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Notebook FanControl

Notebook FanControl (NBFC) is a free, open-source service for controlling notebook fans on Windows and Linux.

Place
#21 of 31
Score
5.9
Notebook FanControl's website

What Notebook FanControl is

Notebook FanControl (NBFC) is a free, open-source service for controlling notebook fans on Windows and Linux. Its configuration system lets users adapt NBFC to different notebook models. On Windows, setup involves running the installer, choosing a configuration, and applying it. The project links to GitHub releases and a Chocolatey package. Linux users need to build NBFC themselves, install its systemd service, and apply a notebook configuration; there are no pre-built Linux releases. The repository includes the GNU General Public License version 3. It also says the maintainer cannot create individual configurations. Some hardware monitoring tools, including ImDisk Toolkit and HWiNFO, have caused problems alongside NBFC on some systems. On some Nvidia Optimus notebooks, NBFC cannot control fans while the dedicated GPU is active, and the FAQ says there is no current solution. Linux setup normally relies on /dev/port, which is unavailable with Secure Boot enabled; the setup page lists disabling Secure Boot as a workaround.

Good

  • Free and open source under GPL version 3.
  • Configuration system supports different notebook models.
  • Windows installer and Chocolatey package are linked.
  • Release 1.6.3 adds support for several processor families.

Watch out

  • Linux users must build it themselves.
  • No pre-built Linux releases are available.
  • Some Optimus notebooks lose fan control with dedicated GPU active.
  • Secure Boot makes /dev/port unavailable.

Who it suits

NBFC suits notebook owners on Windows or Linux who want configurable fan control and can apply a configuration for their model. Linux users should be prepared to build it themselves and may need to address Secure Boot.

Verdict

NBFC offers configurable notebook fan control across Windows and Linux, but Linux requires manual building and setup. Check model support and the listed hardware limitations before relying on it.

Plans and prices

From Notebook FanControl's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.

All about pricing
PlanPriceWhat it gives you
NBFCFreeNotebook fan control · Configurable for different notebook models

The facts

Each one read from Notebook FanControl's own pages, with the date it was checked.

What it does

Config support
The FAQ says the maintainer cannot create a config for a user's notebook and suggests users try creating one themselves.checked 8 Oct 2026
Configuration
Its configuration system lets users adjust NBFC for many different notebook models.checked 8 Oct 2026
Distribution
The README links to GitHub releases and a Chocolatey package for downloads.checked 8 Oct 2026
Hardware conflict
The FAQ reports that some hardware monitoring tools, including ImDisk Toolkit and HWiNFO, have caused problems alongside NBFC on some systems.checked 8 Oct 2026
License
The repository includes the GNU General Public License version 3.checked 8 Oct 2026
Nvidia Optimus limitation
On some notebooks with Nvidia Optimus, NBFC cannot control the fans while the dedicated GPU is active, and the FAQ says there is currently no solution.checked 8 Oct 2026
Purpose
NBFC is a cross-platform fan control service for notebooks.checked 8 Oct 2026
Release notes
Release 1.6.3 lists support for Intel Coffee Lake, Apollo Lake, AMD Ryzen, AMD Puma, and additional notebook models.checked 8 Oct 2026
Secure Boot limitation
The Linux setup page says NBFC normally uses /dev/port, which is unavailable with Secure Boot enabled, and lists disabling Secure Boot as a workaround.checked 8 Oct 2026
Supported models
The FAQ directs users to a supported notebook list and says a config for a similar model may work when their model is not listed.checked 8 Oct 2026

Where it runs

Linux downloads
The project README says there are no pre-built Linux releases and users can build NBFC themselves.checked 8 Oct 2026
Linux setup
On Linux, users build NBFC themselves, install its systemd service, and apply a notebook config.checked 8 Oct 2026
Windows setup
On Windows, users run the installer, select a config, and apply it to let NBFC control the notebook fans.checked 8 Oct 2026

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