Check your PC temperature using built-in Windows tools or free third-party software

Your computer generates heat when it runs, and knowing that temperature tells you whether your cooling system is working properly. Windows doesn't show temperature in its main settings, but you can find it through the BIOS (the firmware that runs before Windows starts), through Windows Task Manager on some newer systems, or through free monitoring software that reads your hardware sensors.

The method you choose depends on what information you want and how comfortable you are navigating your computer's deeper settings. Most people find third-party software easiest because it shows temperature in real time while you work, but checking the BIOS gives you the most direct reading from your hardware.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows Task Manager shows CPU temperature on some newer systems (Windows 11 and recent Windows 10 builds), but not on older versions.
  • The BIOS shows your exact hardware temperature but requires restarting your computer and navigating a text-based menu.
  • Free software like HWiNFO, Core Temp, and Speccy display temperature in real time while you use your computer, making it easiest to spot problems during normal work.
  • Normal CPU temperature ranges from 30 to 65 degrees Celsius during everyday use; sustained temperatures above 80 degrees Celsius suggest a cooling problem.

Checking temperature in Windows Task Manager

If you're running Windows 11 or a recent build of Windows 10 (version 1903 or later), Task Manager may show CPU temperature directly. Right-click your taskbar and select "Task Manager," then click the "Performance" tab on the left. If your system supports it, you'll see "CPU" listed with temperature displayed in the top right corner of that section.

This method works only if your motherboard and drivers support temperature reporting to Windows. Many older systems and some newer laptops don't expose this data, so if you don't see a temperature reading, it doesn't mean your computer has no temperature — it means Windows can't access that information. In that case, move to one of the other methods below.

Using free monitoring software to track temperature in real time

Third-party software reads your hardware sensors directly and displays temperature while you work. Three widely used free options are HWiNFO, Core Temp, and Speccy. Download the portable or installer version from the official website (not from third-party download sites), install it, and open it — you'll immediately see your CPU temperature and usually your GPU temperature as well.

HWiNFO is the most detailed and shows temperatures for individual CPU cores, your motherboard, and storage drives. Core Temp is simpler and focuses only on CPU temperature. Speccy sits in the middle and includes storage temperature. All three are free and don't require installation (HWiNFO and Speccy offer portable versions you can run without installing). Leave one running in the background while you work, and you'll see temperature spike when you open demanding programs like video games or video editing software.

Checking temperature through the BIOS

The BIOS is the firmware that runs before Windows starts. It has direct access to your hardware sensors and shows the most reliable temperature reading, but you have to restart your computer to access it. Restart your PC and immediately start pressing a key repeatedly — usually Delete, F2, or F12, depending on your motherboard manufacturer. You'll see a prompt on the startup screen telling you which key to press.

Once you're in the BIOS menu, look for a section called "Hardware Monitor," "System Health," "PC Health," or "Monitoring." The exact name and location vary by manufacturer. You'll see temperature readings listed alongside voltage and fan speed. Write down the numbers or take a photo, then exit the BIOS (usually by pressing Escape and selecting "Exit Without Saving"). Your computer will boot normally into Windows.

The BIOS method is most useful if you suspect a hardware problem and want the most direct reading, or if you're troubleshooting during startup. For everyday monitoring, software is faster because you don't have to restart.

Understanding normal temperature ranges

CPU temperature varies based on what your computer is doing. At idle (when you're not running demanding programs), most CPUs sit between 30 and 50 degrees Celsius. During normal work like web browsing, email, or document editing, you might see 40 to 60 degrees Celsius. When you're gaming, video editing, or running other demanding software, 65 to 85 degrees Celsius is typical.

Sustained temperatures above 85 degrees Celsius suggest your cooling system isn't keeping up. This might mean your CPU fan is clogged with dust, your thermal paste (the compound between the CPU and its cooler) has dried out, or your cooler isn't making proper contact with the CPU. Temperatures consistently above 95 degrees Celsius can damage your CPU over time. If you see those numbers, shut down your computer and check whether your fans are spinning and whether dust is blocking your cooler.

GPU (graphics card) temperature runs hotter than CPU temperature — 70 to 85 degrees Celsius during gaming is normal. Above 90 degrees Celsius suggests a problem with the GPU cooler or airflow in your case.

What to do if your temperature is too high

Start with the simplest fix: shut down your computer, unplug it, and open the case (if you're comfortable doing so). Use a can of compressed air to blow dust out of your CPU cooler, GPU cooler, and case fans. Dust is the most common cause of high temperature. Plug the computer back in, boot it up, and check temperature again with your monitoring software.

If temperature is still high, your thermal paste may have degraded. This requires removing the CPU cooler, cleaning off the old paste with isopropyl alcohol, applying new thermal paste, and reinstalling the cooler — a more involved process. If you're not comfortable doing this, a computer repair shop can do it for $50 to $100.

If temperature is high only during gaming or other demanding work but normal during everyday use, your cooling system is working but struggling under load. This is usually not urgent, but it means your computer will throttle (slow down) to reduce heat, which will make games and demanding software run slower. Better case airflow or a larger cooler would help, but it's not a failure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 80 degrees Celsius bad for my CPU?

It depends on what you're doing. During gaming or video editing, 80 degrees Celsius is within normal range for most CPUs. If you see 80 degrees while just browsing the web, your cooling system has a problem. Check your CPU usage in Task Manager — if it's low but temperature is high, dust or thermal paste is likely the issue.

Can checking temperature damage my computer?

No. Reading temperature through software, Task Manager, or the BIOS doesn't change anything on your computer — it only displays information that's already being measured. The only risk is if you physically open your case and accidentally damage a component, so be careful with static electricity if you do that.

Why does my temperature jump around so much?

Temperature changes as your CPU usage changes. When you open a program, temperature spikes. When you close it, temperature drops. This is normal. If temperature swings wildly even when you're not opening or closing programs, your fan may be cycling on and off too frequently, which usually means dust is blocking airflow.

Should I check my laptop temperature the same way?

Yes, the same software works on laptops. However, laptops have much less airflow than desktop computers, so higher temperatures are normal — 70 to 85 degrees Celsius during everyday use is typical. Laptops also can't be opened and cleaned as easily as desktops. If your laptop is running hot, make sure you're using it on a hard surface (not a bed or pillow) and consider a laptop cooling pad.