Windows Agent

The Pankha Windows Agent is a native .NET 8 application that runs as a Background Service, with an accompanying System Tray application for easy management.

Features

• Two-Process Architecture: Background Service handles hardware access; Tray App provides GUI control.
• LibreHardwareMonitor: Full GPU, CPU, motherboard sensor support.
• Failsafe Mode: Autonomous fan control when disconnected (GPU → auto, others → failsafe_speed).
• Ring0 Driver: Kernel driver for low-level hardware access (auto-extracted on first run).

---
title: Connection & Failsafe Lifecycle
---
stateDiagram-v2
    [*] --> Startup
    
    state "Startup Sequence" as Startup
    state "Online (Fan Control Active)" as Online
    state "Failsafe Mode (Fixed Speed)" as Failsafe
    
    Startup --> Online : Connection Success
    Startup --> Failsafe : Connection Failed
    
    Online --> Failsafe : Connection Lost
    Failsafe --> Online : Connection Restored
    
    Failsafe --> Failsafe : Retry Interval (Configurable)

Installation

1. Download: Get the latest pankha-agent-windows_x64.msi from the Releases Page.
2. Install: Run the installer. Accept the UAC prompt to allow the service to be registered.
3. Verify:
   • A “Fan” icon should appear in your System Tray.
   • The service PankhaAgent should be running in Windows Services.

Configuration

1. Right-click the Pankha Tray Icon.
2. Select Settings.
3. Enter your Backend URL (e.g., ws://192.168.1.50:3143/websocket).
4. Click Save & Restart.

The agent will automatically restart and attempt to connect.

File System Layout

C:\Program Files\Pankha Fan Control\
├── PankhaAgent.exe      # Background Service (Core Logic)
├── PankhaTray.exe       # System Tray App (GUI)
├── config.json          # Agent settings
├── hardware-info.json   # Cached hardware discovery data
└── logs/
    └── agent.log        # Detailed log files

Troubleshooting

Logs

Logs are stored in the installation directory (typically C:\Program Files\Pankha Fan Control\logs). You can also view live logs via the Tray Icon:

• Right-click Tray -> View Logs.

Service Not Starting

If the service fails to start, ensure you have the .NET 8 Runtime installed. The installer should verify this, but a manual install may be required on older systems.

Sensors Not Detected

The agent uses LibreHardwareMonitor.

• Ensure you are running the service as SYSTEM (default).
• Some anti-cheat software (like Vanguard) may block hardware access.