SpeedFan does have the ability to manually/automatically change the speed of fans. However it depends on your motherboard supporting it. Some support no manual speed adjustments, some only for the CPU (and not case fans), and some support more.

Check their website for Motherboards that are known to change fan speeds. This list is not exhaustive, but gives a starting point. For example, my motherboard ASUS P6T is not listed but does supports fan adjustement.

In any case, this usually require disabling the "automatic" mode on the motherboard, which causes the fan to run at 100% all the time. Then, in SpeedFan, you need to set the fans on PWM mode (Pulse Width Modulation, the technique by which fans are slowed down).

I suggest setting them all to PWM, then try adjusting the speeds on the main screen until you find the one that affects the CPU fan. I suggest having your computer case open while doing this. If you find it, you can configure its behavior in SpeedFan (not covered in this answer).

Troubleshooting: If you plug a 3-pin fan into a 4-pin socket, Speedfan may not be able to change its speed. If the boards supports adjusting for 3-pins case fan on the board, you can trying plugging your old 3-pin CPU fan on that one.

Finally, I should add that unless your vendor included an utility to modify fan speeds (unlikely), if SpeedFan does not work, most likely nothing will.

Answer from mtone on Stack Exchange
🌐
Quora
quora.com › How-can-I-control-the-computers-fan-speed-in-Windows-7
How to control the computer's fan speed in Windows 7 - Quora
Answer (1 of 4): You can use a third party tool like Speedfan to control fan speed if your motherboard supports it.
Top answer
1 of 3
8

SpeedFan does have the ability to manually/automatically change the speed of fans. However it depends on your motherboard supporting it. Some support no manual speed adjustments, some only for the CPU (and not case fans), and some support more.

Check their website for Motherboards that are known to change fan speeds. This list is not exhaustive, but gives a starting point. For example, my motherboard ASUS P6T is not listed but does supports fan adjustement.

In any case, this usually require disabling the "automatic" mode on the motherboard, which causes the fan to run at 100% all the time. Then, in SpeedFan, you need to set the fans on PWM mode (Pulse Width Modulation, the technique by which fans are slowed down).

I suggest setting them all to PWM, then try adjusting the speeds on the main screen until you find the one that affects the CPU fan. I suggest having your computer case open while doing this. If you find it, you can configure its behavior in SpeedFan (not covered in this answer).

Troubleshooting: If you plug a 3-pin fan into a 4-pin socket, Speedfan may not be able to change its speed. If the boards supports adjusting for 3-pins case fan on the board, you can trying plugging your old 3-pin CPU fan on that one.

Finally, I should add that unless your vendor included an utility to modify fan speeds (unlikely), if SpeedFan does not work, most likely nothing will.

2 of 3
1

The ability to manually change the speed of the CPU fan depends on the hardware in your computer. Most hardware will not allow you to do this, which is why the option in SpeedFan is not available.

Your best bet will probably be to look in the BIOS and change the settings from there. If the hardware supports it, this will be the place to change it.

If you could provide more information about your system, we may be able to help more. e.g. Desktop or Laptop? Make and model of PC? Make and model of motherboard (if desktop)?

Discussions

how can i control the fan speed in windows?
i run windows on a laptop and the fan has an issue where it is extremely loud, everytime i open my laptop it goes to full blast despite it not even being warm. i want to know how to control the speed where its not too loud, but i dont want to go into the… More on answers.microsoft.com
🌐 answers.microsoft.com
1
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How do I control fan speeds in my case? Do I need a fan controller or can I do it with software?

If the fans are PWM compatible they can typically be controlled using BIOS temp/fan control. You can also do it with software but sometimes fan brand makes a difference

More on reddit.com
🌐 r/buildapc
206
2282
April 26, 2021
Fan Control on Windows
their answer why tuxedo don't have same apps with the same controls over on windows will make me decide to buy one of their device or not. The Fans control need to be everywhere on every Operating systems plus all the missing settings or additional apps More on reddit.com
🌐 r/tuxedocomputers
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3
June 7, 2024
Fan Speed - What do you guys use to control your laptop Fans speeds ?
HWiNFO 6.42, for an old Inspiron that likes to go full blast whenever PCH temperature reaches 70 degrees C (and it already hovers around 67-68 when nothing taxing happens). More on reddit.com
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October 3, 2022
People also ask

Can SpeedFan control the fan speed of any fan?
SpeedFan is able to control the fan speed of most fan makes and models, but this will ultimately depend on your motherboard's sensor chip and capabilities. Once installed, SpeedFan will automatically detect if your hardware is compatible and advanced features are presented.
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techspot.com
techspot.com › downloads › 547-speedfan.html
SpeedFan Download Free - 4.52 | TechSpot
What other features does SpeedFan offer besides controlling fan speed?
SpeedFan can also read S.M.A.R.T information from your hard drives, show CPU usage, chipset information, core temperatures, change clock speed, and analyze voltages.
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techspot.com
techspot.com › downloads › 547-speedfan.html
SpeedFan Download Free - 4.52 | TechSpot
What operating systems are compatible with SpeedFan?
SpeedFan works with Windows 9x, ME, NT, 2000, 2003, XP, Vista, Windows 7, 2008, Windows 8, Windows 10, Windows 11 and Windows Server 2012. Including 64-bit versions.
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techspot.com
techspot.com › downloads › 547-speedfan.html
SpeedFan Download Free - 4.52 | TechSpot
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Fan Control
getfancontrol.com
Fan Control - A highly focused fan software for Windows
Want to add more sensors and controls from a third party? No problem! Fan Control has a simple plugin system with .NET that allow any third party developer to add temperature, speed or control sensors. Installing is as easy as dropping a dll in the plugin folder, that's it.
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TechSpot
techspot.com › downloads › 547-speedfan.html
SpeedFan Download Free - 4.52 | TechSpot
April 3, 2026 - SpeedFan's ability to detect and control fans depends on your motherboard's compatibility and how the fans are connected. If you're using fan hubs, especially powered ones, SpeedFan might only recognize the fan connected to the primary slot. SpeedFan can also read S.M.A.R.T information from your hard drives, show CPU usage, chipset information, core temperatures, change clock speed, and analyze voltages. SpeedFan works with Windows 9x, ME, NT, 2000, 2003, XP, Vista, Windows 7...
Rating: 4.4 ​ - ​ 775 votes
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Softpedia
softpedia.com › windows › portable software › system › system enhancements › fanctrl
FanCtrl - Download - Softpedia
April 16, 2026 - Windows 11 Windows 10 32/64 bit Windows 8 32/64 bit Windows 7 32/64 bit · file size: 17.7 MB · filename: FanCtrl_v1.7.9.zip · 5 screenshots: main category: Portable Software · developer: lich426 · visit homepage · If you're relying on your PC heavily, regardless of the reason, be it gaming or programming, there's no doubt the temperature inside your components is spiking up like crazy. What you need is lots of fans inside your case and a smart way to control their speed.
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Seven Forums
sevenforums.com › software › 424283-best-software-controlling-fans-speeds.html
Best software for controlling fans' speeds - Windows 7 Help Forums
October 9, 2020 - Hello, I would like to know which is the best fans' speeds controlling software for Win 7? I am currently using SpeedFan,but it is keeping the CPU fan to work at 100% for all of the time. Please help me. ... inspiron7, SpeedFan! Why aren't you using Windows default fan control?
Find elsewhere
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Lo4d
fan-control.en.lo4d.com › hardware › hardware diagnostic
Fan Control - Download
April 21, 2026 - Previous versions of the OS shouldn't be a problem with Windows 8 and Windows 7 having been tested. It comes in both 32-bit and 64-bit downloads. ... ASUS Fan Xpert Adjusts fan performance for optimal cooling. GPU Caps Viewer Get to know graphics card a little better. SpeedFan Control fans and temperature on system.
Rating: 4 ​ - ​ 107 votes
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Almico
almico.com › sfdownload.php
Download SpeedFan - Access temperature sensor in your computer
Hardware monitor for Windows that can access digital temperature sensors located on several 2-wire SMBus Serial Bus. Can access voltages and fan speeds and control fan speeds. Includes technical articles and docs.
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Software Informer
acfancontrol.software.informer.com › windows › system tools › system optimization
ACFanControl 0.7 Download (Free) - Informer Technologies, Inc.
February 20, 2026 - ACFanControl version 0.7 (ACFanControl.exe). ACFanControl finds both fans for CPU and GPU and control the speed, temperature, etc.
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The Customize Windows
thecustomizewindows.com › 2011 › 02 › control-the-speed-of-your-windows-7-computers-fan-speed-and-overheating
Control the speed of your Windows 7 computer’s fan speed and overheating
February 8, 2011 - If you want to start at boot SpeedFan discretely, place a shortcut in the Startup folder located in the All Programs menu. For the software starts in the systray, click on Configure and then go to the Options tab and select the Start Minimized box. If over heating remains, you might have to check or replace the fans or the casing itself.
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SpeedFan
speedfan.en.softonic.com › home › windows › utilities & tools
SpeedFan - Download
April 27, 2026 - While basic, it's consistent updates ... down to Windows 95, making it a reliable, background-running utility for any hardware oversight. While using it at first can be quite challenging, it simplifies fan control and hardware monitoring with included tutorials. Its primary use involves adjusting fan speeds to manage ...
Rating: 6.8/10 ​ - ​ 2.2K votes
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LO4D
fanctrl.en.lo4d.com › hardware › hardware diagnostic
FanCtrl - Download
April 21, 2026 - Previous versions of the OS shouldn't be a problem with Windows 8 and Windows 7 having been tested. It comes in both 32-bit and 64-bit downloads. ... Core Temp Monitor the temperature of Intel and AMD processors. ASUS Fan Xpert Adjusts fan performance for optimal cooling. GPU Caps Viewer Get to know graphics card a little better. Fan Control Control your PC fans' speed.
Rating: 4.1 ​ - ​ 82 votes
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SoftwareKeep
softwarekeep.com › blogs › how-to › control-fan-speed-on-windows
How To Control Fan Speed on Windows Computers
December 20, 2024 - SpeedFan is a program that keeps track of the voltage, fan speed, and temperature of different parts of your computer. It can also access other important information, like the temperature of your hard disk.
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CNET
download.cnet.com › speedfan › 3000-2094_4-10067444.html
SpeedFan for Windows - Free download and software reviews - CNET Download
1 month ago - Limitations are uneven hardware support, occasional trial-and-error during setup, and the need for caution when altering controls. For comparison, Argus Monitor, HWiNFO, or Open Hardware Monitor offer different balances of automation and simplicity, yet this utility remains compelling when granular mapping and rule-driven cooling matter more than interface polish or quick one-click presets. ... Broad sensor reach, including S.M.A.R.T. data and potential IPMI support · Fan speed control reduces noise while maintaining stable thermals
Rating: 3.6 ​ - ​ 338 votes
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PC Error Fix
pcerror-fix.com › home › 12 best pc fan control software for windows and mac
12 Best PC Fan Control Software for Windows and Mac
April 12, 2023 - Show the system’s fan speeds and allow controlling the speed smoothly. Comes with a graphical display of GPU and CPU temperature · Inform you of the possibility of up to 70% before the hard drive fails so that users can save their essential data. HDD and SSD benchmarks to process access time and transfer rates · Provide graphical display of core frequency and also allow checking the power management is working properly. Supports all Windows versions 7, 8, 8.1 & 10 as well.