Windows 11 · Windows
How to Check CPU Temperature in Windows 11
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
Windows 11 Task Manager does not show CPU temperature. Check it in your PC's UEFI/BIOS hardware monitor, the computer maker's supported utility, Intel XTU on a supported Intel processor, or AMD Ryzen Master on a supported AMD Ryzen processor.
Identify the CPU and PC maker
Open Settings > System > About and note the processor and device model. Use a tool supported by that CPU or computer maker instead of an unknown hardware-monitor download.
Check UEFI or BIOS
Restart into the PC's UEFI/BIOS setup using the maker's documented key or Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup. Open Hardware Monitor, PC Health, or the equivalent page to view the idle CPU temperature.
Use the maker's Windows utility
For a laptop or prebuilt PC, install the support or thermal utility from the manufacturer's official support page for the exact model. Open its thermal, diagnostics, or performance panel.
Use Intel XTU when supported
For an Intel processor listed as compatible with Intel Extreme Tuning Utility, install XTU from Intel, open its monitoring panel, and select Package Temperature. Do not enable tuning merely to read a sensor.
Use AMD Ryzen Master when supported
For a supported AMD Ryzen desktop processor, install Ryzen Master from AMD and read CPU Temperature in its basic or monitoring view. Leave Control Mode at Default if you only need a reading.
Measure idle and load separately
Let Windows sit idle for several minutes and record the value, then observe the same sensor during the workload that concerns you. Brief spikes and sustained temperature are different measurements.
Compare with the exact specification
Look up the processor's maximum junction or operating temperature on Intel, AMD, or the PC maker's specification page. Do not apply a universal safe-temperature number to every CPU.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- If two tools disagree, use the PC or processor maker's supported reading and confirm both tools label the same package or core sensor.
- If the PC throttles, shuts down, smells hot, or the fan stops, end the workload and follow the manufacturer's cooling and repair guidance.
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.