The device is not operating as expected. Open the Get Help app and use a troubleshooter if one is available for your issue. If you’re not sure which path fits, start with the Search bar in Get Help and enter a relevant troubleshooter name, then select Start to run that troubleshooter. Allow a few moments for the scan to complete, and follow prompts or steps until issues are resolved.

If diagnostics ask for permission, select Yes to continue. Get Help has troubleshooters you can run for many common scenarios, so it is worth checking there before trying anything else.

Quick answer

What a fan that won’t spin means
Close-up of a computer cooling fan with large curved blades

Different devices and symptoms can require different troubleshooters, so match the troubleshooting path to the issue you are seeing.

Likely causes, ranked

With Windows issues, the most useful first step is to use the built-in troubleshooter that matches the problem. If a troubleshooter is available for your issue, select Start to run that troubleshooter. If not, use standard Windows checks such as restarting the device, verifying the connection, and retrying after a full power cycle.

Power path or header issue

  1. Open the Get Help app.
  2. In the Search bar, enter audio troubleshooter.
  3. If asked to consent to proceed with diagnostics, select Yes.
  4. Allow a few moments for the scan to complete.
  5. Follow prompts or steps until issues are resolved.

BIOS control or mode mismatch

  1. Open the Get Help app.
  2. In the Search bar, enter Background Intelligent Transfer Service troubleshooter.
  3. If a troubleshooter is available for your issue, select Start to run that troubleshooter.
  4. Follow the steps provided.
  5. Retry the task after the troubleshooter finishes.

Dust, bearings, or dead motor

  1. Open the Get Help app.
  2. In the Search bar, enter Bluetooth troubleshooter.
  3. Use the Bluetooth troubleshooter if you are having problems connecting to a Bluetooth device.
  4. Follow the steps provided.
  5. Test again after the scan completes.
Symptom Most likely cause Quick test Next action
Device does not work as expected A common Windows issue that may have a troubleshooter Open Get Help and search for a matching troubleshooter Run the troubleshooter if available
Issue continues after a scan The issue may need another Windows check Repeat the search with a different relevant troubleshooter Follow the on-screen steps provided
Diagnostics prompt appears Permission is needed to proceed Select Yes when asked Wait for the scan to complete
Only one scenario seems affected The issue may be isolated to a specific feature Search for the most specific troubleshooter available Use that troubleshooter first
No result from the first scan The selected troubleshooter may not match the issue Search again in Get Help Try another relevant troubleshooter if available
Problem persists after steps Further troubleshooting may be needed Run the most relevant available troubleshooter again Continue with standard Windows troubleshooting steps
Issue feels intermittent The problem may appear only under certain conditions Retry after a restart Run the matching troubleshooter again if needed
System seems fine except for one feature A specific Windows component may be affected Search for that component in Get Help Use the matching troubleshooter if one exists

If one check does not resolve the issue, try another relevant troubleshooter in Get Help. For example, you can search for audio troubleshooter, Background Intelligent Transfer Service troubleshooter, Bluetooth troubleshooter, or camera troubleshooter depending on what is affected. Select Start when the troubleshooter is available, and follow the prompts until the scan completes.

Why is my PC fan not spinning?

If you are troubleshooting a Windows-related problem and a troubleshooter is available, open Get Help and search for the most relevant one. If prompted, select Start to run it. If the issue is not resolved, try a different applicable troubleshooter or repeat the scan after a restart.

  1. Open the Get Help app.
  2. In the Search bar, enter the most relevant troubleshooter name for your issue.
  3. Select Start if a troubleshooter is available.
  4. If asked to consent to proceed with diagnostics, select Yes.
  5. Allow a few moments for the scan to complete, then follow the on-screen steps.

Can BIOS settings stop a fan from spinning?

If the issue is with a Windows feature or device connection, use Get Help and run the matching troubleshooter. If the issue remains after the scan, follow the prompts provided or try another relevant troubleshooter.

  1. Open the Get Help app.
  2. Search for a troubleshooter that matches the issue.
  3. Select Start to run that troubleshooter.
  4. Respond to any consent prompt by selecting Yes.
  5. Follow the steps provided and test again.

Why does the fan light work but the blades do not spin?

If the problem is with a Windows-connected device feature, use Get Help to narrow down the issue. Search for the relevant troubleshooter, then run it if available. When the scan finishes, follow the prompts or steps until the issue is resolved.

  1. Open the Get Help app.
  2. Enter the relevant troubleshooter name in the Search bar.
  3. Select Start if the troubleshooter is available.
  4. Select Yes if diagnostics permission is requested.
  5. Allow the scan to complete and follow the steps provided.

Stuck, seized, or worn bearings

For a Windows issue, a built-in troubleshooter may help identify the next step. Open the Get Help app, search for the relevant troubleshooter, and run it if available. If the scan does not resolve the problem, repeat the process with a different matching troubleshooter or proceed with standard Windows troubleshooting.

  1. Open the Get Help app.
  2. Search for the issue in the Search bar.
  3. Select Start to run the troubleshooter if one is available.
  4. Choose Yes if asked to proceed with diagnostics.
  5. Follow the steps provided.

CPU, GPU, and case fan checks

CPU, GPU, and case fan checks
Diagram showing CPU fan wiring and PWM signal lines

For device-specific Windows troubleshooting, use the most relevant available troubleshooter in Get Help. If the issue is related to audio, Bluetooth, camera, or another supported scenario, search for that exact troubleshooter and run it. Allow the scan to complete before moving on to another check.

CPU fan

  1. Open the Get Help app.
  2. Search for the most relevant troubleshooter for the issue.
  3. Select Start to run it if available.
  4. If prompted, select Yes to continue diagnostics.
  5. Follow the steps provided and retest.

GPU fan

  1. Open the Get Help app.
  2. Enter a matching troubleshooter name in the Search bar.
  3. Run the troubleshooter if it is available.
  4. Allow a few moments for the scan to complete.
  5. Follow prompts or steps until issues are resolved.

Case fan

  1. Open the Get Help app.
  2. Search for a troubleshooter that matches the affected feature.
  3. Select Start if available.
  4. Respond Yes if diagnostics consent is requested.
  5. Follow the steps provided and check whether the issue is fixed.

Still not working?

Still not working?
Open desktop computer interior with a hand pointing at the motherboard

If the issue remains after using Get Help, try another relevant troubleshooter or repeat the scan after a restart. If a troubleshooter is available for your issue, select Start to run that troubleshooter. Follow the prompts or steps until issues are resolved.

If the problem is tied to a specific device feature, search again in Get Help using a more precise term. The available troubleshooters can cover many common scenarios, and the scan may identify the next step to take.

When the issue persists after the matching troubleshooter and standard Windows checks, further support from the device or app provider may be needed.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my pc fan not spinning: open the Get Help app?

Open the Get Help app and search for a relevant troubleshooter. If one is available, select Start to run that troubleshooter, then follow the prompts. If needed, try another matching troubleshooter in Get Help.

Why aren't my pc fans spinning

If the issue appears to affect more than one feature, start with the closest matching troubleshooter in Get Help. If the first scan does not solve it, search again and run another available troubleshooter.

Why are my pc case fans not spinning?

Use Get Help to search for the most relevant troubleshooting path for the issue you are seeing. If a troubleshooter is available, select Start and let the scan complete before trying again.

Why is one of my pc fans not spinning?

Search in Get Help for a relevant troubleshooter and run it if available. If the issue remains isolated to one feature or device, try another matching troubleshooter or repeat the scan after a restart.

What should I check first if my pc fan won’t spin?

Open the Get Help app first. In the Search bar, enter the most relevant troubleshooter name for your issue, then select Start if it is available.

Is it dangerous to keep using a pc if the cpu fan won’t spin?

If a critical device issue is affecting system stability, stop using it until you have run the matching troubleshooter and followed the steps provided. If the issue is not resolved, seek further support for the device.

Why does my fan light work but the blades don’t spin?

Use Get Help to search for the most relevant troubleshooter for the device or feature that is affected. Select Start if available, and follow the steps until the scan is complete.

How do I know if the fan motor is bad?

Run the relevant troubleshooter in Get Help first. If the issue remains, try another applicable troubleshooter or continue with standard Windows troubleshooting steps.

Should I replace a fan or just clean it?

Start with a matching troubleshooter in Get Help if one is available. If the scan does not resolve the issue, follow the prompts provided or use another relevant troubleshooter before deciding on next steps.