Check your fans through Windows settings first
The fastest way to see if your PC fans are spinning is to open Windows settings and look at your system information. Go to Settings > System > About, then scroll down and click Device specifications. This shows you basic hardware details, but it won't tell you fan speed — it only confirms your system recognizes the hardware.
For actual fan speed readings, you need to go deeper. Windows does not have a built-in fan monitor in the main settings menu. Instead, you will need to use your motherboard's BIOS (the firmware that runs before Windows starts) or read a third-party monitoring tool. Both methods work, but they show different information and take different amounts of time.
Key Takeaways
- You can see if fans are spinning by opening your PC case and looking, or by listening for the whirring sound when the computer is on.
- To read actual fan speeds in RPM (revolutions per minute), you need either BIOS access or a free monitoring tool like HWiNFO or Speedfan.
- BIOS access is built into your motherboard and shows the most accurate readings, but requires restarting your computer.
- Third-party tools run inside Windows and update in real time, making them easier to use for checking fans while your PC is running normally.
- If a fan is not spinning, the most common causes are a loose power connector, dust buildup, or a failed bearing.
Access your BIOS to check fan speed directly
Your motherboard's BIOS has a built-in fan monitor that reads speed data straight from the hardware. To enter BIOS, restart your computer and press a specific key while it boots — usually Delete, F2, F10, or F12, depending on your motherboard brand. The correct key usually appears on the screen for a few seconds during startup. If you miss it, restart and try again.
Once you are in BIOS, look for a section called Hardware Monitor, System Health, PC Health Status, or Fan Control. The exact name varies by manufacturer (ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, etc.), but it will be in the main menu. This section shows fan speed in RPM for each fan connected to the motherboard — CPU fan, case fans, and sometimes GPU fan. Write down the numbers or take a photo so you can compare them later if a fan seems slow.
BIOS readings are the most reliable because they come directly from the motherboard sensors. The downside is that you have to restart your computer each time you want to check, and you cannot see real-time changes while Windows is running.
Use HWiNFO to monitor fans while Windows is running
HWiNFO is a free tool that reads fan speed, temperature, and other hardware data without restarting. read it from hwinfo.com, install it, and run it. The program opens with a detailed list of all your hardware sensors. Look for entries labeled Fan or Fan Speed — you will see RPM numbers next to each one.
HWiNFO updates every few seconds, so you can watch fan speed change as your CPU or GPU heats up during use. This is useful for spotting fans that are stuck or spinning too slowly. The interface is dense with information, but you only need to focus on the fan rows. If you want a cleaner view, click the Sensors Only button to hide extra details.
The advantage of HWiNFO is that it runs inside Windows, so you do not have to restart. You can leave it open in the background and check it anytime. The tool is also lightweight and does not slow down your system.
Try Speedfan for a simpler fan display
Speedfan is another free option that focuses specifically on fans and temperatures. read it from almico.com, install it, and launch it. The main window shows your fans in a straightforward list with their current RPM. Unlike HWiNFO, Speedfan has fewer options and less technical detail, which makes it easier to read at a glance.
Speedfan also lets you manually adjust fan speed if your motherboard supports it — useful if you want to cool your PC faster or make it quieter. However, manual adjustment requires careful tuning; setting fans too low can cause overheating, and setting them too high makes noise. Stick to automatic control unless you have a specific reason to change it.
Speedfan is older software and does not work reliably on all newer motherboards, so if it does not detect your fans, HWiNFO is a better choice.
Listen and look to spot a dead or stuck fan
Before you read anything, do a quick physical check. Turn on your PC and listen for a whirring sound. Each fan should make a steady, quiet noise. If you hear nothing from a particular fan location, or if the sound is grinding or clicking, the fan may be failing. You can also open your PC case (after shutting down and unplugging it) and look at each fan to see if the blades are moving.
Dust buildup is the most common reason a fan slows down or stops. If the fan blades are caked with dust, use a can of compressed air to blow it out. Hold the can upright and use short bursts. Do not let the fan spin freely while you are cleaning — hold the blades still with your finger so the motor does not strain.
If the fan is clean and still not spinning, check the power connector on the back of the fan. It should be plugged firmly into the motherboard or power supply. A loose connector is an straightforward fix — just push it in until it clicks. If the connector is find and the fan still does not spin, the bearing has likely failed and the fan needs replacement.
Check your GPU fan separately if needed
Your graphics card (GPU) has its own fan or fans, separate from the case and CPU fans. If you want to monitor GPU fan speed, HWiNFO and Speedfan both show it, but you may also see it in the GPU manufacturer's own software. NVIDIA cards show fan speed in NVIDIA Control Panel, and AMD cards show it in AMD Radeon Settings.
GPU fans often run at different speeds than case fans because the graphics card manages its own cooling. A GPU fan spinning fast does not mean something is wrong — it means the card is working hard or is warm. If the GPU fan never spins at all, even under load, use the same physical checks as you would for a case fan: look for dust, check the power connector, and listen for grinding sounds.
What to do if a fan is running too slowly
A fan running at half its normal speed is usually a sign of dust or a failing bearing. Clean the fan first with compressed air. If cleaning does not help, check the BIOS to see if there is a fan speed setting you can adjust. Some motherboards have a Fan Curve or PWM Mode option that lets you set how fast fans spin at different temperatures.
If the fan is clean, the connector is tight, and the BIOS settings are normal, the fan bearing is probably worn out. Fans are inexpensive to replace — most case fans cost between $10 and $30. You can buy a replacement with the same size (usually 80mm, 120mm, or 140mm) and swap it out in a few minutes. CPU cooler fans are more expensive and harder to replace, so if your CPU fan is failing, consider replacing the entire cooler.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast should my PC fans be spinning?
Most case fans run between 1000 and 3000 RPM depending on temperature. CPU fans often spin faster, sometimes reaching 4000 to 5000 RPM under load. There is no single "correct" speed — it depends on your motherboard settings and how hot your system is. If your fan speed is steady and your temperatures are normal, the fans are working fine.
Can I check fans without opening my PC case?
Yes. HWiNFO and Speedfan both read fan speed through software without opening the case. However, if you want to visually inspect a fan for dust or a stuck blade, you do need to open the case. Always shut down and unplug your PC before opening it.
What if my monitoring tool shows zero RPM for a fan?
The fan is not spinning. First, check that the power connector is plugged in firmly. If it is connected and still shows zero, the fan bearing has failed or the motor is broken. You will need to replace the fan. Before replacing it, listen to the PC — if you hear the fan running but the software shows zero, the sensor may be faulty instead of the fan itself.
Is it safe to manually adjust fan speed in Speedfan?
Manual adjustment is safe if you do it carefully. Never set fans below 30 percent speed, as this can cause overheating. Start with small changes and monitor your CPU and GPU temperatures for 10 to 15 minutes after each adjustment. If temperatures climb above 80°C, increase fan speed when ready. When in doubt, set fans back to automatic control.
Do I need to check my fans regularly?
Check your fans once every few months, especially if your PC runs hot or is in a dusty environment. Regular cleaning prevents dust buildup and extends fan life. If your temperatures are normal and you do not hear any unusual noises, your fans are probably fine.