Fan control via the BIOS - how it works

If you want to set the fan control of your computer, you can use the BIOS for this. But this is also possible under Windows using special software. We'll show you how it's done.

Instructions: Control fan control via BIOS

With newer computers you can set the built-in fans directly via the BIOS. If you use a comparatively old mainboard, you have to fall back on a software solution. Read on in the next paragraph.

• First you have to open the BIOS. With old computers you have to navigate with the arrow keys, with newer devices you can navigate in the menu with the mouse.
• The fans are often already displayed on the start page. The BIOS always regulates the speed automatically. If the temperature rises, the fans become faster and the PC is cooled better.
• If you select the fan control, you can set a permanently desired value for the speed. In some cases, the BIOS also offers an analysis according to which the fans are switched optimally.
• Note: Excessive ventilation only increases the volume. Too weak ventilation, on the other hand, can lead to overheating of individual components and thus to a crash or damage to the computer. After a change, you should observe the temperature of the components for a few days, for example with tools such as HWMonitor.

Control PC fans via software

If your BIOS does not offer a way to regulate the fans, you can also control them via Windows.

• Use the free tool SpeedFan here. So that there are no complications, you should - if possible - deactivate the fan control in the BIOS.
• In the following picture gallery you will find detailed instructions.

How to open BIOS in Windows 10

In the next practical tip, we will show you how to clean your PC fan.