Windows 10 doesn’t show CPU temperature in Task Manager or Settings, so the easiest way to check it is a free monitoring app such as Core Temp or HWiNFO. Install it, open it, and look at the temperature for each CPU core. You can also check the temperature in your PC’s BIOS without installing anything. As a rough guide, 30 to 50°C at idle and 60 to 85°C under heavy load is normal; regularly hitting 90°C or more means the PC needs better cooling.
Applies to: Windows 10 desktops and laptops with Intel or AMD processors. The same tools work on Windows 11; see how to check CPU temp on Windows 11. Last reviewed October 8, 2026.
Method 1: Core Temp (simple)
- Download Core Temp from its official site and run the installer. Untick any bundled offers during setup.
- Open Core Temp. Each core’s current, minimum and maximum temperature is listed.
- Optionally enable the system tray display in Options > Settings > Notification Area to keep an eye on it.
The TJ. Max value is the highest temperature the processor is designed for, usually around 95 to 105°C.
Method 2: HWiNFO (detailed)
- Download HWiNFO from its official site; the portable version needs no installation.
- Open it and choose Sensors-only.
- Scroll to your CPU section and look at CPU Package or Core Max.
HWiNFO also shows GPU, drive and motherboard temperatures and fan speeds; for fans, see how to check fan speed.
Method 3: Check in the BIOS
- Restart the PC and press the BIOS key during startup, usually Del, F2 or F10.
- Look for Hardware Monitor, PC Health Status or H/W Monitor.
- Read the CPU Temperature.
The BIOS shows only the idle temperature, since nothing heavy is running, so it can’t tell you how hot the CPU gets under load.
What about Task Manager?
Task Manager’s Performance tab shows GPU temperature for dedicated graphics cards, but not CPU temperature. It’s still useful for seeing whether the CPU is busy; see how to check CPU usage in Windows 10.
What’s a normal CPU temperature?
- Idle or light use: 30 to 50°C on desktops; laptops often run 40 to 60°C.
- Gaming or heavy work: 60 to 85°C.
- 90°C and above: too hot for regular use. The CPU will slow itself down (throttle) to protect itself, which causes stutters and slowdowns.
Some recent high-end processors are designed to run up to about 95°C under full load. Check your CPU maker’s specs if you’re unsure.
How to lower CPU temperature
- Clean dust from vents and fans with compressed air.
- Keep laptops on a hard, flat surface, not a bed or sofa.
- Check fans spin and adjust fan curves; see how to control fan speed in Windows 10.
- Close apps that keep the CPU busy in the background.
- On desktops older than a few years, replace the thermal paste between the CPU and cooler.
Frequently asked questions
Can I check CPU temperature with PowerShell?
The commonly shared WMI command reads a motherboard thermal zone, not the CPU itself, and many PCs don’t support it. Use a monitoring app instead.
Are these monitoring apps safe?
Core Temp and HWiNFO are widely used. Download only from their official sites and decline any bundled extras.
How about other temperatures?
See how to check PC temps in Windows 11 for GPU and drive temperatures.
Related: check PC performance in Windows 10.
Related: how to turn off overclocking on a Windows 10 PC.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.