How to Check CPU Temperature on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Monitoring CPU Temperature on Windows 11

Keeping an eye on your CPU temperature is pretty important if you want your system running smoothly and to extend its lifespan. Windows 11 doesn’t display temperatures straight out of the box, but you can easily check them using built-in features or by installing a third-party app. It’s not just for tech buffs; knowing when your CPU is running hot can prevent headaches later on, especially if it starts overheating. Whether you’re gaming, working, or just browsing, it’s good to know what your CPU’s up to.

How to Check Your CPU Temperature on Windows 11

Monitoring your CPU’s temperature isn’t complicated, but it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on. Let’s walk through the options, starting with what’s available in Windows before exploring some handy external tools.

Launching the Task Manager

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc all at once to open the Task Manager. It won’t show you the temperature, but it’ll tell you how much your CPU is being used. If usage spikes, your CPU might be running hot — which isn’t ideal. Just keep in mind, prolonged periods of high usage can really boost the temperature, and that’s something you want to avoid. Experienced users know that a stressed CPU isn’t happy CPU.

Navigating to the Performance Tab

Once in Task Manager, switch over to the Performance tab. Here, you’ll see how busy your CPU is. If it’s constantly at 100%, that’s a sign it might be heating up, even if you don’t see the exact temp. Regular monitoring can help you steer clear of sudden shutdowns or potential hardware issues. Nobody wants their system crashing in the middle of a gaming session or video editing.

Installing a Monitoring Tool

For detailed temperature readings, it’s best to use a third-party app like Core Temp. It’s lightweight and reliable. Just download it from a reputable site, such as here. These tools provide temperature data for each CPU core, which is especially useful when gaming or handling demanding tasks.

Checking Real-Time Data

Once Core Temp is up and running, you’ll see each core’s current temperature along with historical highs and lows. This real-time info can be very revealing. If any core hits around 80–85°C, it’s a warning sign. Sometimes, different cores run hotter than others, indicating possible cooling issues. You can tweak settings under Options > Settings in Core Temp to display temps on the taskbar or enable logging. Keeping temps down helps prolong your CPU’s lifespan — who wouldn’t want that?

Making Routine Checks

To stay on top of things, keep your temperature monitoring tool running, or check manually from time to time. Tools like HWMonitor or SpeedFan can alert you if temperatures get too high. If your CPU runs excessively hot often, it might be time to upgrade your cooling or tidy up airflow inside your case. Generally, aim to keep temps below 75°C during regular use and under load.

Tips for Better CPU Cooling

Beyond just checking temperatures, look after your CPU’s cooling setup. Dust is a common enemy, so give your PC a good clean, especially around fans. Improving airflow — for example, repositioning or adding fans — can make a big difference. Check your power settings too; if your CPU is working overtime without a clear reason, you can optimise it in Settings > System > Power & Battery > Power Mode. If high temperatures keep cropping up, investing in a decent cooling solution, like a quality aftermarket cooler, is worth considering — especially for gamers.

Common Questions About CPU Temperature Control

How can I stop my CPU from overheating?

Basically, keep your PC clean and ensure good airflow inside the case. Using a reliable CPU cooler and applying quality thermal paste (like Arctic Silver) will also help keep things cooler.

Are third-party apps safe to use?

Definitely — just stick to trusted software like Core Temp, HWMonitor, or Open Hardware Monitor downloaded from official sources. There’s plenty of reputable options, and avoiding sketchy sites keeps your system safe.

What’s a normal CPU temperature during regular use?

Most CPUs stay below 75°C during everyday tasks. They might spike higher under heavy load, but ideally, you want them under 85°C. If temperatures consistently go beyond that, it’s time to review your cooling setup or check if something’s pushing your CPU too hard.

Just a tip: these checks can often highlight the need for an extra fan or a good clean — something to keep in mind!

Can running at high CPU temperatures cause hardware damage?

Absolutely. Overheating your CPU for extended periods is like running a marathon in the middle of summer — it’s not healthy. Prolonged heat increases wear and tear, which can lead to permanent damage, crashes, or a significantly shortened lifespan. Keeping your CPU cool isn’t just smart — it’s essential for your hardware’s health.

Does Windows 11 have any built-in tools for checking CPU temps?

Nope, Windows 11 doesn’t include native tools for monitoring CPU temperatures. You’ll need third-party software like Core Temp, HWMonitor, or Open Hardware Monitor for detailed thermal info. These programs are pretty straightforward — some even portable, so you can run them without installing anything. It’s a bit of a hassle, but that’s the way it is.

Steps to Keep an Eye on Your CPU’s Temperature

Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
Head to the Performance tab to see how much work your CPU is doing.
Install a dedicated temperature monitor like Core Temp — it’ll make your life easier.
Check the real-time temperature for each core — it’s a bit nerdy, but worth it.
Set up alerts or just check regularly to stay within safe limits.

What’s Next?

While monitoring CPU temperature might not be the most glamorous task, it can save you a lot of trouble in the long run. Windows 11 doesn’t provide the details by default, but apps like Core Temp make it simple. Regular checks paired with good cooling habits keep your system running smoothly and can even give your hardware a longer lifespan. Think of it as giving your PC the best chance to stay cool under pressure — preventing costly damage and ensuring reliable performance.

Here’s a tip that often works across different setups: keeping an eye on those temps can save hours of troubleshooting down the track.