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HP Desktop PCs - Fan is noisy and spins constantly (Windows 11, Windows 10)

When a computer fan spins loudly for a long period of time, there might be an issue with a fan, or the computer might be overheating. Adjust the power settings, let the computer cool for a few minutes, and then troubleshoot the noisy fan.

Note:

It is normal for the fans to spin loudly for five to twenty seconds when you first turn on the computer.

Note:

Gaming computers have additional features to change fan speed and adjust power and performance settings to reduce heat. For more information, see HP PCs - OMEN Gaming Hub.

Using Task Manager to identify corrupt processes and reduce heat

When multiple processes, such as corrupt software or malware, overburden the CPU, the fans run continuously to remove the excess heat. Open Windows Task Manager to identify these processes, and then close them.

Note:

An unnecessary or corrupt process can consume anywhere between 1% to 100% of the CPU. Even a low but constant 3% to 4% load can cause the fans to spin faster.

Make sure that your computer is connected to the internet.
Press ctrl + alt + delete, and then select Start Task Manager or Task Manager.
Click More details, if necessary.
Click the Processes tab, and then click the CPU column header to sort the processes by CPU load.
Use the internet to research and confirm any suspicious processes that are displayed in the list.
Select each suspicious process, and then click End task.

If you did not find any suspicious processes or the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Adjust the computer power settings

Adjust the power settings to decrease power consumption, which can help the fans maintain an optimal internal temperature up to 30°C (86°F).

Adjust the computer power settings (Windows 11)

Use this procedure to adjust the power settings for a computer running Windows 11.

Turn on the computer.
Click the battery icon on the right side of the taskbar, and then click the Settings icon.
On the System screen, click Power & battery.
Select Best power efficiency from the Power mode drop-down list.

If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Adjust the computer power settings (Windows 10)

Use this procedure to adjust the power settings for a computer running Windows 10.

Turn on the computer.
In Windows, search for and open Control Panel.
In the Control Panel search field, type power options, and then click Power Options in the list.
Click Change plan settings.
Click Change advanced power settings.
Click the drop-down menu, and then select Power saver.
Select Sleep from the list, and then click Sleep after and Hibernate after to open each setting.

Note:
Sleep mode places the computer in a power-saving mode that does not close any open applications. Hibernation mode saves any work in open applications, and then turns the computer off.
Decrease the amount of time for each setting to reduce unnecessary strain on the fans when the computer is not being used.
Click OK to save the changes.
Restart the computer.

If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Increase efficiency to reduce heat

The computer works harder and generates more heat when multiple applications are open simultaneously, or while playing graphically intense video games.

Use the following tips to improve computer efficiency.

Change which applications run when Windows starts by using the Startup tab in Task Manager.
Close applications when you are done using them.
Close the internet browser when you are not using it.
Lower the game resolution and decrease the graphics settings if the computer becomes warmer than usual while playing.

If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Let the computer cool

Remove the side panel and wait a few minutes to let the computer cool. If the computer is too warm, the fans work harder to decrease the internal temperature.

CAUTION:

The edges of metal panels can cut skin. Be careful not to slide skin along any interior metal edge of the computer.

Turn off the computer, and then disconnect the AC adapter.
Remove any objects near the computer.
Loosen or remove the side panel screws, if necessary.

Note:
The following image is an example, and your side panel might be secured differently.
Slide the side panel back and away from the computer, and then set the panel aside.

Warning:
Do not touch any of the components inside the computer, even when the computer is off, to avoid shocking yourself or damaging the computer.
Reconnect the power cable, turn on the computer, and then wait five to ten minutes.
- If the noise does not stop, continue to the next step.
- If the noise stops, the problem might not be a fan, but excessive heat inside the computer. See HP Desktop PCs - Reduce heat inside the computer to prevent overheating for more information.

Determine which fan is making the noise

Listen for and find the noisy fan inside the computer, and then take note of its location.

CAUTION:

You can use a flashlight to help you find each fan, but do not put the flashlight inside the computer.

With the computer on, listen for the noisy fan, and then use the following diagrams to determine its location.

Internal components
Callout	Component
(1)	Power supply fan
(2)	Graphics card fan
(3)	Processor fan
(4)	Power supply fan vent
(5)	Case fan vent
(6)	Case fan

Turn off the computer, and then disconnect the AC adapter.
Reinstall the side access panel, and then continue to the next step.

Troubleshoot the fan

A dirty fan, vent, or outdated software can cause a fan to make more noise than normal. See the section matching the location of the fan that is making noise.

CAUTION:

Do not continue to use the computer when a fan is not working correctly. Over time, exposure to consistently high temperatures can damage important internal components.

Power supply fan or vent

A power supply fan noise comes from inside a metal box that is typically located towards the upper rear of the computer.

Warning:

To avoid the risk of fire and electrical shock, do not try to replace the fan inside the power supply by yourself.

Visually inspect the fan and check that no wires or debris are stuck in or touching the fan blades.

Use a vacuum cleaner to remove the dust from the power supply vent, and then turn on the computer. If the issue persists, the power supply might need to be replaced. Continue to Contact HP Customer Support.

Graphics card fan

A graphics card fan noise comes from the card installed on the system board. Determine the type of noise that you are hearing.

Graphics fan stops or makes unusual noises

Visually inspect the fan and check that no wires or debris are stuck in or touching the fan blades.

If the issue persists, the graphics card fan might need to be replaced. Go to Contact HP Customer Support.

Graphics fan spins at high speed or fluctuates from loud to quiet

The graphics driver might be out-of-date. Use Windows Update to find and install updates for your computer.

Note:

HP does not recommend installing drivers from third-party websites, because those drivers can create additional problems. If you choose to install a third-party driver, make sure that you create a Windows System Restore point before starting the update. Go to HP PCs - Using Microsoft System Restore.

Turn on the computer.
Make sure that the computer is connected to an active internet connection.

Note:
On a metered internet connection, such as a cellular network, you might need to manually download updates.
In Windows, search for and open Windows Update settings.
Click Check for updates. Any available updates install automatically.
After the updates are installed, restart your computer, if necessary. For more information, go to HP PCs - Updating drivers using Windows update (Windows 11, 10).

If the issue persists, go to Contact HP Customer Support.

Processor fan

A processor fan noise comes from the largest fan on the system board, typically located in the center, above the processor chip. Determine the type of noise that you are hearing.

Processor fan makes strange noises

Visually inspect the fan and check that no wires or debris are stuck in or touching the fan blades.

If the issue persists, the processor fan might need to be replaced. Go to Contact HP Customer Support.

CAUTION:

When the processor fan stops working, the processor quickly overheats and can become damaged beyond repair.

Processor fan spins at high speed or fluctuates from loud to quiet

The computer BIOS might be out-of-date. Check for a BIOS update from HP.

CAUTION:

Make sure that you install the BIOS update for your specific computer model. Installing the wrong update can result in losing all computer functionality.

Go to HP Customer Support - Software and Driver Downloads, and then navigate to the product page for your computer.
Find the BIOS in the list.
- If the option is not available, the BIOS is up-to-date.
- If the option is available, click BIOS, and then click Download next to the update. Follow the on-screen prompts, and then restart the computer. For more information, go to HP Consumer Desktop PCs - Updating the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) (Windows) or HP Business Desktop PCs - Updating the BIOS (Basic Input Output System).

If the BIOS is up-to-date or the issue persists, go to Contact HP Customer Support.

Case fan or vent

A case fan noise comes from the rear of the computer. Determine the type of noise that you are hearing.

Case fan stops or makes unusual noises

Visually inspect the fan and check that no wires or debris are stuck in or touching the fan blades.

If the issue persists, the case fan might need to be replaced. Contact Contact HP Customer Support.

Case fan spins at high speed or fluctuates from loud to quiet

The computer BIOS might be out-of-date. Check for a BIOS update from HP.

CAUTION:

Make sure that you install the BIOS update for your specific computer model. Installing the wrong update can result in losing all computer functionality.

Go to HP Customer Support - Software and Driver Downloads, and then navigate to the product page for your computer.
Find the BIOS in the list.
- If the option is not available, the BIOS is up-to-date.
- If the option is available, click BIOS, and then click Download next to the update. Follow the on-screen prompts, and then restart the computer. For more information, go to HP Consumer Desktop PCs - Updating the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) (Windows) or HP Business Desktop PCs - Updating the BIOS (Basic Input Output System).

If the BIOS is up-to-date or the issue persists, go to Contact HP Customer Support.

Contact HP Customer Support

Contact HP Customer Support for further assistance if the issue persists.

Go to HP Customer Support - Contact.
Enter your product serial number to view warranty status and to change your location, if necessary.
Select a support option. Support options vary by country/region.

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