How to See CPU Temp in Windows 11: Simple Steps to Monitor Heat

By / September 12, 2025

Keeping an eye on your CPU temperature is crucial for maintaining your PC’s performance and longevity. Overheating can slow down your system, cause crashes, or even damage components over time. Windows 11 doesn’t display CPU temperature by default, but there are several easy ways to monitor it. This guide will walk you through all the methods, step by step.

Why Monitor CPU Temperature?

Monitoring your CPU temperature helps you:

  • Prevent overheating: Protects your CPU and other components.

  • Improve performance: High temperatures can cause thermal throttling, reducing speed.

  • Diagnose issues: Spot problems like failing fans or poor airflow.

Think of your CPU as the engine of your PC. Just like a car engine, it needs to stay cool to run efficiently.

Step 1: Use BIOS/UEFI to Check CPU Temperature

The BIOS (or UEFI) provides a basic, reliable way to see CPU temperatures:

  1. Restart your PC.

  2. Press the BIOS key (usually F2, Del, or Esc) during boot.

  3. Navigate to Hardware Monitor, PC Health, or System Status.

  4. Look for CPU Temperature.

Pros: No software required, accurate readings.
Cons: You can’t monitor temperature in real-time while using Windows.

Step 2: Use Task Manager (Limited Info)

Windows 11’s Task Manager doesn’t show CPU temperature directly, but it provides CPU usage information which can hint at heat levels:

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

  2. Click on the Performance tab.

  3. Monitor CPU usage and speed.

High CPU usage often correlates with higher temperatures, but for exact readings, software is recommended.

Step 3: Use Built-in Windows Tools (Windows Terminal + WMI)

Advanced users can use Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI):

  1. Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin).

  2. Type the following command:

    wmic /namespace:\\root\wmi PATH MSAcpi_ThermalZoneTemperature get CurrentTemperature

  3. Press Enter.

Note: The value returned needs to be converted: (Temperature / 10) - 273.15 to get Celsius.

Pros: No third-party software.
Cons: Not very user-friendly and may not work on all systems.

Step 4: Use Third-Party Software for Real-Time Monitoring

Several free tools make monitoring CPU temperature simple:

1. HWMonitor

  • Download from CPUID website.

  • Provides temperature, voltage, and fan speed.

  • Lightweight and easy to read.

2. Core Temp

  • Shows temperature per CPU core.

  • Lightweight, perfect for quick checks.

  • Allows logging over time.

3. Speccy

  • Gives a full overview of your system, including CPU, GPU, and motherboard temperatures.

  • Clean interface, beginner-friendly.

Steps (Example with HWMonitor):

  1. Download and install HWMonitor.

  2. Open the program.

  3. Check the CPU temperature under Temperatures section.

  4. Monitor while gaming or performing heavy tasks.

Pros: Real-time monitoring, detailed info, free options available.
Cons: Requires installing software.

Step 5: Monitor Temperature via Gaming or Utility Software

Many CPUs and motherboards come with manufacturer utilities:

  • Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU) for Intel CPUs.

  • AMD Ryzen Master for AMD CPUs.

  • MSI Dragon Center or ASUS Armoury Crate for motherboard monitoring.

These tools provide:

  • Real-time temperature monitoring.

  • Fan speed adjustments.

  • Performance tuning.

Using manufacturer software ensures accurate readings and additional features.

Step 6: Keep CPU Temperature in Safe Range

Safe temperature ranges:

  • Idle: 30–50°C (86–122°F)

  • Normal Load: 50–70°C (122–158°F)

  • Heavy Load/Gaming: 70–85°C (158–185°F)

  • Critical: 90°C+ (194°F+) — immediate action required

If temperatures are too high:

  • Clean dust from fans and heatsinks.

  • Improve airflow in the case.

  • Replace thermal paste if it’s old.

  • Consider aftermarket cooling solutions.

Step 7: Set Alerts for High Temperatures

Some monitoring software allows alerts:

  • Core Temp and HWMonitor can notify you when CPU exceeds a threshold.

  • Helps prevent accidental overheating during gaming or heavy workloads.

This proactive approach can save your CPU from long-term damage.

Step 8: Benefits of Monitoring CPU Temperature

  • Prevents damage: Protects expensive components.

  • Optimizes performance: Avoids throttling during heavy use.

  • Diagnoses problems: Identifies failing fans, poor thermal paste, or cooling issues.

Monitoring temperature is a small step that can significantly extend your PC’s lifespan.

Step 9: Tips for Accurate Temperature Readings

  • Close unnecessary background apps for cleaner readings.

  • Avoid overclocking unless temperatures are closely monitored.

  • Keep software updated for accurate sensor readings.

Following these tips ensures reliable monitoring.

Conclusion

Monitoring your CPU temperature on Windows 11 is essential for performance and safety. While BIOS/UEFI provides basic readings, third-party software like HWMonitor or Core Temp allows real-time tracking. Keeping your CPU within safe temperature ranges ensures stability, prevents damage, and helps you get the most out of your PC. With the steps above, you can easily check your CPU temperature and take action if things get too hot.

FAQs

1. Can Windows 11 show CPU temperature natively?
Not directly in the interface. You need BIOS/UEFI or third-party software for real-time monitoring.

2. What is a safe CPU temperature?
Idle: 30–50°C, Normal Load: 50–70°C, Heavy Load: 70–85°C, Critical: 90°C+.

3. How can I lower high CPU temperatures?
Clean fans, improve airflow, replace thermal paste, or use better cooling solutions.

4. Does monitoring CPU temp affect performance?
No, monitoring software uses minimal resources and won’t significantly impact performance.

5. Which software is best for beginners?
HWMonitor and Speccy are easy to use, lightweight, and provide clear temperature readings.

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