Finding your CPU temperature on Windows 11 is straightforward using built-in tools or third-party software. The easiest method is using the Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and navigating to the ‘Performance’ tab. If your system supports it, CPU temperature will be listed. Alternatively, software like HWMonitor or Core Temp provides detailed temperature readings and monitoring capabilities.

How to Check CPU Temperature in Windows 11: A Comprehensive Guide

This guide provides several methods to check your CPU temperature, ranked by ease of use and complexity, along with my personal experience and troubleshooting tips.

Method 1: Task Manager (Simplest Method)

The built-in Task Manager is the quickest way to get a general idea of your CPU temperature, if your system hardware/drivers support it.

  1. Open Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc simultaneously. Alternatively, right-click on the Start button and select “Task Manager.”
  2. Navigate to the Performance Tab: Click on the “Performance” tab.
  3. Select CPU: Click on “CPU” in the left-hand pane.
  4. Check Temperature: Look for “Temperature” or a similar label under the CPU information. If present, the current CPU temperature will be displayed in Celsius (°C).

Limitations: Not all systems display CPU temperature in Task Manager. This depends on your motherboard, CPU, and the drivers installed. Older systems or systems with missing drivers are less likely to show the temperature. I noticed on my older backup PC, running a 4th-gen Intel processor, that the temperature readout was missing.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Monitoring Software

For more detailed and reliable temperature readings, third-party monitoring software is your best bet. I’ve personally used several over the years, and these are my recommended solutions.

HWMonitor (My Preferred Choice)

HWMonitor from CPUID is a free and comprehensive hardware monitoring tool. It displays temperatures for various components, including the CPU, GPU, motherboard, and hard drives. I’ve found it particularly helpful for identifying which specific CPU cores are running hot.

  1. Download HWMonitor: Go to the official CPUID website (https://www.cpuid.com/softwares/hwmonitor.html) and download the latest version of HWMonitor.
  2. Install HWMonitor: Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
  3. Run HWMonitor: Launch HWMonitor after installation.
  4. Locate CPU Temperature: Scroll through the list of hardware components until you find your CPU (e.g., “Intel Core i7-12700K” or “AMD Ryzen 7 5800X”). Expand the CPU section.
  5. View Temperatures: HWMonitor will display temperatures for each CPU core, as well as package temperature. Look for values labeled “Temperature” or “Core [Number] Temperature.” You’ll also often see “Min,” “Max,” and “Value,” showing the minimum, maximum, and current temperatures, respectively.

Pros:

  • Free to use.
  • Detailed information on CPU and other hardware components.
  • Real-time temperature monitoring.
  • Easy to use interface.

Cons:

  • Can be overwhelming with the amount of information displayed.
  • The interface isn’t the most modern-looking.

Core Temp

Core Temp is a lightweight and focused CPU temperature monitoring tool. It provides accurate temperature readings for each CPU core, along with other useful information like CPU frequency and load.

  1. Download Core Temp: Go to the official Core Temp website (https://www.alcpu.com/CoreTemp/) and download the latest version.
  2. Install Core Temp: Run the downloaded installer. Be cautious during installation, as it may offer to install additional software (which you can decline).
  3. Run Core Temp: Launch Core Temp after installation.
  4. View Temperatures: Core Temp will display the temperature for each CPU core in the main window.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and efficient.
  • Accurate temperature readings.
  • Simple and easy-to-understand interface.
  • Can be configured to display temperatures in the system tray.

Cons:

  • Focuses primarily on CPU temperature; doesn’t provide as much information on other hardware components as HWMonitor.
  • Installation can include bundled software offers.

Other Alternatives

  • NZXT CAM: If you have NZXT components (like coolers or cases), the CAM software is a solid choice. It provides hardware monitoring and control for NZXT products.
  • MSI Afterburner: While primarily a GPU overclocking tool, MSI Afterburner (with RivaTuner Statistics Server) can also display CPU temperature in an overlay while gaming.

Method 3: BIOS/UEFI

You can also check your CPU temperature in your computer’s BIOS or UEFI settings. However, this method only provides a snapshot of the temperature at idle and isn’t suitable for monitoring temperature under load. I generally avoid this as a primary method due to its limited utility.

  1. Access BIOS/UEFI: Restart your computer and press the appropriate key during startup to enter the BIOS or UEFI setup. This key varies depending on your motherboard manufacturer but is often Del, F2, F12, or Esc. Refer to your motherboard manual for the correct key.
  2. Navigate to Hardware Monitoring: Once in the BIOS/UEFI, look for a section labeled “Hardware Monitor,” “PC Health Status,” or similar.
  3. Check CPU Temperature: The CPU temperature will be listed in this section.

Limitations:

  • Only shows the temperature at idle.
  • Requires restarting your computer.
  • BIOS/UEFI interfaces vary between manufacturers.

Understanding CPU Temperature Ranges

It’s important to understand what constitutes a safe CPU temperature. Here’s a general guideline:

Temperature (°C)ConditionAction
Under 40°CIdle, ExcellentNone
40°C - 60°CNormal LoadNone
60°C - 70°CHeavy LoadMonitor closely
70°C - 80°CSustained LoadConsider Improvement
80°C - 90°CVery HotImmediate Action
Over 90°CCriticalSystem Shutdown Imminent

These are general guidelines. Consult your CPU’s manufacturer specifications for its maximum operating temperature (Tjmax). For instance, my Intel Core i7-12700K has a Tjmax of 100°C, so I aim to keep it below 90°C under heavy load.

Troubleshooting High CPU Temperatures

If you’re experiencing high CPU temperatures, here are some troubleshooting steps you can take:

  1. Check CPU Cooler: Ensure that your CPU cooler is properly installed and making good contact with the CPU. Reapply thermal paste if necessary. I once encountered a situation where the cooler wasn’t properly seated after a system move, causing temperatures to spike dramatically.
  2. Clean Dust: Dust accumulation inside your computer can impede airflow and cause overheating. Clean the fans, heatsinks, and case interior with compressed air.
  3. Improve Case Airflow: Ensure that your case has adequate airflow. Add additional case fans if necessary. Pay attention to the direction of airflow – typically, front and bottom fans intake air, while rear and top fans exhaust it.
  4. Check Ambient Temperature: High ambient temperatures can contribute to CPU overheating. Ensure your computer is in a well-ventilated area.
  5. Close Unnecessary Programs: CPU-intensive programs can increase CPU temperature. Close any programs that you are not using.
  6. Update Drivers: Outdated drivers can sometimes cause CPU to run hotter. Update your motherboard chipset drivers and other relevant drivers.
  7. Reapply Thermal Paste: Over time, thermal paste can dry out and lose its effectiveness. Remove the CPU cooler, clean off the old thermal paste with isopropyl alcohol, and apply a fresh layer of high-quality thermal paste.
  8. Consider a Better Cooler: If your CPU cooler is inadequate for your CPU, consider upgrading to a higher-performance cooler, such as a liquid cooler or a larger air cooler.
  9. Check CPU Usage: Use task manager to check for unnecessary CPU usage. Bitcoin miners can cause high CPU usage even while the PC is supposedly idle.

My Experience & Quick Fix

I had an interesting experience with a newly built system. I noticed my CPU temps were unusually high, even at idle. I initially suspected the cooler wasn’t properly installed. After re-seating the cooler and reapplying thermal paste, the temperatures still remained high. After checking the 12V rail with a multimeter on the PSU, I realized that it was dipping way below 12V under load (down to 11.2V), even though it was a brand new, high-wattage PSU. Replacing the PSU instantly solved the overheating issue. The root cause wasn’t the CPU cooler itself, but an unstable power supply starving the system and causing the CPU to work harder than necessary, generating more heat! This highlighted the importance of checking all potential causes when troubleshooting hardware issues.

By following these methods, you can easily monitor your CPU temperature in Windows 11 and ensure that your system is running within safe operating parameters. Regular monitoring can help prevent performance issues and extend the lifespan of your components.

Frequently Asked Questions

How hot is too hot for a CPU?

Generally, above 80°C under sustained load is considered very hot, and above 90°C is critical, potentially leading to system shutdown. Consult your CPU’s specifications for its Tjmax.

How do I lower my CPU temperature?

Check your CPU cooler installation, clean dust from the heatsink and fans, improve case airflow, reapply thermal paste, or consider upgrading to a better cooler.

Does Windows 11 Task Manager show CPU temperature?

Yes, Task Manager can show CPU temperature, but it depends on your system’s hardware and drivers. If supported, the temperature will be listed under the ‘Performance’ tab when selecting ‘CPU’.

What is a good CPU temperature while gaming?

Ideally, you want to keep your CPU temperature below 80°C while gaming. Temperatures between 60°C and 70°C are generally considered normal and safe under heavy gaming loads.

Is it normal for CPU temp to spike?

Brief temperature spikes are normal, especially when the CPU is under load. However, consistently high temperatures indicate a potential problem requiring investigation.