How to Fix if PC Fan Runs Without Stopping?

Your PC’s fan is designed to keep your computer cool, but what are you supposed to do when it never stops running?

We’re going to dive into this handy guide covering why your PC fan runs constantly, if it’s even a problem at all, and how to fix it before it causes any damage to your hardware.

Whether you’re an experienced user or novice, there’s something of use in there to help you fix if your PC Fan runs without stopping. So, let’s check out the guide.

What is the Function of a PC Fan?

The fan’s job is to:

1. Circulate heat away from important components (CPU, GPU, PSU)
2. Keep them cool inside
3. Avoid thermal throttling, and it won’t cause overheating of the Chip!

Fans are temperature sensor-controlled, and they should be spinning up or down based on temperature under load.

Is It Normal for a PC Fan Runs Without Stopping?

Normal Condition:

1. You’re gaming or using software such as video editing or 3D rendering.
2. The temperature in the room is high.
3. You’re on a gaming or high-end laptop/desktop.

Not Normal:

1. The fan does full RPMs at idle.
2. Your system is neat, but the fan is still noisy.
3. You feel surprised by bursts of noise for no reason.

Common Reasons Why a PC Fan Keeps Running?

1. High CPU or GPU Usage

But even without active work, background processes can cause CPU usage to spike 80-100%.

Check this using:

• Windows: Open Task Manager > Performance tab.
• Mac: Open Activity Monitor.

2. Dust and Dirt Buildup

Over time, your system clutching water droplets of dust in its vents, fans, and heat sinks, will be sucking power from your components and leaving them blazing hot. The fan makes up for it by running all the time.

3. Incorrect Fan Settings in BIOS or Software

You might have fan profiles set up to “Performance” or “Full Speed” in the BIOS or in utilities such as MSI Afterburner or SpeedFan. It’s these profiles that supersede these temperature controls.

4. Background Applications

Apps like mentioned below can quietly consume resources that make the PC Fan Runs Without Stopping.

• Chrome with many tabs
• Game launchers (Steam, Epic Games)
• Cloud sync software
• Auto-updating software

5. Malware or Viruses

Some other malware just slows down your computer and prefers to secretly mine cryptocurrency or create botnet armies from your computer’s CPU, which keeps your CPU working hard and your fans spinning fast.

Scan using:

• Windows Defender
• Malwarebytes
• Norton or any other reputed tool

6. Thermal Paste Deterioration

Thermal paste is used to transfer heat from your CPU/GPU to your heat sink. If it’s dry or worn down, the temperature soars and the fan goes into overdrive.

The layer of thermal grease should be changed every 2-3 years.

7. Faulty Temperature Sensors

If the sensors fail, they can end up registering high temperatures even if the system is cool, fooling the fan controller into running the fan at high speeds.

8. Poor Cable Management or Blocked Vents

Internal airflow can also be affected adversely by unruly wires or tight case placement, leading to heat being held in the cabinet. Blocked air vents or fans that are positioned too close to a wall are also a factor.

How to Fix PC Fan Runs Without Stopping?

Here are some fixes that you can try to resolve if your PC fan runs continuously without stopping:

Fix 1: Clean Your PC

• Clean with compressed air to blow away dust.
• Concentrate on CPU fans, PSU, vents and GPU.
• Be kind and, if possible, use ESD protection.

Fix 2: Adjust Fan Settings in BIOS

1. Reboot the PC and press DEL, F2, or ESC (whichever works) to enter BIOS.
2. Navigate to Hardware Monitor or Q-Fan Configuration.
3. Change fan mode to:
   • Silent/Standard > For general use
   • Performance/Full Speed > Only for gaming or rendering

Fix 3: Control the Fan Using the Software

Download apps like:

• MSI Afterburner (GPU fan control)
• SpeedFan (Advanced fan control for all components)
• Corsair iCUE, NZXT CAM, etc.

Develop fan curves that can shift in response to temperature measurements.

Fix 4: End Background Processes

• Use Task Manager > Sort by CPU or Memory.
• Close unneeded apps and browser tabs.
• Disable startup programs:
  • Windows > msconfig > Startup tab > Disable unnecessary ones

Fix 5: Update BIOS & Drivers

Out-of-date drivers can be responsible for temperature misreads or incorrect fan operation.

• Update the motherboard chipset and system BIOS on the website of the vendor.
• Update your GPU drivers directly from NVIDIA or AMD.

Fix 6: Monitor Temperatures

Use tools like:

• HWMonitor
• Core Temp
• Speccy
• Open Hardware Monitor

Check CPU temps under idle (<50°C is good).

Fix 7: Reapply Thermal Paste

Tools needed:

• Isopropyl alcohol (90%+)
• Clean cloth
• Thermal paste (e.g., Arctic MX-4)

Steps:

1. Unmount the CPU cooler.
2. Clean old paste from CPU and cooler.
3. Apply a pea-sized drop of new paste.
4. Reinstall the cooler firmly.

Fix 7: Check for Malware

• Run Windows Defender or Malwarebytes full scan.
• If malware won’t let you run Safe Mode, then run in Safe Mode via a USB flash drive.

Fix 8: Improve Airflow

• Keep cables in order with cable organizers.
• Adding more fans or a liquid cooler would be preferable if possible.
• Ensure the PC is well-ventilated.

When Should You Replace Your Fan?

You might need a new fan if:

• It’s very loud even when it is clean.
• Fan blades are wobbly, or the fan doesn’t spin properly.
• You get boot time error messages like CPU Fan Error.

Replacement fans are inexpensive (₹400–₹2000), cost is dependent on brand and size.

Conclusion

A PC fan that runs endlessly is the literal opposite of cool. Whether it’s from dust build-up, high CPU/GPU usage, or just the passing of time, the longer you let your machine slide apart, the worse the damage can become.

If you go through this guide, not only will you be able to solve the immediate fan noise problem, but you will also be able to help your system last longer and run cooler.

So, that’s all we have for you about how you can fix if the PC Fan Runs Without Stopping. We hope that this guide has helped you. For more info, comment below.