To check your CPU temperature on a Windows PC, you typically need to use third-party software since Windows does not have a built-in tool for this purpose. Here are the common and straightforward methods:
Using Third-Party Software (Recommended)
- Core Temp
- Download Core Temp from its official website (choose the 64-bit standalone version if applicable).
- Install the app, making sure to uncheck any optional bloatware during setup.
- Launch Core Temp. It will display the temperature readings for each CPU core, usually under a section labeled "Temperature Readings" or next to "CPU #0" or "Core #0".
- You can monitor current, minimum, and maximum temperatures. For AMD CPUs, focus on the Tdie value, which reflects actual core temperature.
- Optionally, configure Core Temp to show temperatures in the Windows taskbar notification area for easy monitoring
- Other Utilities
- Alternatives include NZXT CAM, HWiNFO, and HWMonitor, which also provide detailed temperature and system monitoring features
Checking Temperature via BIOS/UEFI
- Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI setup by pressing a key during boot (often Delete, Esc, or F2).
- Look for hardware monitoring or system health sections where CPU temperature is displayed.
- This method only shows temperature at boot and does not provide real-time monitoring during normal use
Summary
- The easiest and most user-friendly way is to use Core Temp, which is free and lightweight.
- It provides real-time temperature monitoring for each CPU core and records minimum and maximum temps during its runtime.
- Avoid installing bundled software during setup by unchecking optional offers.
- For quick checks without installing software, BIOS/UEFI can show CPU temperature but only at startup.
Typical safe CPU temperature ranges are below 50°C when idle and under 80°C under heavy load; temperatures above 90-95°C can cause throttling or shutdown to prevent damage
. This approach applies broadly to Windows 10 and 11 PCs.
