The fastest way to check CPU temperature
Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc, click the Performance tab, then select CPU from the left sidebar. The temperature appears in the top right corner of the window, measured in Celsius. This built-in method works on Windows 10 version 1903 and later — if you don't see temperature data, your Windows version is older and you'll need a third-party tool instead.
If Task Manager doesn't show temperature, you have two other straightforward options: use the Settings app to check in real time, or download a free monitoring program that gives you more detail about what's heating your processor.
Key Takeaways
- Task Manager displays CPU temperature in the Performance tab if your Windows 10 version is 1903 or newer, with no installation required.
- The temperature reading updates every second and shows your current processor heat, not an average or peak.
- Temperatures above 80°C under normal use suggest a cooling problem, but brief spikes to 90°C during heavy tasks are usually normal.
- Third-party tools like HWiNFO and Core Temp show more detail including per-core temperatures and historical data if you want to monitor trends.
Using Windows Settings to monitor CPU heat
Windows 10 also displays CPU temperature in the Settings app. Open Settings, go to System, then select About. Scroll down and look for Device specifications — some Windows 10 builds show processor temperature here, though it's less reliable than Task Manager and updates less frequently.
This method is slower than Task Manager and doesn't update in real time, so Task Manager remains the better choice for checking temperature right now. Use Settings only if Task Manager isn't showing the data you need.
What CPU temperature numbers actually mean
Your processor temperature is measured in Celsius. Most modern CPUs run safely between 30°C and 70°C during everyday tasks like browsing and email. When you're gaming, editing video, or running heavy software, temperatures between 70°C and 85°C are normal. Above 85°C, your processor starts to throttle — it slows itself down to reduce heat — and performance drops noticeably.
If you see temperatures consistently above 90°C during normal use, or if your computer shuts down unexpectedly, your cooling system may need attention. Dust buildup in fans is the most common cause. If your laptop runs hot, make sure it's on a hard surface (not a bed or pillow) so air can flow underneath.
Installing HWiNFO for detailed temperature tracking
If Task Manager doesn't show temperature or you want more information, HWiNFO is a free tool that displays per-core temperatures, maximum temperatures since startup, and other hardware details. Download it from hwinfo.com, run the installer, and launch the program. Click the green checkmark to start monitoring.
HWiNFO shows each CPU core's individual temperature, which helps identify if one core is running hotter than others — a sign of uneven cooling or a failing fan. You can also minimize it to the system tray and set it to log temperature data over time, which is useful if you're troubleshooting intermittent overheating.
Using Core Temp for a simpler alternative
Core Temp is another free option that's lighter weight than HWiNFO and focuses only on processor temperature. Download it from alcpu.com, install it, and open the program. It displays each core's temperature in a simple window and can run minimized in your system tray.
Core Temp is useful if you just want to glance at CPU heat without the extra hardware information that HWiNFO provides. Both programs are safe to leave running in the background while you work, and neither slows down your computer noticeably.
Why your CPU temperature matters for performance
CPU temperature directly affects how fast your processor can run. When your processor gets hot, Windows automatically reduces its speed to prevent damage — this is called thermal throttling. You'll notice your computer becoming slower during tasks that normally run fast, like opening large files or rendering video.
Checking temperature regularly helps you catch cooling problems early. If your computer suddenly runs slower than usual, checking CPU temperature is one of the first things to investigate. A blocked fan or dried-out thermal paste between the processor and cooler are common fixes that restore normal speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 80 degrees Celsius too hot for my CPU?
It depends on what you're doing. During gaming or video editing, 80°C is normal and safe. During light tasks like web browsing, 80°C suggests your cooling system isn't working well and should be checked. Look for dust in fans or consider reapplying thermal paste if your computer is several years old.
Why does Task Manager not show CPU temperature?
Your Windows 10 version is older than 1903. Update Windows by opening Settings, going to Update & Security, and clicking Check for Updates. After updating, restart your computer and Task Manager should display temperature data. Until then, use HWiNFO or Core Temp instead.
Can I check CPU temperature on a laptop the same way?
Yes, Task Manager works the same way on laptops. Laptop temperatures often run higher because they have less space for cooling. If your laptop regularly exceeds 85°C during normal use, make sure it's on a hard surface so air can flow underneath, and check that the vents aren't blocked by dust.
What's the difference between CPU temperature and GPU temperature?
CPU temperature is your processor's heat; GPU temperature is your graphics card's heat. Task Manager shows both separately in the Performance tab — CPU appears under the processor section, and GPU appears under its own section if you have a dedicated graphics card. They heat up independently based on what software is running.
Should I be worried if temperature spikes suddenly?
Brief spikes to 90°C when you start a heavy task are normal. If temperature stays high after you close the program, or if it spikes without you running anything demanding, check Task Manager's Processes tab to see what's using CPU power. Malware or a runaway program might be the cause.