How to Check Computer Temperature in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Your PC is like a car — if the engine runs too hot, performance drops and long-term damage can occur. The same goes for your computer. Monitoring your CPU and GPU temperatures in Windows 11 helps you keep your system healthy, prevent overheating, and even extend its lifespan.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through how to check computer temperature in Windows 11 using built-in tools, BIOS, and third-party apps — step by step. You’ll also learn what’s considered a safe temperature range, how to fix overheating issues, and how to keep your PC cool.

Why Checking Your Computer’s Temperature Matters

Your computer’s temperature directly affects how well it performs and how long it lasts. CPUs and GPUs generate heat while processing data — too much heat can cause thermal throttling, where performance drops to prevent damage.

Unchecked overheating can lead to:

• System crashes or sudden shutdowns

• Blue screen (BSOD) errors

• Hardware degradation or failure

• Loud fan noise and reduced efficiency

By regularly checking your computer’s temperature, you can detect problems early and take steps to fix them.

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2. How Computer Temperature Affects Performance

When temperatures rise above safe limits, your CPU automatically reduces its clock speed to cool down. This process — called thermal throttling — slows your system.

If it continues overheating:

• Games stutter or lag

• Apps open slowly

• Rendering and multitasking take longer

• The system might even power off to protect itself

Monitoring temperature is like keeping an eye on your car’s dashboard. If it runs hot, you know it’s time to pop the hood.

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3. Safe Temperature Ranges for Different Components

Let’s look at typical safe operating temperatures for major components in a Windows 11 computer.

🔹 Tip: Laptops often run hotter than desktops due to limited airflow, so slightly higher temps are normal.

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4. Methods to Check Computer Temperature in Windows 11

There are several ways to view temperature readings in Windows 11 — from built-in firmware tools to advanced software monitors.

4.1 Using BIOS/UEFI

The BIOS (or UEFI) is the firmware that initializes your computer before Windows starts. It includes a built-in temperature monitor.

To check your CPU temperature in BIOS:

1. Restart your PC.

2. When the manufacturer’s logo appears, press the BIOS key — usually Del, F2, or F10.

3. In the BIOS menu, look for sections like Hardware Monitor, System Health, or PC Health Status.

4. You’ll see your CPU temperature displayed in Celsius (°C).

This method is simple but only shows temperature at idle — not under load.

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4.2 Using Task Manager (Limited Info)

In Windows 11, Task Manager can display GPU temperature — but not CPU temperature.

To view GPU temperature:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

2. Go to the Performance tab.

3. Select your GPU from the left panel.

4. You’ll see GPU Temperature near the bottom.

Note: This feature only works with modern GPUs that support temperature reporting and drivers installed via Windows Update or the manufacturer.

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4.3 Using PowerShell

You can use PowerShell commands to retrieve some hardware temperature data, though it’s not always reliable for all CPUs.

Run PowerShell as Administrator and type:

This displays temperature data, though it may show inaccurate readings or be unavailable depending on your motherboard.

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4.4 Using Third-Party Software (Recommended)

For most users, third-party temperature monitoring tools are the best solution. They provide real-time temperature data for CPU, GPU, motherboard, and more — with graphs, alerts, and logging.

We’ll cover the best ones below.

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5. Step-by-Step: How to Check CPU Temperature

Let’s use one of the most popular and accurate tools — Core Temp.

Step 1: Download and Install Core Temp

• Visit the Core Temp official site and install the app.

• During setup, uncheck any optional bundled software.

Step 2: Open Core Temp

Once launched, you’ll see readings for each CPU core — usually labeled Core #0, Core #1, etc.

Step 3: Read the Temperatures

• Current Temperature: Real-time reading

• Min / Max: Lowest and highest recorded temps

• Load: Percentage of usage per core

Ideal CPU temperatures:

• Idle: 30–50°C

• Gaming or multitasking: 60–80°C

• Max safe limit: Below 90°C

Step 4: Set Alerts (Optional)

Go to Options → Overheat Protection, then enable Alert when CPU reaches a certain temperature. This will notify you before overheating becomes a problem.

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6. Step-by-Step: How to Check GPU Temperature

To check GPU (graphics card) temperatures, we’ll use MSI Afterburner — a trusted and free tool.

Step 1: Install MSI Afterburner

Download and install the tool from MSI’s official website.

Step 2: Launch and Observe

On the main screen, you’ll see real-time GPU stats:

• GPU Temperature

• Core Clock Speed

• Memory Clock

• Fan Speed

Step 3: Enable On-Screen Display (OSD)

Click the Settings (gear icon) → Monitoring tab → select GPU temperature → check Show in On-Screen Display.

This shows GPU temperature while gaming or running heavy applications.

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7. Best Free Tools to Monitor PC Temperature

Here are some of the most reliable and popular options:

💡 Pro Tip: HWMonitor and HWiNFO give the most accurate readings across all components.

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8. How to Enable GPU Temperature in Task Manager

If you don’t see GPU temperature in Task Manager:

1. Update your graphics drivers (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).

2. Restart your PC.

3. Reopen Task Manager → Performance → GPU.

Windows 11 automatically detects supported GPUs once updated.

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9. How to Create a Real-Time Temperature Widget

Want to see CPU/GPU temperature on your desktop?

Use Rainmeter — a customizable desktop widget app.

Steps:

1. Download and install Rainmeter.

2. Find a skin or plugin that supports system monitoring (like “HWiNFO” skin).

3. Link it to your temperature monitoring tool.

4. Now your desktop displays live CPU/GPU temps.

Perfect for gamers, streamers, or anyone who loves visual dashboards.

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10. What to Do If Your Computer Is Overheating

If your computer’s temperature frequently exceeds 85–90°C, you need to act fast.

Quick Fixes:

• Shut down and let the system cool.

• Clean dust from fans, vents, and filters using compressed air.

• Reapply thermal paste between CPU and cooler if it’s been years.

• Improve airflow by rearranging cables or adding case fans.

• Use a cooling pad if you’re on a laptop.

If temperatures stay high, you might have a failing fan, blocked vent, or deteriorated thermal paste.

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11. Tips to Keep Your PC Cool

Here’s how to maintain a consistently cool system:

1. Keep vents clear: Don’t block air intakes or exhausts.

2. Use proper cooling: Invest in high-quality CPU coolers.

3. Clean regularly: Dust is the enemy of airflow.

4. Optimize cable management: Better airflow = lower temps.

5. Monitor background tasks: High CPU usage creates more heat.

6. Update BIOS and drivers: Sometimes firmware updates improve fan control.

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12. When to Replace Thermal Paste

Thermal paste is the material between your CPU and cooler that helps transfer heat efficiently. Over time, it dries out and becomes less effective.

Signs you need to replace thermal paste:

• CPU temperatures have increased by 10–15°C over time

• Fans are louder but cooling isn’t better

• It’s been over 2–3 years since last replacement

Use a high-quality paste like Arctic MX-6 or Noctua NT-H1 for best results.

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13. Common Myths About CPU Temperature

Let’s debunk some common misconceptions:

• ❌ “My CPU should always stay under 50°C.”
  Not true — modern CPUs are designed to run safely up to 90°C.

• ❌ “High temperatures always mean something’s wrong.”
  Some workloads (like rendering or gaming) naturally push temps high.

• ❌ “Thermal throttling damages the CPU.”
  It doesn’t — it’s a protective mechanism to prevent damage.

• ✅ Truth: Consistent monitoring and proper cooling keep your system stable and long-lasting.

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14. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the normal CPU temperature for Windows 11 PCs?
Typically, between 40°C and 75°C under normal workloads.

Q2: How do I check my CPU temperature without software?
Enter your BIOS/UEFI during boot — the temperature is displayed under Hardware Monitor.

Q3: Can I monitor temperature while gaming?
Yes, use tools like MSI Afterburner or HWiNFO with on-screen display.

Q4: What happens if my CPU overheats?
Your PC will throttle performance, crash, or automatically shut down to protect itself.

Q5: Does Windows 11 have a built-in CPU temperature monitor?
No. It only shows GPU temperature in Task Manager. For full monitoring, you’ll need third-party software.

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15. Summary & Key Takeaways

Keeping an eye on your PC’s temperature is one of the simplest ways to extend its lifespan and maintain top performance.

Here’s a quick recap:

🔹 Ideal range: CPU 30–85°C | GPU 35–85°C
🔹 Too hot: 90°C+ — take action immediately
🔹 Check monthly: Prevents long-term hardware damage

By following this guide, you can confidently check computer temperature in Windows 11 and keep your system running smoothly for years to come.