The fan of your computer plays a crucial role in cooling your machine. But how can you be sure it’s working properly? You might be wondering:
👉 How to know if the fans are working on a PC?
👉 My laptop fan isn’t spinning anymore, what should I do?
👉 How to test or repair a PC fan?
Here is a complete guide to testing a PC fan, understanding signs of malfunction, and knowing when it’s necessary to repair or replace it.
1. Listen to the Fan Noises
Under normal operation, a PC fan produces a light spinning noise, especially under system load (games, heavy software, etc.).
No noise? This might indicate an inactive or broken fan.
Unusual noises: squeaks, clicks, or vibrations may signal a defective or stuck fan.
2. Monitor Your Computer’s Temperature
A malfunctioning fan causes rapid overheating.
Use tools like HWMonitor, SpeedFan, or Core Temp to monitor internal temperatures.
If the CPU or GPU temperatures rise quickly without audible ventilation, your fan might no longer be working.
how to know if fans are working on pc?
laptop fan not spinning?
3. Check Airflow
Hold your hand near the ventilation grills: do you feel airflow?
If no air is coming out and the computer is heating up, it might be that the laptop fan is not spinning or is blocked.
4. Use Fan Testing Software
Software like SpeedFan allows you to test the PC fan by displaying its rotation speed (RPM).
If the fan is not detected or stays at 0 RPM: it is either stuck or out of service.
💡 Useful tip: if you want to manually force start a laptop fan, follow this complete guide.
👉 Looking to check a laptop fan without opening it? Software testing is the first step.
5. Access the BIOS
At startup, press F2, Delete, or F10 to access the BIOS.
Some BIOS display the fan speeds live.
If nothing appears: this is often a sign that the fan is no longer spinning or is poorly connected.
6. Detect Symptoms of a Faulty Fan
Does the PC shut down suddenly? It is probably entering thermal protection mode.
Is the case hot? The fan is probably inactive or ineffective.
7. Visual Inspection (if possible)
If you have some disassembly knowledge:
Visually inspect the fan: does it spin freely? Is there dust or debris?
You can also manually test the fan using a blower or compressed air.
🔧 Tip: Sometimes, a simple cleaning is enough to repair the fan if it is stuck due to dust.
📌 What to Do If the Fan Really Doesn’t Work?
If after all these tests:
The laptop fan does not spin at all
No airflow
Abnormally high temperatures
Frequent restarts or shutdowns...
➡️ It’s time to repair or replace the fan.
Order an official fan from our online store Accessoires-Asus.com, or contact a professional repair service:
🔧 Have my laptop fan professionally repaired.