How to Fix Slow Laptop Fan in Windows 10: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
If your laptop has started heating up or sounding quieter than usual, the fan might not be spinning properly. A slow laptop fan can cause overheating, performance drops, and even hardware damage. In this guide, you’ll learn how to fix slow laptop fan in Windows 10 using safe and effective methods that don’t require advanced technical knowledge.
Why Your Laptop Fan Runs Slow on Windows 10
Before trying to fix the issue, it’s crucial to understand what causes it. A slow fan speed usually comes from one or more of the following:
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Dust buildup: Dust clogs the vents, preventing airflow.
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Corrupt system drivers: Outdated or corrupted fan control drivers reduce fan speed.
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Power settings: Windows 10 power plans can limit fan performance to save energy.
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Overheating sensors: Faulty sensors can give wrong temperature readings.
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Third-party software conflicts: Some background apps override fan settings.
Understanding the cause helps you apply the right fix without replacing the hardware unnecessarily.
Step-by-Step: How to Fix Slow Laptop Fan in Windows 10
Follow these steps carefully to restore your laptop’s fan performance.
1. Clean the Fan and Air Vents
One of the most common reasons for a slow laptop fan is dust accumulation.
Use a can of compressed air to blow dust out of the vents. If you’re comfortable opening your laptop, remove the bottom cover and clean the fan gently with a soft brush. Avoid using a vacuum cleaner—it can damage delicate components.
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2. Update BIOS and Fan Drivers
Outdated firmware or drivers can cause your fan to operate at incorrect speeds.
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Go to your laptop manufacturer’s support website.
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Download the latest BIOS update and fan control drivers.
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Install them carefully, following the instructions provided.
This step often resolves Windows 10 fan control issues caused by software glitches.
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3. Adjust Power and Cooling Settings
Windows 10 power plans can throttle fan performance to conserve battery life. To fix this:
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Open Control Panel → Power Options.
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Select High Performance.
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Click Change plan settings → Advanced power settings.
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Expand Processor power management → System cooling policy.
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Set both “On battery” and “Plugged in” to Active.
This tells Windows to prioritize cooling, letting your laptop fan run faster when needed.
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4. Use Fan Control Software
If your fan speed still feels low, install trusted third-party fan control tools like:
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SpeedFan
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Argus Monitor
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MSI Afterburner (for gaming laptops)
These programs help you manually control and monitor fan speeds. Always use official downloads to avoid malware.
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5. Check for Malware and High CPU Usage
Malware or heavy background processes can overwork your CPU and affect fan performance.
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Run a full scan using Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus.
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Open Task Manager and check CPU usage.
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End unnecessary tasks that constantly use system resources.
Cleaning up your system not only improves speed but also keeps your laptop fan running properly.
Preventing Slow Fan Problems on Windows 10
After you’ve learned how to fix slow laptop fan in Windows 10, here are some habits to keep it running smoothly:
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Keep vents clear and avoid soft surfaces like beds or couches.
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Clean your fan every 3–6 months.
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Avoid blocking exhaust vents during heavy usage.
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Keep Windows and drivers updated.
A few preventive measures can extend your laptop’s lifespan and keep temperatures under control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is my laptop fan not spinning fast enough on Windows 10?
It could be due to dust buildup, outdated drivers, or restrictive power settings. Cleaning and updating your drivers usually fix the issue.
2. Can I manually control my laptop fan speed?
Yes, you can use trusted tools like SpeedFan or Argus Monitor to manually adjust fan speeds in Windows 10.
3. Will updating Windows 10 fix fan problems?
Sometimes, yes. New Windows updates often include hardware and driver improvements that can help resolve fan speed issues.
4. Is it safe to open my laptop and clean the fan?
Yes, if you’re careful and follow the manufacturer’s guide. Always disconnect the power and battery first.
5. When should I replace my laptop fan?
If the fan still runs slow after cleaning and updating drivers, or if it makes grinding noises, it may need replacement.
Final Thoughts
Fixing a slow laptop fan doesn’t have to be complicated. By cleaning the fan, updating drivers, adjusting settings, and using fan control tools, you can easily learn how to fix slow laptop fan in Windows 10 without professional help.
Regular maintenance ensures better cooling, stable performance, and a longer lifespan for your device.