4 Quick ways to check CPU temp accurately on Windows 11

• Windows 11 does not have a CPU temperature monitor feature, but you can use third-party apps like HWiNFO, Core Temp, or CPUID HWMonitor to determine this information.
• Alternatively, you can access the UEFI (BIOS) on the motherboard to monitor the processor temperature.

UPDATED 12/3/2024: On Windows 11, you have multiple ways to check the CPU temperature through third-party apps and accessing the motherboard’s Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI), and in this guide, I will show you four ways to determine this information.

Although Windows 11 doesn’t have a feature to monitor the processor temperature, you can find several ways to check this information using third-party tools like HWiNFO, Core Temp, and HWMonitor. These applications are among the most popular and can offer details about other components, such as the graphics card, motherboard, memory, power, and more. Of course, the information available will depend on the application. For instance, the HWiNFO will provide the most details, Core Temp is the easiest to use, and the HWMonitor app offers something in the middle. 

Alternatively, you can also check the processor temperature from the UEFI (also referred to as the BIOS). However, this option only allows you to monitor this information while the system isn’t under load, which, most of the time, is the only reason why you want to determine the temperature to make sure the system thermals are optimal and it’s not overheating.

In this guide, I will teach you the steps to determine how cool or hot the processor is running on your Windows 11 computer. 

• Check CPU temp on Windows 11 from apps
• Check CPU temp on Windows 11 from BIOS

Check CPU temp on Windows 11 from apps

Although Windows 11 doesn’t include a way to view and monitor the processor temperature, you can use a number of third-party tools, such as HWiNFO, Core Temp, and HWMonitor.

1. Check temperature using HWiNFO

The HWiNFO app is among the most popular apps for monitoring the processor and other components, such as graphics cards, memory, network cards, fans, and power information, in real-time. Although the application is straightforward, the details can be overwhelming for most users, but it’s an excellent app for checking the processor’s temperature. The app is free to use, but there’s also a paid version with additional perks.

To install the HWiNFO app to check the CPU temperature on Windows 11, use these steps:

1. Open Start on Windows 11. 

2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.

3. Type the following command to install the HWiNFO app and press Enter:

   winget install --id REALiX.HWiNFO

   

4. Open Start.

5. Search for HWiNFO and click the top result to open the app.

6. Check the Sensors-only option.

7. Click the Start button.

8. Select the “CPU [#0]” (Node) from the list.

   

9. Check the “CPU (Tctl/Tdie)” for AMD or “CPU Package” for Intel systems to confirm the CPU temperature.

If you want to check the CPU temperature while gaming on Windows 11, you can record the processor thermals in the background while performing different actions (such as gaming), and then you can review the data.

You can do this by launching the HWiNFO app, clicking the “Loggin Start” button, confirming a name for the CSV file, and clicking the “Save” button. You can now play games while the app records the system thermals. Once you’re done, click the “Loggin Start” button, open the “CSV” file, and review the temperature information.

2. Check temperature using Core Temp

Core Temp is a free application that quickly shows the processor’s temperature along with other details, including model, platform, frequency, load, and power usage. If you’re looking for a straightforward app to monitor the temperature of the main processor, this is the one you should use.

To install the Core Temp app to check the processor temp on your computer, use these steps:

1. Open Start on Windows 11. 

2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.

3. Type the following command to install the Core Temp app and press Enter:

   winget install --id ALCPU.CoreTemp

   

4. Open Start.

5. Search for Core Temp and click the top result to open the app.

6. Check the CPU temp under the “Temperature Readings” section.

   

   Quick note: The reading will include the minimum and maximum temperature readings since you open the application.

3. Check temperature using HWMonitor

HWMonitor is another popular app from CPUID that gives you a Task Manager-like interface with the temperature information and other details, such as voltage, clocks, fan speeds, and more about the CPU, GPU, motherboard, memory, and hard drives. This application is similar to the HWiNFO, but the information is less overwhelming. It’s also free to use.

To install the HWMonitor app to monitor the processor temperature, use these steps:

1. Open Start on Windows 11. 

2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.

3. Type the following command to install the HWiNFO app and press Enter:

   winget install --id CPUID.HWMonitor

   

4. Open Start.

5. Search for HWMonitor and click the top result to open the app.

6. Select the system processor from the list.

7. Choose the Temperature item.

8. Confirm the temperature of the CPU on the computer.

   

   Quick note: If you expand the entry, you can view the temperature of each package, depending on the processor’s physical structure. In my case, I have an AMD Threadripper that includes eight cores on each package, so the application shows two packages. If you were using one of the latest Intel processors, you would notice one package and temperatures for the “P-Cores” and “E-Cores.”

Regardless of the app you choose, once you complete the steps, you will have an idea of the processor’s current temperature while Windows 11 is loaded.

These are not the only applications. You may find many more, and some manufacturers have their own monitor utilities. For example, AMD has the Ryzen Master app, and Intel has the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility, which, while both apps offer different features, both include temperature information about the processor.

Check CPU temp on Windows 11 from BIOS

Alternatively, you can also determine the processor temperature through the motherboard’s UEFI (BIOS) firmware. This option is only available for specific systems. Usually, you will find information on custom builds using motherboards from known brands, such as ASUS, ASRock, MSI, and many others. 

To determine the processor temp from the UEFI (BIOS), use these steps:

1. Open Settings. 

2. Click on System.

3. Click on Recovery.

4. Under the “Recovery options” section, click the Restart now button for the “Advanced startup” setting.

   

5. Click on Troubleshoot.

6. Click on Advanced options.

7. Click the “UEFI Firmware Settings” option.

   

8. Click the Restart button.

9. Check the CPU temperature on the main page.

   Quick note: Usually, motherboard manufacturers have different design approaches when it comes to the UEFI experience. As a result, the information may be available in a different location inside the settings. If you must use this approach, checking the manufacturer’s documentation is recommended to find the information.

After you complete the steps, the motherboard’s UEFI settings will display the current processor temperature. 

The difference between checking the CPU sensor information from the BIOS and using a third-party application is that using an app allows you to monitor temperature under load when the operating system is loaded. On the other hand, checking the temperature from the motherboard’s firmware will give you readings when the system isn’t under load. 

Usually, you want to determine this information when the operating system is running, but checking the readings in the firmware can also help you understand the device’s thermals. For example, if the temperature is high while inside the firmware, it can indicate issues with thermal paste, CPU cooler, or ventilation.

The safe temperature at which a processor should operate will typically depend on the CPU architecture and manufacturer, but anything between “40C” (104F) and “80C” (176F) and under “95C” (203F) degrees Celsius under normal load is considered safe. Typically, Intel processors run hotter than AMD processors. Also, since desktop chips are more powerful than those available in laptops and tablets, they will operate at higher temperatures.

Update December 3, 2024: This guide has been revised with more details about temperature information.