Do you know how to change the CPU fan speed without BIOS? Computer processors generate a lot of heat and need active cooling to keep them from overheating. One way to cool a processor is by using a CPU fan.
The CPU fan speed can be adjusted according to the processor’s needs. If you want to change the speed without accessing BIOS, there are some workarounds that you can use.
Changing CPU fan speed with BIOS can be easy if Your CPU fans run at full speed for no reason. In this situation, having control over your fan speed can be helpful.
Multiple reasons cause your system to heat up and require active cooling, including overclocking and high-end gaming.
To ensure the smooth performance of your system, the CPU fan must be adjusted according to the processor’s needs.
The most common way to change the fan speed is by accessing BIOS settings and making changes.
However, if you don’t have access to BIOS, how can you change the fan speed? Fortunately, several workarounds allow you to adjust the fan speed without BIOS. Let’s start.
Changing System Cooling Policy in Windows Control Panel

Users who cannot modify the CPU fan speed via the BIOS can try to optimize their computer’s fan performance through the control panel.
This feature allows you to set a maximum processor frequency and fan speed depending on how hot it gets.
You can adjust these settings, so your system automatically reduces its cooling performance when temperatures drop.
- Go to the control panel.
- Click on “Hardware and Sound.”
- Select “Power Options” and click “Change Plan Settings.”
- Click “Change advanced power settings” and select “Change settings currently unavailable.”
- Click on “Processor Power Management.”
- Click on the dropdown menu and double-click “System Cooling Policy,” and you’ll get a new dropdown menu.
- Select “Active” under the cooling system policy, i.e., plugged-in and on battery.
- Click on “Apply” then “Ok” to save your settings.
The Active setting for both plugged-in and battery power modes can be changed when you need to change the speed of your CPU fan without using BIOS, whether you are trying to cool your processor or reduce the noise.
The passive setting is good if you want your fans to run quietly, while the active setting is ideal if you want the best performance.
Use Fan control Software

There are many fan control software programs available for download. These programs allow you to adjust the speed of your fans without accessing BIOS.
Some fan control software even offers monitoring options, allowing you to track how much heat your system produces and how fast the fans are running.
About Speed Fan
SpeedFan is another popular software for monitoring your computer’s fan speed. It’s an essential component of a computer’s cooling system.
Fan Control is a highly customizable fan-controlling software dedicated to Microsoft Windows.
Speed fan is a free software for Microsoft Windows that monitors fan speed and CPU components’ temperatures.
It helps to keep your CPU running at optimal temperatures and prevent it from overheating. A higher fan speed can lead to better performance, but if you set it too high, it could cause damage to your components.
It checks motherboard temperatures, scans your drive for problems, and reads voltages; it also keeps a check-in balance between the system’s heat and fan speed and automatically changes the settings as needed.
However, SpeedFan is unable to change the fan speed on all motherboards.
It’s essential to make sure you download the correct software for your motherboard to ensure that it works properly.
Downloading and Installing SpeedFan
Installing SpeedFan is quite simple and involves only a few steps:
- Download the installation file from the official website and save it to your computer.
- When you right-click a downloaded file, click “Run as administrator.”
- Follow the installation instructions displayed onscreen.
Once your computer has been scanned, it’ll show your computer information.
This information includes everything Temperatures, drive information, chipset type, fan RPM, and other details displayed in this window.
Manually Configure Your SpeedFan Software
The SpeedFan software has its automatic controls disabled. This disability allows you to configure the software for more satisfactory results manually.
You can activate the automatic option if you need to be more technical or want to change the settings.
- Click on the Configure button above the Automatic Fan Speed Button.
- A list will appear by clicking on an advance tab.
- Click on the Advance Tab.
- Search for Chip, which displays a list of all the buses on your motherboard chipset.
- Click on it and see your PWMs.
- Once you’ve found your PWMs, select the one you want to modify or configure.
- You can only modify one PWM at a time.
- Select the one you want to modify, click “Set to,” and get a dropdown list.
- Various configuration options, like On/Off, Software-Controlled or manual control, will appear.
- Manual control allows you to configure the fans, while thoughtful guardian provides software-defined management manually.
- Once you’ve selected it, click “Remember it” to save your settings.
- After you’ve saved your settings, turn on the PWM you’ve configured to change the fan speed.
Set Up Automatic Fan Control
- Click “Automatic Fan Speed” on the main menu will allow the software to control CPU fan speed automatically.
- Select configure on the start menu.
- Set your minimum and maximum RPM in the “Speeds” tab.
- Once you’re finished, go to the “Fans Control” tab and choose the ultimate temperature for your CPU fan.
- Doing this will help you decide whether or not the RPMs you set affect your CPU’s temperature.
- You may also use a demand request to test the configuration to see whether it works.
- Make sure you save your settings; you must reconfigure the software every time you start your computer.
- Finally, select the temperature you want the fans to speed up and slow down by clicking the “Temperature” button.
- Don’t forget to check the sensor that allows the proper operation of your CPU fans.
- At the bottom of the window, when you have checked the sensor, you will see the words “desired” and “warning.”
- Choose “warning temperature” and “desired temperature” using the arrow keys on your computer.
- Click on OK when you’re done, and all set.
Another easy way
Now, if you find it troublesome to change the speed using the SpeedFan software, there’s another way of changing the speed using BIOS. In this case, you can use the External Fan Controller.
Use External Fan Controller

Adjust CPU Fan Speed With External Fan Controllers If you’ve tried using multiple software and don’t have access to a BIOS setting to adjust your CPU fan speed, the next best option is to use an external fan controller.
It is controlled manually, allowing you to monitor your PC’s temperature and adjust the fan speeds.
They typically attach via a 3-pin or 4-pin header on your motherboard and connect all your fans. You can adjust the speed of your CPU fan to exactly how you want it.
Invest well in this option; you need good quality and reliable fan controllers for the best result, which will help balance the CPU temp and fan speed.
NoteBook FanControl
NoteBook FanControl is a cross-platform, user-friendly fan control software. It’s free and open-source software for changing CPU fan speed without BIOS.
The program allows users to manually adjust the CPU fans’ speed and set temperatures at which certain speeds will be automatically set.
A L S O R E A D
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Installing and configuring
Firstly, download and install the NoteBook FanControl software. Once established, you will be greeted with a main window that has several options.
You can set your fan speeds manually or configure them to adjust them automatically based on the CPU temperature.
If you want more control over your fans’ speed, click on the ‘Advanced Settings’ tab, and you can further adjust the fan speed for each core.
Once you’re all done, click on ‘Apply’ to save your settings. Your fans will automatically start spinning faster or slower based on the configuration that you have set.
Keep in mind that higher fan speeds may result in increased noise levels.
Utilize Motherboard Software Utility
The software utilities allow you to control the fan speed and other settings such as temperature monitoring, voltage monitoring, and more.
The motherboard manufacturer provides these utilities, which you can find on the manufacturer’s website.
With these utilities, you can fine-tune your fan speed settings for the best performance for your system.
It’s essential to make sure you download the correct software for your motherboard to ensure that it works properly.
Utilize Third-Party Software
Aside from motherboard software utilities, other third-party software available can help you control CPU fan speed without BIOS. These include SpeedFan, Core Temp, and HWMonitor.
These software applications allow you to access the fan speed settings of your computer system in a user-friendly interface.
With these tools, you can easily adjust your fan speed settings according to your needs.
This is extremely helpful if you don’t want to install any additional software. Or want to use something other than the utility provided by your motherboard manufacturer.
What Causes Computer Fan To Speed Up?

There can be many possibilities for a computer fan to speed up, some of them being a heavy load on the device, excessive files and downloads, or heavy applications running.
Other features triggering this are faulty heat sensors and high temperatures. To avoid this from happening, use SpeedFan or buy External Fan Controllers.
Why Do My Fans Always Run at Full Speed?
Your computer fan running at full speed can always result from a damaged heat sink or a faulty temperature sensor.
It could also have something to do with your processor, but most times, a defective temperature sensor is a culprit.
Conclusion

In conclusion, How to change CPU fan speed without BIOS is a valuable skill for PC maintenance and upkeep. Not only can this ensure that your system runs at its peak performance, However in the long run, it can also help you save time and money
BIOS does not support many computers, and many users need to learn how to use BIOS.
Heating up is highly harmful to the software and hardware of your computer, which is why having control over your CPU’s Fan is essential.
Following the steps outlined above, you can quickly achieve optimal fan speed without ever having to enter the BIOS.
With this knowledge, you can ensure that your PC will remain well-maintained for years to come. Thanks for reading!
FAQs
What is the best way to control my CPU fan speed?
The best way to control your CPU fan speed is using a utility program like SpeedFan.
This software allows you to customize your fan speed settings and offers options for managing the temperature of your CPU.
Additionally, other programs can help you adjust the fan speed according to your specifications.
Why is it essential to control CPU fan speed?
Controlling your CPU fan speed is essential because it can help you manage the temperature of your CPU.
When the fan speed is not correctly adjusted, your CPU may become too hot and overheat, which can cause permanent damage or even lead to system failure.
By controlling the fan speed, you can ensure that your CPU remains at a safe temperature and in good condition.
Does BIOS control fan speed?
One of your business computers is facing an overheating issue or just running a bit hot, and you want to change the fan speed and increase the internal airflow to help cool down the computer.
So, Yes! You can change the fan speed through Bios, but Not all computer BIOS menus have the option to change the fan settings.
Check the user's manual or manufacturer's web page if you can't find the option to change the fan settings.