What happens if computer fan stops working

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Leaving your computer in an area with a lot of heat or sunlight can cause it to overheat and shut down, no matter how hard the fan is working. Try moving your computer to a cooler room or making sure it's never placed in direct sunlight throughout the day.

Stop overclocking. A consequence of overclocking is a dramatic increase in system heat that can't be managed by the default fans. This can damage circuits and cause frequent shutdowns and overheating errors. Clean the air vents. The easiest way to clean the vents is to remove the brush from your vacuum cleaner, then use it at full power to suck any dust and debris out. Alternatively, use an airgun or canned air to blast the dust out. Clean the CPU fans. For this step, you'll need to turn your computer off, unplug it from the power source, and open up the case.

Once opened, you can clean the interior and remove dust with an air gun or canned air. Refrain from spraying any cleaning agents onto any parts, as this can seriously damage a variety of components. Many devices, such as the Microsoft Surface line of products , are not designed to be opened, and doing so may void the warranty or cause permanent damage.

If you're unsure, reference your device's official support manual or call customer service. Check your CPU fan. While you have your computer opened, physically check your device's fans to make sure they haven't come loose or fallen out of place.

Depending on your fan model, you should be able to fasten your fans back into place with a screwdriver or glue. Whenever you're checking anything in the interior of an electrical device, make sure that it is completely turned off and disconnected from all power sources. Remember to choose Shut Down, not Sleep, when turning your computer off. Check your CPU fan's location. If you've installed the CPU fan yourself , ensure that it is installed in the correct location. It should be connected to the CPU header on the motherboard.

If you've connected it elsewhere, the fan may run when the computer is turned on but it won't be sufficiently cooling the CPU, which is its main purpose. The CPU header will likely be labelled "CPU Fan," but if it isn't, it's still easy to spot with its three holes for the fan's three-pronged plug.

Try an alternate CPU fan header. If you have multiple CPU fan headers on your motherboard, try plugging the fan into a different slot.

This sometimes fixes the CPU fan error. It can occasionally be used to troubleshoot tech issues and to make sure everything is as it should be.