Control the speed of your computer's fans with Windows 11 can make a difference in terms of performance, temperature and noise of the equipment. Although Windows 11 does not have a native tool to adjust the fan speed, there are several workarounds hardware and software to efficiently manage your system's cooling. It's important to find the right balance between cooling and noise level to enjoy optimally functioning equipment without overheating.
In this article we will delve into all the ways you can adjust the fan speeds on your rig with Windows 11. We'll discuss specific programs, BIOS settings, and other solutions that will give you greater control over the temperature of your components. We'll also teach you how to avoid risks associated with fan malfunction, such as CPU or GPU overheating.
System cooling policy in Windows 11
Windows 11 includes a built-in option called System cooling policy which you can find within the power options. Although it doesn't give you direct control over the speed of the fans, it does allow you to adjust the behavior of your computer to improve cooling.
To access this option, follow these steps:
- Open Control Panel and select Hardware and sound.
- Choose Energy options and then click Change plan settings.
- Open the option Change advanced power settings.
At that point, look for the section System cooling policy within the processor's power management. From here you can choose between a passive policy, which reduces the processor speed to reduce the heat generated, or an active policy, which increases the speed of the fans when the temperature rises, which is ideal for those looking for greater performance.
With this simple setup you can improve the lifespan of key components like the CPU, while keeping your system quieter when intensive cooling is not required.
Third-party programs to control fans
If you need more granular and detailed control over the fan speeds on your Windows 11 PC, you'll likely need to turn to third-party tools. Below, we'll discuss some of the best software options for managing your fans.
SpeedFan
SpeedFan is one of the most popular programs for controlling fan speed. It allows you to manually adjust the speed based on the temperatures it detects on your computer. This software can read the sensors and adjust the RPM for both desktop and laptop computers. portable.
You can use it to manage the speed of your CPU fan, chassis fans, and any other fans you have connected. The interface is somewhat dated and in English, so it may not be the most user-friendly option for inexperienced users, but it is still powerful and effective for advanced users.
Fan control
This open source software is a fairly flexible option for controlling all the fans in a system. With Fan Control, you can adjust each fan manually or create your own custom custom curves based on various sensors, such as those in the CPU or GPU.
One of its biggest advantages is its intuitive interface, which allows you to view temperature graphs and adjust the fans to optimize both the performance and noise of your computer. It is ideal for users looking for a balance between noise and cooling without having to manipulate complicated BIOS settings.
Argus monitor
With Argus monitor, you can manage your system fans and create automatic control curves based on the temperature of your CPU or GPU. Additionally, Argus Monitor offers real-time monitoring to prevent overheating. Its interface is not customizable, but it allows for many advanced settings for users who want comprehensive control over their system's cooling.
Advantages and risks of changing fan speed
Changing the speed of your PC's fans can have significant benefits, but it also carries certain risks if not done correctly.
- Greater control: The main advantage of adjusting fan speeds is that you can optimize airflow to maximize performance without generating too much noise.
- Overheating risks: If you reduce the fan speed too much, you can put the integrity of critical components such as the CPU or GPU at risk. If the components are not properly cooled, the computer could automatically shut down or even suffer permanent damage.
On the other hand, using programs such as SpeedFan or Fan Control allows you to set alarms in case a fan fails and prevent the system from overheating.
Conclusion: Manually adjusting the fan speed on your Windows 11 PC is a great way to improve performance and keep your system at a controlled temperature. You can do this with programs like SpeedFan or Fan Control, or through the BIOS or Windows Cooling Policy. Either way, remember to adjust the settings to your PC's actual needs to avoid potential long-term damage.
I'm Alberto Navarro and I'm passionate about everything related to technology, from cutting-edge gadgets to software and video games of all kinds. My interest in digital began with video games and continued in the world of digital marketing. I have been writing about the digital world on different platforms since 2019, sharing the latest news in the sector. I also try to write in an original way so that you can stay up to date while having fun.
I studied Sociology at university and completed my studies with a Master's in Digital Marketing. So if you have any questions, I'll share with you all my experience in the world of digital marketing, technology and video games.