You have added some info that directs us elsewhere. See if this describes your situation. Symptoms: when first started up after being down for a long time (and hence cooled off), there is a loud fan noise. This continues for a few minutes, maybe even 10 to 15. Then it stops. As long as you keep running it is quiet. If you reboot it stays quiet. If you shut down and re-start very soon, it is still quiet. But if you leave it off for a long time, it is noisy again when you start up. If THAT is your pattern, you have one fan (usually not more than one, but could be) with bearings so worn they are making this noise when cold. You can identify the failing fan this way. Shut down, make sure the system is cool, and open your case so you can reach the fans. Get a pencil or similar. Start your system. One by one, reach in with the eraser end of the pencil and temporarily stop one fan, then let it go. That will identify the noisy one. As fans run their bearings wear slowly. After a few years the clearance between fan shaft and bearing sleeve gets large enough that it can "rattle" when your system is cold. But as the fan runs and the bearings heat up, the gap narrows and the rattling stops. Until the next time it's cold, that is. When you hear that patterm it is the first stage of fan bearing failure. It may keep runing that way, with the noise period getting longer, for months or more. But it WILL fail. So plan to change that fan. If the noise pattern is NOT as I describe above, then it may be something else. Answer from Paperdoc on forums.tomshardware.com
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PCMAG
pcmag.com › home › how-to › components
Noisy Computer Fan? Try These 6 Fixes Before Calling Tech Support | PCMag
October 7, 2025 - This can often result in a clicking, buzzing, or grinding noise that's hard to ignore. You might be able to fix this with a drop of sewing machine oil in the bearing, but its most effective if done before you experience symptoms. Even if a fan is in good working order, it can sometimes just be too loud.
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Dell
dell.com › support › kbdoc › en-us › 000179087 › how-to-troubleshoot-fan-issues
How to Troubleshoot Fan Issues | Dell US
1 week ago - Fans that continue to spin quickly ... constantly can usually be traced to a heavy workload causing high CPU usage. This can be caused by Windows updates or any number of other open applications....
Discussions

Extremely loud fans
Hello everyone, so I've had this problem where my PC fans are insanely loud, not because of dust or anything, they're just super loud whenever I turn my computer on, it's been happening for 2-3 days now. The only solution is to restart my computer until the fans go back to normal. I'm assuming... More on forums.tomshardware.com
🌐 forums.tomshardware.com
19
0
December 30, 2020
PC fans become too loud, also alternates between speeds for no reason. Any suggestions?
Easiest first step, imo, is to blow out the PC with compressed air. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/buildapc
30
22
May 17, 2022
My laptop Fan is So loud with no Apps running
Windows update is running in the background More on reddit.com
🌐 r/computers
22
6
September 20, 2024
People also ask

Is it bad if my computer fan is loud?
It’s not necessarily bad if your computer fan is loud sometimes — as long as it’s for a short period of time and it’s no louder than usual. If you notice negative changes to your fan, find the cause because it could be a symptom of a serious problem or lead to one if left unchecked.
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us.norton.com
us.norton.com › blog home › how to › why is my computer fan so loud + how to quiet it
Why is my computer fan so loud + how to quiet it - Norton
How can I keep my computer fan running normally?
Your computer fan works hard to keep your hardware cool. You can take some pressure off it by keeping your PC well-ventilated, out of direct sunlight, and at a comfortable temperature. Regular maintenance is also crucial, not just for your fan but for the overall performance of your PC too. Use a dedicated cleaning app like Norton Utilities Ultimate to automate the process.
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us.norton.com
us.norton.com › blog home › how to › why is my computer fan so loud + how to quiet it
Why is my computer fan so loud + how to quiet it - Norton
What should my PC fan speed be at?
Your ideal fan speed is going to depend on factors like dimension — larger fans rotate more slowly than smaller ones, even when pushing the same amount of air. As an example, the speed of 140mm fans ranges from around 400-1200 RPMs, while 80mm fans range from around 800-2500 RPMs.
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us.norton.com
us.norton.com › blog home › how to › why is my computer fan so loud + how to quiet it
Why is my computer fan so loud + how to quiet it - Norton
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AVG
avg.com › en › signal › fix-loud-computer-fan
Why Is My Computer Fan So Loud? Try These 3 Fixes
March 3, 2026 - Moving parts wear down over time and eventually break. Desktop and laptop fans that are running loud might be loose. There might also be something wrong with the firmware for the hardware component running the wonky fan.
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Avast
avast.com › c-computer-fan-loud
Why Is My Computer Fan So Loud & How to Reduce the Noise
February 23, 2023 - Check your RAM to keep track of your computer’s activity level. But a consistently loud or buzzing fan can mean larger performance issues, problems with components, or even a malware infection.
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HP
hp.com › us-en › shop › tech-takes › how-to-fix-loud-laptop-fan-noise
How to Fix Loud Laptop Fan Noise | Expert Tips for a Quieter PC
January 15, 2025 - Dust accumulation: Dust can clog vents and impede airflow, causing the fan to work harder. High CPU usage: Resource-intensive tasks can cause your laptop to heat up quickly. Software issues: Malware, malicious software, or outdated drivers can ...
Top answer
1 of 4
1
You have added some info that directs us elsewhere. See if this describes your situation. Symptoms: when first started up after being down for a long time (and hence cooled off), there is a loud fan noise. This continues for a few minutes, maybe even 10 to 15. Then it stops. As long as you keep running it is quiet. If you reboot it stays quiet. If you shut down and re-start very soon, it is still quiet. But if you leave it off for a long time, it is noisy again when you start up. If THAT is your pattern, you have one fan (usually not more than one, but could be) with bearings so worn they are making this noise when cold. You can identify the failing fan this way. Shut down, make sure the system is cool, and open your case so you can reach the fans. Get a pencil or similar. Start your system. One by one, reach in with the eraser end of the pencil and temporarily stop one fan, then let it go. That will identify the noisy one. As fans run their bearings wear slowly. After a few years the clearance between fan shaft and bearing sleeve gets large enough that it can "rattle" when your system is cold. But as the fan runs and the bearings heat up, the gap narrows and the rattling stops. Until the next time it's cold, that is. When you hear that patterm it is the first stage of fan bearing failure. It may keep runing that way, with the noise period getting longer, for months or more. But it WILL fail. So plan to change that fan. If the noise pattern is NOT as I describe above, then it may be something else.
2 of 4
0
Do not bother re-starting. Just wait, and they will heat up and go quiet simply by running normally. But do arrange to replace the fan - not a fast emergency, though! Thank you so so much
Find elsewhere
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Norton
us.norton.com › blog home › how to › why is my computer fan so loud + how to quiet it
Why is my computer fan so loud + how to quiet it - Norton
April 3, 2024 - Poor ventilation: Your computer needs adequate airflow so that it doesn’t overheat. Loud laptop fans are often a result of poor ventilation and laptop placement (e.g., on your lap).
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iBUYPOWER®
ibuypower.com › home › blog › general › why your computer is loud
Why Is My Computer So Loud? Fan Noise Causes & Fixes<!-- --> | iBUYPOWER®
When internal temperatures rise, fans must work harder to cool your components, which can make the computer louder than usual. If you have not cleaned your PC recently, dust buildup may be the primary issue.
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CCleaner
ccleaner.com › knowledge › easy-fixes-for-a-loud-laptop-fan
Why is my computer fan so loud?
If you have many browser tabs and software running, or many processes running in the background, you might be overburdening your laptop’s processor and RAM and causing it to overheat. To end processes quickly, you can make use of Task Manager (which you can find by holding CTRL + Alt + Del). Simply launch the tool, right-click on a process, and hit ‘End task’ on the items you know you can quit. As most manufacturers put laptop fans underneath the system, you can quickly dissipate excess heat simply by lifting your laptop for a few moments to let the air beneath it flow naturally.
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Auslogics
auslogics.com › tech wisdom blog › optimization › hardware › why is my computer fan so loud? proven solutions to stop fan noise
Why Is My Computer Fan So Loud? How to Stop Fan Noise — Auslogics Blog | Tips to Diagnose & Resolve Computer Issues
September 2, 2025 - Sometimes, malicious programs cause your processors to overwork themselves when they run rampant. Blocked airflow: Your computer’s cooling unit may be louder than usual because its vents and fans are blocked by debris and dust.
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Quora
quora.com › Why-does-a-fan-start-to-run-loudly-when-doing-nothing-on-the-PC
Why does a fan start to run loudly when doing nothing on the PC? - Quora
Answer (1 of 3): Your PC is fairly busy, even if you aren’t running a program on your desktop. It is likely that your PC started to run some CPU-intense background task that heated up the CPU or its voltage regulators. The temperature sensors on the motherboard detected the increased heat and r...
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Quora
quora.com › Why-do-my-computer-fans-run-very-loud-all-of-a-sudden-There-are-no-background-processes-and-the-BIOS-is-okay-What-could-it-be
Why do my computer fans run very loud all of a sudden? There are no background processes and the BIOS is okay. What could it be? - Quora
Answer (1 of 20): If it sounds like the fans are running at a higher speed most of the time then there are two common causes. 1. A process is running in the background that is causing the computer to run hotter. Find out how to access the CPU monitor for your operating system. They all have one ...
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Asurion
asurion.com › connect › tech-tips › how-to-fix-loud-laptop-fan
Why your laptop fan is loud and how to fix it | Asurion
1 month ago - Learn why your laptop fan is making loud noises like screeching, buzzing, or grinding. Asurion Experts show you step-by-step how to diagnose and fix this issue.
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HP
support.hp.com › us-en › document › ish_7062788-7062842-16
HP Desktop PCs - Fan is noisy and spins constantly (Windows 11, Windows 10) | HP® Support
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. A processor fan noise comes from the largest fan on the system board, typically located in the center, above the processor chip.
Top answer
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Compressed air should not be used on fans without protecting the fan from spinning while blowing. It should not be used on fan bearings either because you have now simply pushed dust and debris into the bearing assembly, further damaging them.

The original problem description you gave indicates a physical problem with the fan and the way that is fixed is by replacing the fan. While you intended well using the compressed air to clean things out, that did not improve things and only further cemented the fact that you need to replace those fans.

Going forward:

  • a grounded vacuum is the better way to clean a computer (grounded because rushing air can create a significant static electrical charge that will further damage components)
  • if you don't have a grounded vacuum and only have compressed air, open the case up before blowing/cleaning so you're blowing the dust and debris away and not further into corners and crevices
  • when you're blowing near a fan, use a pen or other implement to hold the fan still so it doesn't spin in the blasting air.
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Update per new info from comment:

It sounds like your PSU fan is acting up.

Modern efficient PSU's typically have a "silent mode" in which the fan does not spin up until a temperature or load threshold is met. This would explain why the noise stops temporarily after a shutdown; and presumably starts back up when gaming or something.

Be EXTREMELY careful if you're attempting to try your manual fan stoppage test because not only can those capacitors kill you, it will hurt the whole time they do it.

Some high-end motherboards, SSDs, and RAM kits have a tiny fan directly cooling some critical component. These typically tend to be very noisy but the noise would be persistent and not change between system shutdowns.


My CPU fans started to make a loud spinning noise few days ago

Yep, fairly normal for aging fans; bearings wear out.

but for some reason when I manually spin them backwards, it either fixes it or doesn’t affect the noise at all

Spinning it manually temporarily dislodges whatever debris was causing the grinding in the bearings.

Today I cleaned my whole PC with compressed air and I even used it in the bearings but it didn’t help either

Yep, compressed air is not able to fix worn bearings.

You can either live with the noise or replace the fan.

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Avira
avira.com › blog › the sound of silence: how to quieten a loud fan on your laptop or pc
How to repair a loud computer fan | Avira
February 13, 2025 - Usually, it’s because your computer is generating a lot of heat, forcing the fan into overdrive as it tries to push the hot air out. Here are the most common causes of a loud and unhappy fan.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/buildapc › pc fans become too loud, also alternates between speeds for no reason. any suggestions?
r/buildapc on Reddit: PC fans become too loud, also alternates between speeds for no reason. Any suggestions?
May 17, 2022 -

I bought a custom build PC around a year ago, and when I first bought it, it was whisper quiet with no loud noises even when playing intensive games.

Over the past several weeks (maybe months) my PC fans have becoming louder with time. Now they alternate between speeds during random times, sometimes going from whisper quiet to really loud (full speed).

I have an RTx 3070, with an AMD Ryzen 3600. I have a CPU cooler (NZXT Kraken M22 Liquid cooler) and 4 Deepcool RF120M. Also using a NZXT 750W 80+ Gold PSU.

I've tried many different fan apps to monitor what may be happening, and I can see one of the four fans is the culprit of the random increase in RPM.

When I use the Speedfan app automatic fan settings, I notice a small improvement, but I'm not sure what else I can do here. My PC doesn't look unusually dusty so I'm not sure if it's worth buying a duster.

I've googled many solutions but haven't found a fix yet.

https://imgur.com/a/C34sblT - Here is a video of my fan

Does anyone have any suggestions?

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Micro Center
microcenter.com › site › mc-news › article › why-is-my-laptop-fan-so-loud.aspx
Why Is My Laptop Fan So Loud? Possible Causes and Solutions
October 31, 2023 - Sometimes, if your computer has gone too long without a BIOS or driver update, you might experience excessive heat and/or higher-than-normal fan speeds. Solution: Install the latest version of the BIOS firmware or driver software.
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MiniTool Partition Wizard
partitionwizard.com › home › clone disk › why is my computer fan so loud? here’s the answer!
Why Is My Computer Fan So Loud? & How to Solve the Issue?
September 4, 2025 - Background Processes: Sometimes, applications running in the background can spike resource usage, contributing to a louder fan. Fan Curve Issues: If you’ve misconfigured the fan curve settings on your computer, it may cause the fans to ramp up unnecessarily. Overheating: If your computer feels very hot, slows down, or shuts off, it means the fans are working overtime to manage cooling issues. Outdated Windows & software: Older operating systems and software can be buggy, resulting in a greater energy impact compared to newer versions.