and boot into your system.

#4 – In BIOS Disable CPU Fan Speed

The irregular or unusual CPU fan speed in the BIOS can also cause the CPU fan error in your system. So, here it is suggested to disable the CPU fan speed in BIOS.

Follow the steps to do so:

Boot into BIOS, from the above steps
And go to the Advanced settings as discussed in the above steps
Search for the Monitoring (Monitor) section > modify the CPU Fan Speed for Ignoring and confirming the changes.
Next exit BIOS and boot into Windows.

Hope this works for you to solve the CPU fan speed error on boot up.

#5 – Clean CPU Fans

If the above steps won’t work for you then check the computer CPU fans and clean them properly. Try cleaning the dust completely, also make sure to clean other components as well.

Make sure to use the soft, damp cloth, also wipe the bottom of the case with a damp cloth, or else users can also use the cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol to clean the fans and other components

Doing this prevents your system from overheating the PC and also solve the CPU fan speed error.

#6 – Reconnect your CPU Fans Correctly

There are a number of CPU fans connection ports set on the computer motherboard that allows connecting multiple fans with different types simultaneously.

Well, the other ports for other components are similar to the ports of the CPU fans and therefore there is a possibility the users wrongly insert the CPU fans.

So here it is advised to check the fans and if wrongly inserted the remove them and connect them with other ports available.

#7 – Avoid Overheating of the Computer

If your computer is placed in an area with plenty of heat or sunlight then this can cause the system to overheat and force the fan to work hard.

So, make sure to place your computer in the cool room or avoid placing it in direct sunlight throughout the day.

#8 – Change the CPU Fan

If none of the above-given solutions works in your case then the only option left is to replace the CPU fan to fix CPU fan error but fan is working.

Moreover, you can also check the computer’s warranty as this covers the repair of the fan. Also, if the fan is purchased individually then you may have its own warranty, make sure to use it get free or a discount on a replacement.

So, these are fixes that help you to fix CPU Fan error on startup. Also always remember to act carefully to avoid further damage to the computer components as well as overheating.

Tips to Avoid Overheated Computer Problems:

Well, the overheating of the PC can cause many other serious issues such as hard drive damage, unexpected system shutdown, the random slowdown of the system, freezing or hanging computer, etc.

So, here have a look at the quick tips to prevent computer overheating:

Clean your computer internal fans properly
Avoid overclocking the CPU and GPU of your system
Place it in a cool airy place
Close the case of your system to avoid accumulating dust
Check the system’s power supply fan
Shutdown the system when not in use
Limit the usage of computers like end unused games, apps, documents, etc.
Delete the unwanted large files and folders from your system to free up some space
Remove programs running in the background.

Overall these are the cases that cause the computer overheated problem that may lead to the CPU fan error as well.

Conclusion:

Well, the CPU fan error is a common but very irritating error message. Here I tried my best to list down the workable fixes to resolve CPU Fan error on boot.

Now you are well aware of why it occurs, so make sure to follow the best preventive methods to avoid getting the error in the future.

Hope the article works for you and turns out to be very informative for you.

If you want to share any other solutions or suggestions, then please let us know on our Facebook or Twitter page.

Good Luck!!!

Hardeep Kaur

Hardeep has always been a Windows lover ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP PC. She has always been enthusiastic about technological stuff, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI) computing. Before joining PC Error Fix, she worked as a freelancer and worked on numerous technical projects.