Top Tools and Methods for CPU Fan Speed Control in Windows 11

Wondering how to control CPU fan speed on your Windows 11 PC? Whether you’re aiming for quieter performance or better cooling, there are several apps and manual methods to help you check, test, and adjust your fan settings easily. Below, we list the best fan speed controller software and manual BIOS-based options.

Best CPU Fan Speed Control Software

AIDA64 Extreme – Advanced Sensor Monitoring for Power Users

AIDA64 Extreme is a powerful diagnostics and monitoring tool that lets you check CPU fan speed in real time. While it doesn’t offer control features like setting RPM or creating fan curves, it’s ideal for verifying fan activity, running CPU fan speed tests, and monitoring how your system reacts under load.
Best for: Detailed fan speed monitoring and diagnostics, not control.
Try it here: Download AIDA64 Extreme

Argus Monitor – Reliable Control with Custom Fan Curves

Argus Monitor offers a sleek, lightweight interface to control CPU fan speed. You can create custom fan curves based on CPU or GPU temperatures, ideal for gamers and workstation users.
Best for: Custom fan curves and real-time monitoring.
Try it here: Visit Argus Monitor Official Site

Fan Control by Rem0o – Fully Customizable & Open-Source

This open-source CPU fan speed controller app gives granular control over multiple fans. It automatically detects sensors and supports profiles per workload or temperature range.
Best for: Power users who want automated fan control based on sensor input.
Try it here: Download Fan Control from GitHub

SpeedFan (Legacy) – Lightweight Solution for Older PCs

SpeedFan used to be a go-to for many, but it has limited support for newer motherboards. Still, it’s worth trying for basic CPU fan speed testing and temperature monitoring.
Best for: Simple control on older hardware.
Try it here: Get SpeedFan from almico.com

MSI Afterburner – Great for Gamers with MSI Hardware

Primarily for GPU tuning, MSI Afterburner also offers some basic CPU fan monitoring options on MSI motherboards. It’s especially useful when paired with a high-performance build using the best CPU for Windows 11.
Best for: Gamers using MSI components.
Try it here: Download MSI Afterburner

Corsair iCUE – Perfect for Corsair Fans and Coolers

If you use Corsair fans or AIO coolers, iCUE provides comprehensive control of CPU fan speed. It includes lighting effects and performance profiles as well.
Best for: Users with a Corsair ecosystem.
Try it here: Explore Corsair iCUE

ASUS AI Suite – Native Fan Tuning for ASUS Boards

For ASUS motherboard owners, AI Suite lets you check CPU fan speed, create profiles, and even enable auto-tuning for optimal performance and quiet operation. If you encounter a CPU fan error at boot, this tool can also help you adjust fan parameters to eliminate the warning.
Best for: ASUS desktop users who want native control.
Try it here: Get ASUS AI Suite 3

Open Hardware Monitor – Lightweight, Real-Time Fan Speed Viewer

Although it doesn’t let you adjust speeds directly, Open Hardware Monitor is perfect for CPU fan speed tests and live monitoring. It’s a helpful utility if you suspect issues like a CPU fan not spinning, allowing you to verify RPM readings quickly.
Best for: Monitoring multiple temperature sensors and fans.
Try it here: Visit OpenHardwareMonitor.org

Manual Methods to Control CPU Fan Speed

Use the BIOS/UEFI Interface

Most modern motherboards allow CPU fan speed control directly from the BIOS. This is often the most stable method.

1. Reboot your PC and press DEL or F2 to enter BIOS.
2. Navigate to the Hardware Monitor or Fan Control section.
3. Select your CPU fan and choose a fan curve or manual RPM values.
4. Save changes and exit BIOS.

Check Windows Power Settings

Although indirect, setting your system to High Performance mode in Windows can ensure your fan runs more actively.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System > Power & Battery > Additional Power Settings.
3. Select High Performance or create a custom plan.

Use Manufacturer-Specific BIOS Features

Some BIOS setups include smart fan tuning features that let you test fan response directly.

1. Enable Smart Fan Control or Q-Fan in BIOS.
2. Set custom fan curves based on temperature thresholds.

Check for Dust or Obstruction

Fan noise or poor performance may be caused by dust buildup. Clean your fans to restore proper speed. If you’re using a laptop, you may want to consider both a cooling pad and laptop cooling software to optimize airflow and reduce heat buildup.

1. Turn off the PC and unplug it.
2. Use compressed air to blow dust off fan blades and heatsinks.
3. Make sure cables aren’t obstructing the fan’s rotation.

Conclusion

Controlling your CPU fan speed helps you balance noise levels and temperature. Whether you use a CPU fan speed app or tweak settings manually via BIOS, the right method depends on your hardware. For advanced users, tools like Argus Monitor, Fan Control, and AIDA64 provide useful insight or control. For everyone else, BIOS remains the most stable option.

FAQs