How to see CPU temperature in Windows 10

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) essentially implements the instructions received from the software and hardware. This causes the CPU to heat up, and if it gets too hot for a long period of time, hardware problems can arise. As part of regular computer maintenance, an occasional CPU temperature check will help protect your PC’s internal components.

We’ll show you how to monitor your CPU temperature using a selection of the best third-party tools for Windows 10. Plus, our FAQ includes tips on how to reduce CPU temperature.

What is normal CPU temperature?

Know your computer’s “normal value” or tolerance range. External conditions, such as the location of your computer or the ambient temperature, can affect the CPU temperature.

Since the normal temperature depends on the type of computer processor, the following is a rough guide for estimating:

• Minimum processor usage (typical processing): approximately 30 to 50°C (86 to 122°F)
• Heavy processor usage: up to 95°C (up to 203°F)
• Whenever possible, the temperature should not exceed 100°C (212°F), especially for a long time.

How to see CPU temperature in Windows 10 using ThrottleStop

ThrottleStop is an application designed to monitor and fix the three main types of CPU throttling: thermal, power cap, and processor power module. To have ThrottleStop start automatically on startup and have your CPU temperature displayed in your taskbar:

1. Download the latest version of throttle stop.
   
2. Click the “Start” button.
   
3. Then select “Settings,” “Applications,” and then “Start.”
   
4. Locate the ThrottleStop app and enable it.
   

Alternatively, if the “Start” option is not in “Settings”:

1. Right click on the “Start” button.
   
2. Click “Task Manager.”
   
3. Click the “Home” or “More Details” tab.
   
4. Select and enable the ThrottleStop app.
   

To display the temperature in the taskbar notification area when it starts:

1. Locate and launch the ThrottleStop app.
   
2. At the bottom of the main window, select “Options.”
   
3. Then check the “CPU Temp” box, under the “Notification Area” in the middle.
   

How to see CPU temperature in Windows 10 using HWmonitor

HWMonitor will monitor your hardware. Read major PC health sensors: temperatures, voltages, fan speeds, and integrated core thermal sensors of new CPUs. To use HWMonitor to check your CPU temperature:

1. Download the latest version of hardware monitor.
   
2. Locate and launch the application.
   • The main window shows a list of all your CPU information.
     
3. Scroll to the center to see the “Temperatures” section.
   
4. The current, minimum and maximum temperatures for each CPU processor will be displayed.

How to see CPU temperature in Windows 10 using MSI Afterburner

The MSI Afterburner tool was designed to cater to gamers. Supports monitoring game graphics performance, benchmarking, overclocking and video capture. It also works as a great tool for observing computer temperatures. To find out your CPU temperature using MSI Afterburner:

1. Download the latest version of MSI Afterburner.
   
2. Locate and launch the application.
   

• The home screen will show your CPU temperature and related information.
  
• To make your CPU temperature graph appear first:
  1. Select “Settings” and then the “Monitoring” tab.
     
     • From the menu, you can choose what you want to display on the home screen. Then drag your selections in the order you want them to appear as graphs to the right.
       
  2. Once you’ve dragged the CPU temperatures to where you want them, select “OK.”
     
     • Select a “CPU temperature” and then check the “Show in on-screen display” box. The current temperature will be displayed in the corner every time you launch the “Screen Display” shortcut.

How to see CPU temperature in Windows 10 using Open Hardware Monitor

Free open source software, Open Hardware Monitor, looks at a PC’s fan speeds, temperature sensors, voltages, and charging and clock speeds. Making it a great versatile tool for monitoring your PC’s temperature.

To check the CPU temperature:

1. Download the latest version of Open hardware monitor.
   
2. Locate and then launch the application.
3. In the main window, under the category with your CPU name, it will display the current CPU temperature and list the temperatures for each core processor.
   

• To have the temperature displayed on your taskbar:
  1. Right click on the temperature and then select “Show in Tray.”
  2. If the temperature is hidden in the “additional” section, drag and drop it to the active tray.
     

How to see CPU temperature in Windows 10 using Core Temp

Core Temp is a lightweight and powerful processor, and another essential information monitoring tool. Like some of the other tools we’ve seen so far, it shows the temperature of each central processor. It also shows real-time fluctuations with changing workloads.

To view your CPU temperature in Core Temp:

1. Download the latest version of Core temperature.
   
2. Locate and then launch the application.
3. In the main window, in the “Temperature Readings” section, your CPU temperatures are displayed.
   

How to see CPU temperature in Windows 10 using Speccy

Speccy provides comprehensive statistics on all your computer hardware, including CPU, graphics cards, hard drives, and more. Temperatures for each hardware component are displayed; therefore, highlighting any potential problems.

1. Download the latest version of Species.
   
2. Locate and launch the application.
   • All applicable temperatures will be displayed.
     
3. On the left, select “CPU” for more detailed information about the processor.
   

• To display the temperature in the “System Tray”:
  1. Select “View” and “Options.”
     
  2. Click “System Tray” and then “Minimize to Tray.”
     
  3. Now select “Show metrics in tray” and then “CPU”.
     

Additional FAQs

What is a good temperature for my CPU with Windows 10?

Many third-party hardware component monitoring tools will identify what the maximum temperature is for your specific processor and let you know if your CPU is approaching or has surpassed it.

Because a normal temperature can vary by processor, the following is a rough guide for estimating:

• Minimum processor usage (typical processing): approximately 30 to 50°C (86 to 122°F).

• Heavy processor usage: up to 95°C (up to 203°F).

• Whenever possible, the temperature should not exceed 100°C (212°F), especially for a long time.

What are the consequences of heating for too long?

An overheating CPU, especially for a long period of time, can have the following consequences:

• PC responds slowly to inputs or freezes completely

• Random characters and symbols that appear on the screen.

• “Screen of death” or the dreaded blue screen appears

• Spontaneous restart or shutdown

• The motherboard voltage regulator module and surrounding components may be adversely affected

• The hard drive may have difficulty reading and, in extreme cases, may need to be replaced.

• In some cases, the CPU or, later, the motherboard may need to be replaced.

How do I lower my CPU temperature?

The following are tips to reduce your CPU temperature and keep it low:

• Allow better internal air flow. The goal is to get more air into your PC case and less out. You can achieve this by having more intake fans than exhaust fans or vice versa.

• Make sure your fan blades are free of dust and debris. You can do this by removing dust with a blower or using a can of compressed air.

• Keeping cables neat and in place also helps encourage airflow.

• Make sure your computer is placed in a well-ventilated area

• Keep the case on to prevent dust and dirt from adhering to the components.

• Depending on your usage, consider investing in a better CPU cooler.

• Consider setting higher fan speeds in Windows 10 via “Hardware and Sound” and “Power Options” in Control Panel.

Helping your CPU stay cool

Your computer’s CPU processes millions of transactions, essentially returning information to your monitor. All this work makes it hot. By keeping an eye on its temperature, you can ensure that it doesn’t get too hot for too long and potentially cause major problems for all components.