How to view CPU temperature in Windows 11 and keep it under control

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If you use Windows 11 and are worried about how hot your computer is getting, you're not alone: Heat is the number one enemy of hardwareThe components perform according to the workload, and this effort translates into temperature. Therefore, when the system overheats, performance drops, fan noise increases, and in the worst-case scenario, protective shutdowns occur.

One thing needs to be clear from the start: Windows 11 barely shows the native temperature. You'll see the one from the GPU in Task Managerbut not the CPU's. So if you want to know the processor's temperature in real time, you'll need to use the BIOS/UEFI or third-party applicationsFor example, our guide to Check CPU temperature in Windows 11Below we explain all the options that work, how to configure them, and what temperatures are reasonable so you don't get any surprises.

Why you should monitor your CPU temperature in Windows 11

The chips in a PC are designed to work within a safe thermal rangeExceeding this limit for extended periods is usually a sign that something is wrong: a poorly mounted heatsink, dried-out thermal paste, dust, or poor airflow in the case.

There are certain profiles that should be especially vigilant: those who play demanding games, those who edit video, render, or work with design softwareAnd those who open many applications at once. On laptops, the risk increases because the space is smaller and heat accumulates more quickly.

Beyond simply being careful, monitoring the temperature helps confirm whether your cooling system is doing its job. If the CPU gets too hot, it may enter a state of failure. thermal throttling and cut performance to protect itself, or cause the fans to spin up and the equipment to make more noise than is tolerable.

For practical reference, these margins will help guide you: Below 60°C is ideal During rest or light tasks; between 60-70 °C is normal during gaming and medium loads; 70-80 °C is acceptable under heavy loads (monitor it); 80-90 °C is cause for concern if not You overclock; and above 90 °C it touches act immediately.

What Windows 11 shows (and doesn't): Task Manager, official apps, and limitations

Windows 11 does not offer a native panel to view CPU temperature. Task Manager (right-click on the taskbar > Task Manager), within the "Performance" tab, you will see the temperature data of the GPUBut the processor specification is missing. It's a gap that many users have asked to be filled, but for now, it remains unresolved.

The situation becomes more complicated after certain system updates: according to reports in the Microsoft community, Some hardware monitors stop reading sensors This happens right after a major Windows 11 update until the developers release a compatible version. Once those apps are updated, the data returns to normal.

If you're interested in the GPU, the official applications are helpful. With the NVIDIA App You can activate the statistics module to view CPU/GPU usage, graphics card temperature, FPS, and latency during gameplay. In the case of AMD SoftwareGo to "Performance" > "Metrics" to view temperature, usage, FPS, and other data, with the option to record metrics using the button Start Logging.

In summary: for the CPU you need to rely on the BIOS/UEFI or third-party softwareAnd if something stops being measured after updating Windows, check if there's a new version of your favorite tool.

View CPU temperature from BIOS/UEFI

The BIOS/UEFI is the universal way to verify that everything is working correctly at the sensor level. In Windows 11, you can access it without pressing any keys during startup: open the Start menu, hold down the Windows key Shift and choose "Restart". You will enter advanced startup; go to "Solve problems">"Advanced">"UEFI firmware settings» and press "Restart" to access.

Within the BIOS/UEFI, look for a section for Hardware Monitor or similar. There you'll usually see the "CPU Core Temperature" and sometimes voltages and fan speeds. Keep in mind that the computer is idle, so the temperature will be lower than under actual load; even so, it helps you confirm that the sensors are working and that nothing is running wild right after startup.

Not all BIOSes display the processor temperature. If your firmware doesn't show it, or if you're interested in measuring it, check your BIOS. in real time while you play or workYou'll have to switch to specialized applications.

Reliable apps for viewing CPU temperature in real time

The community has been using long-standing utilities for years that read system sensors and display their information on the screen, tray, or a statistics panel. These are the most comprehensive and popular options for Windows 11.

MSI Afterburner + RivaTuner Statistics Server (OSD in your games)

MSI Afterburner is free and, along with RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS) allows you to overlay an on-screen display (OSD) with key data during full-screen games or apps. In Afterburner's settings, open the "Monitoring" tab and select the sensors you're interested in (CPU temperature, GPU temperature, CPU usage, etc.). Enable "Display on screen" to display them on the screen. Real-time OSD.

If you also want to see them when you're not in a game, enable "Show in system tray" so the number stays fixed next to the clock. The overlay usually appears in the upper left corner, although you can change its position, size, font, and color; by default, many elements are displayed in RedBut it is configurable.

Speccy (CCleaner)

Speccy offers a quick overview of all your hardware: CPU, RAM, motherboard, storage, GPU… and, depending on your system, it will display the processor temperature and other components. It doesn't always display all readings, but it's easy to use and allows you to save a report with the complete PC configuration.

Open Hardware Monitor

A minimalist alternative that gets straight to the point. After installing Open Hardware Monitor, you'll see a list of sensors: the temperature of each core of the... CPUBus speed, voltages, GPU temperature, and fan speed. To have the temperature readily available, right-click on the CPU reading and choose "Display in tray."

Core Temp

Core Temp is one of the lightest and focuses on the CPU. Its panel displays the model, frequencies, and, in the "Temperature readingsThe current and maximum temperatures per core. From "Options" > "Settings" you can enable it to be displayed in the Notification area from the taskbar, ideal for a quick glance.

If you use an AMD Ryzen processor, you will see two values: Tdie (actual heat of the cores) and Tctl (The temperature control used by the system to manage fans). To evaluate your CPU, stick with Tdie; Tctl may incorporate an offset that doesn't accurately reflect the silicon's heat.

HWMonitor

A true classic. HWMonitor reads all the sensors your PC displays: voltages, temperatures, fan speeds, clocks, battery… Includes readings by CPU core and the GPU temperature. It has versions for x86/x64 and ARM64, and a paid edition with extra features if you need it.

HWiNFO

HWiNFO is probably the most comprehensive tool for inventory and monitoring. It has a "sensors only" mode and measures in real time It can generate detailed logs and reports. It is widely used in professional environments and has both installable and portable versions for x86 and ARM64.

NZXT CAM

Focused on user experience and with a mobile app, NZXT CAM offers clear panels for viewing temperatures and uses of the system. It's not the most technically comprehensive, but it's convenient if you want something visual and easy to understand.

Manufacturer apps: NVIDIA App and AMD Software

If you're interested in monitoring your performance while gaming, the official GPU apps are a lifesaver. In the NVIDIA App, activate the statistics module to see CPU and GPU usage on screen. temperature of the graphFPS and latency. In AMD Software, go to the "Performance" > "Metrics" section for live data and, if you like, log sessions with "Start Logging".

Software included by the equipment manufacturer

Some manufacturers pre-install utilities that already display these metrics. For example, gaming desktops and laptops often include them. real-time dashboards (like OMEN Gaming Hub on HP systems) and, if you have a Ryzen processor, AMD itself offers Ryzen Masters as a specific tool for managing and observing the chip's behavior.

Safe ranges, TjMax, and how to interpret what you see

Besides seeing numbers, you have to understand them. In general, working below 60°C For light tasks, it's ideal. Between 60 and 70 °C is expected when gaming or under moderate load. Going up to 70-80 °C is acceptable if you're rendering or in intense sessions, but it's worth keeping an eye on it. Between 80-90 °C indicates that you should improve airflow or cooling if you're not overclocking. More than 90 °C It's dangerous territory: stop, check, and correct.

For greater accuracy, look at the TjMax (maximum junction temperature) reported by some tools. This is the limit beyond which the CPU will aggressively reduce frequency or shut down to protect itself. The goal is for your peak temperatures, even under stress, to remain below this value. sufficient margin.

In AMD Ryzen, remember the difference between Tdie and Tctl: the former is the one you're interested in to assess whether there's a real heat problem in the cores, while the latter is used as a control signal for the fan curve and may include offsets.

What to do if your CPU gets too hot

When the temperature rises, the first thing to do is tackle the basics. Start by dusting Dust from fans and heatsinks acts like a thermal blanket: it worsens heat transfer and obstructs airflow. A quick clean with compressed air and brushes can lower the temperature by several degrees without touching anything else.

If the equipment is a few years old, it's worth it. reapply the thermal paste between the processor and the heatsink. Dried thermal paste loses effectiveness; using a quality compound and applying it correctly usually offers a noticeable improvement.

Check the case airflowFront fans should be drawing in air, and rear/top fans should be exhausting air. Check the direction of rotation, remove any obstructions, and tidy up the cables. If your case allows it, adding an intake or exhaust fan can make a big difference.

Another option is to adjust the fan curveWith utilities like SpeedFan (or those included with your motherboard), you can define the temperature at which the fans increase their speed. A more aggressive fan curve will prevent temperature spikes, but in return, you'll experience more noise under load.

For more serious cases, consider improving the cooling: a more capable air cooler or a system of AIO liquid in high TDP CPUs. And if you do it right, undervolting can reduce temperature and power consumption by lowering the CPU voltage; keep in mind that, depending on the margin, This may involve some loss of performance. and requires testing for stability.

For laptops, in addition to cleaning the vents and replacing thermal paste if the model allows it, use cooling pads and avoid soft surfaces that block air intakes. Managing processes also helps: from the Task Manager You can close applications that are using CPU unnecessarily.

When and how to measure: practical tips

Measuring at rest is useful as a reference, but what you're really interested in is the temperature. in the use that matters to youIf you play games, monitor with an overlay like Afterburner+RTSS. If you edit video, observe temperatures during a long export. And if you suspect thermal bottlenecks, leave a monitor in the drive bay to see peak and maximum temperatures reached.

If after a windows 11 update If your device stops displaying the temperature, don't assume the sensor is broken: look for a newer version of the app or try a different one. It's common for developers to take a few days to release compatible builds after a system update.

Keep logs whenever possible. Apps like HWiNFO or AMD Software allow you to create logs with temperatures and CPU/GPU usageHaving a record helps you compare before and after a cleaning, paste change, or ventilation improvement.

Tools and scenarios: what to choose in each case

If you want something simple to check occasionally, Speccy or Open Hardware Monitor will suffice. For a comprehensive view with many sensors, HWMonitor or HWiNFO They're safe bets. If you're looking for an in-game overlay, MSI Afterburner with RTSS is the winning combination. And if you have a modern GPU, enable metrics in NVIDIA App or AMD Software for accurate data while you play.

Those who buy "gaming" computers often already have factory-installed software (like OMEN Gaming Hub on certain models) with real-time dashboards, and if your processor is AMD, Ryzen Masters It adds specific options to safely monitor and adjust chip parameters.

To complete the picture, remember that the BIOS/UEFI gives you the idle snapshot and confirms that the sensors respondBut it doesn't replace live monitoring. The key is to combine them: validate in the BIOS, monitor daily in the system tray, and when it's time to play games or render, use an overlay.

If you take care of the dust, check the thermal paste when necessary, adjust the ventilation, and choose your tools wisely, keeping temperatures under control is no longer a matter of luck. The CPU and GPU can work hard for hours within their safe limits without drama or loss of performance.