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my laptop's fan is continuously spinning

Dean-Tun-Fa, Cristina 0 Reputation points
2026-05-04T07:59:53.38+00:00

I've noticed since some days now (not sure if it's related to any recent update) that my laptop's fan is continuously spinning even when few processes are running, as for ex when I switch it on.

In the attached screengrab you can see the processes that consume around 50% RAM once the pc starts, and this happens every time I switch it on. Once I start working and open various apps, this number raises up to at least 70%-75% without dropping and I'm wondering whether this behavior and numbers are normal.

Windows for home | Other | Performance and system failures
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  1. DaveM121 885K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-05-04T08:34:18.8733333+00:00

    Your screenshot did not come through, the fans should only spin up when some hardware component is heating up, that is unlikely to be the RAM.

    Open Task Manager.

    1

    Select the Processes tab.

    Please provide a screenshot of that tab.

    2

    Select the Performance tab.

    Click Memory on the left.

    Please provide a screenshot of that tab.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-05-04T08:00:08.1533333+00:00

    Continuous fan spinning with relatively light usage can still be normal, depending on workload, temperature, and power settings.

    Key points and checks:

    1. Normal fan behavior
      • Surface and many Windows laptops adjust fan speed based on CPU load and temperature, not just RAM usage.
      • After startup, Windows often runs background tasks (updates, indexing, OneDrive sync, email/calendar sync), which can keep CPU and fan active for a while.
      • A “break‑in” period or after major updates, background activity can be higher and fans may spin faster until tasks complete.
    2. Check for high CPU apps
      • Open Task Manager → select More details → on the Processes tab click the CPU column to sort.
      • Look for processes with high CPU usage; these contribute directly to fan activity.
      • Close apps or background processes that are not needed to reduce CPU load and fan use.
    3. Adjust power mode to reduce fan noise
      • In Windows 11: Start → Settings → System → Power & battery → Power mode → choose Recommended.
      • In Windows 10: click the Battery icon on the taskbar and select Recommended.
      • Higher modes like Better performance or Best performance allow the CPU to run hotter, which increases fan speed and noise.
    4. Consider ambient temperature and charging
      • If the laptop is used in a warm environment (above about 25 °C / 77 °F), the fan will run more often to keep the device cool.
      • While the device is charging and not yet fully charged, additional cooling may be needed, so the fan may run more.
    5. Keep firmware and drivers updated
      • Use the Surface app (for Surface devices) or the OEM’s tools to check for and install the latest firmware and driver updates, which can improve thermal and fan behavior.
    6. When fan noise is not normal
      • Sounds like grinding, whining, or ticking are abnormal and may indicate a hardware issue with the fan.
      • If such noises occur, or if the fan is excessively loud even at idle after following the steps above, service or repair may be required.

    Regarding RAM usage (50–75%):

    • That level of RAM usage alone does not directly control the fan. The fan responds mainly to CPU/GPU temperature and workload. As long as the system is responsive and CPU usage is not constantly high, that RAM usage can be normal.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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