How to Check CPU Temp on Windows 10 & 11 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Are you struggling with an overheating CPU? It is a common issue for users. But panic won’t work; instead, you need to know – how to check CPU temp and maintain it. 

Hopping on various intense programs simultaneously leads to heavy loads, hence resulting in overheating. 

Sail through the article to learn how you can check your CPU’s temperature on a PC. Along with it, we have mentioned reasons and solutions for overheating to control the Computer’s Processing Unit’s temperature range.

How to Check CPU Temperature?

In case you are wondering how to check CPU temp Windows 10, there are no specific options available yet.  However, you can follow the detailed steps below; try them to check your CPU temp.

1. Using Apps

Core temp app is a popular app when it comes to CPU temp. But be cautious about bloatware before you hit download. Let’s see how to check CPU temp in Windows 10 and other versions using the Core Temp app:

1. Download Core Temp.

2. Open the downloaded file.

3. Agree to the terms and conditions, to install it. Tap all positive options in the process, like next and finish.

4. You will notice a small window pop up with CPU temperature readings.

5. Navigate to the temperature readings to monitor different temperatures.

6. Go to different tabs in temperature readings:

• Current temperature – This shows the temperature for the ongoing tasks.
• Min – Show the minimum temperature for a certain task, the CPU has reached.
• Max – Reflects the Maximum temperature reached for a task.
• Load – The load percentage while a specific task was on run.

We have also found some other apps that work the same way. Here are the recommended apps that you can use to check your CPU temperature:

1. OpenHardwareMonitor – It maintains speed, temperature, and fan among other specs. It also allows you to check the CPU temperature for heating.
2. SpeedFan – This software gives you access to SDD and the HDD. To prevent overheating, it changes the speed of the fan on your PC according to the heat emissions.
3. AMD system monitor – In case you are using AMD Ryzen, then this app is the best suited for you.
4. HWinfo – You can use it to monitor your CPU temp thoroughly. This software will provide you with a detailed view of all the technical hardware of your processor. 
5. NZXT’s Cam – Its slick interface is easy to read and gives information about the CPU, memory card, and graphic cards. It even has a mobile app to stay informed about your PC on the go.

Navigate to their sites and download them through the guided on-screen instructions. These apps and sites are the best and will help you maintain the life of your hardware. Moreover, you can also use Window’s built-in feature to check CPU temp, read on to know about it.

2. Using Bios

Bios is the built-in software on Windows PCs to check the CPU temperature. Let’s start with how to check CPU temp in Windows 10 or other versions without any app.

1. Switch on your PC.

2. While the PC boots, press any special key like – F12, DEL, ESC, or F2. 

3. Now you can view the interface showing you the temperature of your CPU on the main screen. 

Limitation of BIOS Method:

The following are the limitations of the BIOS method:

• You will only be able to see the temperature when you start your system. 
• You won’t be able to see the accurate temperature as there is no load on the CPU while in startup.
• Furthermore, this method won’t help you maintain the CPU temperature.

Many users search for how to check CPU temp in Windows 10 or 11, but in vain. Now that we have suggested the methods to check the PC’s processing unit, hopefully, it won’t be a problem anymore. 

How To Monitor Your CPU Temperature Range

Only checking the CPU’s temp won’t do any good to you. It is just the first step, and the next is to monitor it for fluctuations.

Constant CPU Temperature Monitoring

You can carry on your work while keeping an eye on the different core temperatures. The instructions below will help you monitor your CPU temperature range:

1. Download, install, and launch the Core Temp software.

2. Move to the taskbar, and click the up arrow to open notifications.

3. Now the 4 numbers in different colors will appear. They represent the temperature of 4 Cores of the CPU.

4. Click on them to pin to the taskbar to monitor rising temperature.
5. You can even choose the highest one to pin. For that, go to Options.

6. Hit the Settings option.

7. Choose Notification Area.

8. Select the Highest temperature per processor option.

9. Finally, click on the Apply option. 

10. Tap the arrow in the taskbar to see the temperature. 

Now you will be able to focus on the core with high heating and take actions as required.

Monitoring CPU Temperature While Gaming

It is troublesome to go back and forth to the taskbar, to check the core temperature. But you can’t neglect it as well, so what to do? Do the following to monitor the PC, and CPU heat levels while gaming:

1. Download MSI AfterBurner.

2. Install it and give the required permissions.
3. After installing it, on the Taskbar, click the up arrow icon to open notifications.
4. Double-click the MSI Afterburner shortcut on the desktop.

5. Hit the gear icon to open Settings. 

6. Click on the ‘Monitoring’ tab.

7. Now, tap CPU temperature.

8. Next, tick the checkbox for ‘Show in on-screen display’ and you will start seeing the temperature on screen.

9. Now launch any game and start playing, you will observe the CPU temperature on the corner of the screen.

Now, there will be no interruption in your gaming to check CPU temp. This way, you can have real-time temperature updates of the CPU cores on the same screen. 

How to Maintain the CPU Temperature? 

So far, we have learned to check and monitor CPU temp, but it’s time to take action to maintain it to a normal temperature. 

What is Normal PC Temperature?

You need to have prior knowledge of the normal PC temperature range to maintain the heat emission. Temperature ranging between 40 and 60° C (104 -149° F) is a normal PC temperature. Refer to the table for different temperature range

PC Temp While Playing Games

While gaming, CPU temperature can reach 70–80 degrees since it’s an intense task. If the heat emission reaches beyond this range, you need to think of ways to reduce it to a good CPU temp.

Your best option is to take precautions for overheating before it takes a toll on the system’s hardware. Furthermore, to prevent instances of overheating, you need to know why it happens. 

Reasons Why Your PC Temp is High

Various reasons can affect your PC’s temperature and lead to overheating and lag. Check the pointers below to know the common reasons that give a spike to the CPU temp:

• Several intense operations – You are using different applications and programs at once. It can also occur when multiple windows or tabs are open. 
• Overclocking – Pushing your Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) over limits is overclocking. Stressing the GPU beyond its limit is going to raise CPU temperatures, thus straining other PC components.
• Fan not working – The basic function of a CPU fan is to do active cooling. If your CPU fan is not working, the heat building up will start impacting your PC performance. 
• Ventilation – Improper ventilation In PC can cause heat build-up. Usually, it happens in thin laptops with limited vents.
• Dust buildup – Fine dust particles accumulate over time and can clog the fan or other hardware responsible for cooling the PC. It can make the fan get noisy or even stop working. 

Tips to Maintain a Good CPU Temp

Sometimes it is inevitable to stop CPU temperature from spiking. But, here are some tried and tested tips, you can use to take down your CPU temp:

• Vacuum it to get rid of any dirt or dust affecting the system’s cooling function.
• Use a Laptop Stand to let the heat out and establish a good CPU temperature. 

• Replace the fan if not working properly. 
• Close background programs, use AvastCleanUp, it makes the background app sleep and prevents the issue of raising the CPU heat level. 

Other than the above-suggested methods, make sure that you also pay attention to your environment. A heated environment will add to the trouble and won’t allow the CPU temp to decrease. 

To Sum Up!

To maintain your PC temperature and save it from overheating, you must know how to check CPU temp. Be smart and opt for a dedicated app to monitor and maintain the temperature before overheating causes any permanent damage to your PC.

People having thin laptops, ensure proper ventilation to prevent instances of temperature rise!

FAQs

1. What is the normal temperature of the CPU?

Temperature anywhere between 40 and 60 degrees is considered normal and while gaming the 70 to 80 degrees range will also be considered normal.

2. How do I check the processor information of my PC?

To check your processor information, move to the control panel >> system and security >> system.

3. Why is my PC’s temperature going high?

High PC temperature is impacted by several reasons. The most common reason is dust and dirt particles accumulated in the CPU.

4. How to get the most out of my CPU without heating?

You can install some PC apps like Avast Cleanup and CCleaner to monitor heating. These will help you maintain the CPU temperature even when you are multitasking.