How can I check my computer’s temperature on Windows 11?
How can I check my computer’s temperature on Windows 11?
4 Answers

Keeping an eye on your computer’s temperature is super important to make sure it runs smoothly and lasts longer. Machines these days can get pretty hot, and overheating isn’t just an annoyance—it can actually damage your hardware and mess with your data. If you’re running Windows 11, there are several ways to check the temperature, using either built-in tools or third-party apps. Let’s break it down.
Before we get into the how-tos, let’s talk about why this is even worth your time. High temps can slow down your CPU to keep from frying it, which sucks for your performance. And if you run it hot for too long, it can wear out your components way faster. Usually, you want your CPU to stay between 40°C and 70°C during normal use, but this can vary by model.
Ways to Check Your Computer Temperature on Windows 11:
1. Using BIOS/UEFI
The BIOS/UEFI is the behind-the-scenes software that boots up your computer and keeps track of the hardware. It’s a good place to get accurate, real-time temperature readings.
- Steps: Restart your computer and hit the BIOS/UEFI access key (usually F2, Delete, or Esc). Once you’re in, look for sections like “Hardware Monitor” or “System Monitor” to find your CPU temperature.
- Pros: Super accurate and doesn’t need any extra software.
- Cons: You have to restart your computer to use it, so it’s not good for ongoing monitoring.
2. Using Windows Task Manager
Task Manager is handy for a lot of things, and in some cases, it can show you the CPU temperature.
- Steps: Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), go to the “Performance” tab, click on “CPU,” and see if temperature readings pop up at the bottom.
- Pros: Quick and easy to access without needing extra software.
- Cons: Not all versions show temperature, and it’s pretty basic.
3. Using Third-Party Software
For the most thorough temperature checks, third-party apps are the way to go.
- Popular Tools:
- HWMonitor: Gives you a detailed look at temperatures for your CPU cores and other parts.
- Core Temp: Focuses mainly on CPU temperatures and provides real-time data for each core.
- SpeedFan: Tracks temperatures, fan speeds, and voltages.
- Steps: Download one of these apps from their official website, install it, and open the app to get your readings.
- Pros: Real-time data, user-friendly, and often come with useful add-ons like alerts.
- Cons: You have to install extra software, and some features might be locked behind a paywall.
4. Using Command Prompt or PowerShell
If you’re comfortable with command-line tools, these can give you some temperature data too.
- Steps: Open Command Prompt or PowerShell as an admin and punch in commands like
wmic /namespace:\\rootwmi path MSAcpi_ThermalZone get Temperature
orGet-WmiObject -Class Win32_Processor | Select-Object -Property Name, CurrentTemperature
. You might need to do a bit of homework to understand the results. - Pros: No extra software, and can be tailored for advanced users.
- Cons: Limited support for different hardware, and interpreting the data isn’t always straightforward.
Tips and Tricks:
- Stay Vigilant: Check temperatures regularly, especially when you’re doing something intense like gaming or video editing.
- Cool It Down: Make sure your computer has good airflow, and think about getting cooling pads for laptops.
- Keep It Clean: Dust things out regularly to keep your fans and vents clear.
- Update Often: Keep your monitoring tools up to date to make sure they’re giving you accurate info.
By keeping tabs on your computer’s temperature, you can nip potential problems in the bud and keep your system running smoothly. Whether you stick with the built-in tools for simplicity or dive into third-party software for more details, the key is to stay informed and proactive about your system’s health.

So, you want to know how hot your PC gets while running Windows 11? You’re in the right place. Let’s dive into a couple of ways to check those temperatures without making it overly complicated.
First up, the old-school method: checking in BIOS/UEFI. Sure, it’s not exactly something you do every day, but it gets the job done:
- Restart your computer. Pretty simple, yeah? Just reboot the thing.
- Enter BIOS/UEFI: As your machine’s coming to life, hammer the right key to jump into BIOS or UEFI—usually F2, Delete, Esc, or F10. The screen might give you a heads-up on which one to smash.
- Find the CPU Temperature: Navigate around using the keyboard and hunt for something like “Hardware Monitor” or “PC Health Status.” You’ll spot the “CPU Temperature” there.
Keep in mind, this method only shows your computer’s temp when it’s chilling—not when you’re deep into a gaming marathon or editing a video.
Now, let’s talk third-party software, because Windows 11 doesn’t have a built-in option for this while you’re actually running applications. Here are some popular apps that can help:
Core Temp:
- Download Core Temp: Swing by its website and grab the installer.
- Install Core Temp: Set it up and remember to untick any unwanted extras it tries to slide by you.
- Run Core Temp: Fire it up and check out the main window displaying live temperature readings for each CPU core.
HWiNFO:
- Download HWiNFO: Head over to their site and snag the installer.
- Install HWiNFO: Launch it and choose “Sensors-only” mode.
- Check Temperatures: Once open, look for “Core Temperatures” to see your CPU core temps laid out for you.
Speccy:
- Download Speccy: Get it from their website.
- Install Speccy: Same deal—avoid any extra pack-ins during setup.
- Open Speccy: Click “CPU” in the sidebar for detailed temperature info.
Now, if you want a true picture of how your CPU handles stress (think heavy duty gaming), run a stress test like Prime95 and keep an eye on those temps using one of the tools above. That way, you can see if your cooling setup holds up when the heat is on.
Wrapping it all up, just remember these easy-peasy steps, and you’ll have a handle on your computer’s inner climate! Whether it’s through BIOS/UEFI or downloading apps like Core Temp, HWiNFO, or Speccy, knowing your machine’s temperature can save you from overheating issues down the road.

Keeping an eye on your computer’s temperature when using Windows 11 can really come in handy. A hot PC might decide to take a nap right in the middle of your marathon gaming session or work crunch. Plus, overheating can seriously mess with the hardware over time. Here’s how you can stay on top of those sneaky temp spikes and make sure your system doesn’t burn out.
Why Bother Checking Your Computer’s Temperature?
Honestly, a blazing hot CPU or GPU is a recipe for disaster. You don’t want your computer crashing mid-email or suddenly performing like it’s running on dial-up. Most chips are cool with hanging out between 40°C–85°C while working hard, but pushing it past 90°C is where the party starts to get risky.
Checking Your Computer’s Temperature in Windows 11
So, Windows 11 doesn’t come with its own thermostat. That means we need to get our hands on some trusty third-party software. Let’s take a look:
1. Download Some Handy Software
-
HWMonitor
- How to use it:
- First, snag it from the web.
- Install, then fire it up.
- Check out the CPU and GPU categories for real-time temp readings.
- How to use it:
-
Core Temp
- For detailed info:
- Download and install.
- Run the software.
- Peek at the bottom tray icons for core temps.
- For detailed info:
-
Open Hardware Monitor
- A simple, open-source tool for monitoring temperatures, fan speeds, and voltages.
-
MSI Afterburner (for GPU specifics)
- How you use it:
- Install the program.
- Set it up to show GPU temp during gaming sessions.
- How you use it:
2. Deep Dive with BIOS/UEFI
- Checking temps in BIOS:
- Hit the restart button and then tap F2, Del, or Esc (depends on your motherboard) as your PC powers up.
- Look for the section where it says “Hardware Monitor” or “PC Health.”
- Heads up: This only gives you idle temps, so no full-on gaming temp checks here.
Fighting the Heat: Causes and Fixes for Overheating
1. Dust: The Sneaky Culprit
- Why it’s a problem: Dust can block airflow like nothing else.
- Get rid of it:
- Turn off and unplug your PC.
- Grab a can of compressed air for a thorough cleaning of fans, vents, and heatsinks.
- Steer clear of vacuum cleaners—they may damage your components.
2. Bad Thermal Paste Application
- Why it’s a problem: Over time, thermal paste can dry out, making heat transfer a pain.
- Fix it:
- Carefully remove the cooler.
- Use isopropyl alcohol and a cloth to clean old paste.
- Apply a new drop of thermal paste. Brands like Arctic MX-4 are good excuses to talk tech shop.
3. When Your Cooling System Isn’t Up to Scratch
- Why it’s a problem: Stock coolers and not enough fans can leave your PC huffing and puffing.
- Fix it:
- Think about upgrading to a quality air cooler or maybe a liquid cooler.
- Pop in some extra case fans to give your PC the breeze it needs.
4. Background Processes are Eating Your Power
- Why it’s a problem: Some apps or sneaky malware might be hogging your CPU/GPU.
- Deal with it:
- Check Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) for resource-hungry processes.
- Kick out unnecessary tasks or nail any lurking malware with a scan.
5. Going Overboard with Overclocking
- Why it’s a problem: Overclocking can turn your PC into a mini-oven.
- Cool it down:
- Dial back clock speeds using BIOS or tools like Intel XTU.
- If you really need to overclock, make sure you’ve got the right cooling in place.
6. Back to the Drawing Board: Faulty Hardware
- Why it’s a problem: Faulty components can wreak havoc on your PC’s temperatures.
- Fix it:
- Check fans, sensors, or power supplies for any hiccups and replace if necessary.
- Leverage diagnostic tools to sniff out hardware issues.
Keep It Cool: Preventive Tips
- Grab a laptop cooling pad for ample ventilation.
- Avoid smothering vent areas.
- Keep your BIOS and drivers updated.
- Stay aware of temperature changes during high-performance tasks.
Wrapping Up
If your PC continues to run hotter than a summer day after giving these solutions a whirl, it might be time to let a technician take a look. Some issues like voltage irregularities go deeper, so professional help might be your best bet. Lastly, balance your readings across different tools to get a clear picture.

Alright, so you’re curious about how to keep tabs on your computer’s temperature on Windows 11? Here’s how you roll with it.
First off, let’s talk BIOS or UEFI. Basically, when you’re rebooting your machine, hit that magic key – usually F2, F12, Delete, or Esc – and voila! You’re in. Now, snoop around for something labeled ‘Hardware Monitor’ or ‘Status’. That’s where you’ll find your CPU’s current temperature.
Feeling like dabbling with some apps? No problem. Core Temp is your buddy here. Just grab it off their official website, install, and you’re good to go. Fire it up, and you’ll see your CPU’s temperature doing its thing in real-time.
HWMonitor is another handy tool. You fetch it from their website, install it, and there you are, all the juicy details about your system’s temp right at your fingertips.
Fancy something super detailed? Speccy‘s your guy. Again, hit up the official site, download, install, and launch the program. It’s like having your car’s dashboard and seeing every inch of performance laid out before you.
So there we have it! With these tricks, you’ll keep overheating in check and ensure your PC runs smooth like butter.