Share this article

Improve this guide

CPU Red Light on Motherboard: What It Means & How to Fix It

Hardware changes can bring out the worst in your PC

5 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Key notes

If you are using a desktop computer, there is a good chance that you have seen the CPU red light on your motherboard. Being a core component of your computer,CPU failurecan be catastrophic on your PC.

The red light is usually an indicator of hardware problems, but there’s no need to panic. If you are able to address the issue early enough, you can save your PC from irrecoverable damage. Below, we share various ways to remedy this situation.

What does the red light in the CPU indicate?

What does the red light in the CPU indicate?

The red light on your CPU could mean anything. It might even be nothing. Sometimes, yourPC just fails to boot properly. However, it is not wise to ignore any red lights. After all, it is the color of danger.

When you see a red light on your CPU, it could be because of one or more of the following reasons:

How do I fix my CPU red light?

How do I fix my CPU red light?

Perform the following preliminary checks to ensure the basics are in place:

1. Run a virus scan

As a more effective solution, we recommend a dedicated antivirus solution, because these have very powerful scanning tools that will help you identify any issue with your system.

⇒Check the Best Antivirus Software

2. Update BIOS

3. Replace your hardware

When it comes to replacing your hardware, you must perform a hardware test and verify which component is behind the red light on your CPU. It could be your motherboard, GPU, RAM module, network card, or hard drive.

Once you’re sure of the culprit, you can replace it. To that effect, we have a recommendation for the best in the game.

Whether you’re in the market for anew hard drive,powerful GPU, orhigh-performing motherboard, we have compiled a list for you to choose from.

As you can see, anything that triggers an error on your PC can happen. To avoid being caught off guard, we’d recommend youinstall PC performance monitor software. This will ensure you stay on your toes as you keep tabs on your computer’s health.

Let us know if you have experienced this kind of red light before and any other solutions you used but not mentioned here.

More about the topics:CPU,motherboards

Claire Moraa

Windows Software Expert

Claire has a knack for solving problems and improving the quality of life for those around her. She’s driven by rationality, curiosity, and simplicity, and always eager to learn more about Microsoft’s products. With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11, errors, and software.

User forum

0 messages

Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes

Comment*

Name*

Email*

Commenting as.Not you?

Save information for future comments

Comment

Δ

Claire Moraa

Windows Software Expert

With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11 errors.