How to Check CPU Temperature on Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11

Keeping an eye on your CPU temperature is crucial for maintaining the health and performance of your computer. Overheating can lead to system crashes, performance issues, and even permanent damage to your hardware. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the steps to check your CPU temperature on different versions of Windows, including Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11.

Checking CPU Temperature on Windows 7

Method 1. Use the BIOS/UEFI

To access your computer's BIOS or UEFI, restart your machine and press the appropriate key during the boot process. This is usually F2, Del, or Esc, but it may vary depending on your motherboard manufacturer. Once in the BIOS/UEFI, look for a section labeled "Hardware Monitor" or "PC Health" to find the current CPU temperature.

Method 2. Use a Third-Party Monitoring Tool

Windows 7 does not have built-in tools for checking CPU temperature and if you don't want to enter the BIOS/UEFI every time, you can use a third-party monitoring tool like Core Temp or HWMonitor. These applications will display your CPU temperature within Windows, allowing you to keep an eye on it without interrupting your workflow.

The steps are typically as follows:

1. Download and Install: Visit the official website of your chosen tool, download the installer, and follow the installation instructions.
2. Launch the Application: Open the software to view real-time CPU temperature readings. These tools usually display temperatures for each core.

Checking CPU Temperature on Windows 8

The process for checking CPU temperature on Windows 8 is very similar to Windows 7 and there are two methods involved:

Method 1. Use the BIOS/UEFI

Restart your computer and press the appropriate key to enter the BIOS or UEFI. Look for the CPU temperature reading in the "Hardware Monitor" or "PC Health" section.

Method 2. Use a Third-Party Monitoring Tool

As with Windows 7, you can use a program like Core Temp or HWMonitor to monitor your CPU temperature within the Windows 8 operating system.

Checking CPU Temperature on Windows 10

Unlike with Windows 7 and 8, there are many more convenient ways to check your CPU temperature on Windows 10, which include:

Method 1: Using a Third-Party Tool:

1. Download a CPU temperature monitoring software

The easiest way to check your CPU temperature on Windows 10, just like with any other Windows OS, is to use a dedicated monitoring tool. Some popular options include:

• Core Temp
• NZXT Cam
• HWInfo
• Open Hardware Monitor
• SpeedFan

2. Install and run the monitoring software

Download and install one of the CPU temperature monitoring tools mentioned above. Once installed, open the software and it will display the current temperature of your CPU.

3. Check the CPU temperature reading

The monitoring software will show the current temperature of your CPU, usually displayed in degrees Celsius (°C). It may also show the minimum and maximum temperatures recorded.

4. Interpret the temperature readings

Generally, a CPU temperature under 60°C is considered good. Temperatures between 60-80°C are normal under load. Anything over 80°C may indicate the need for better cooling.

5. Monitor temperatures over time

You can leave the monitoring software running in the background to keep an eye on your CPU temperatures, especially during intensive tasks like gaming or video editing.

Method 2: Using BIOS/UEFI

1. Restart Your Computer: Click Start, select Power, and choose Restart.
2. Enter BIOS/UEFI: During boot, press a key like F2, F10, or Delete (varies by manufacturer).
3. Access Hardware Monitoring: Navigate to the section labeled "Hardware Monitor" or "PC Health" to view CPU temperature.

If you notice your CPU running consistently hot, you may need to clean out any dust buildup in your PC, ensure your CPU cooler is functioning properly, or consider upgrading to a more powerful cooling solution.

Checking CPU Temperature on Windows 11

If you are on Windows 11, it is even much easier to check your CPU temperature and you can do that in 3 ways:

Method 1. Using UEFI/BIOS:

• Open the Settings app, go to System > Recovery, and select "Restart now" under "Advanced startup".
• In the startup options, choose "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "UEFI Firmware Settings" and restart your PC.
• Once in the UEFI/BIOS menu, look for an option like "CPU Core Temperature" or something similar to see your CPU's temperature.

Method 2. Using Third-Party Apps:

• Download and install a free app like Speccy, HWiNFO, or Core Temp.
• Open the app and look for the "CPU" or "Temperatures" section to see the current, minimum, and maximum CPU temperatures, as well as the temperature of individual CPU cores.

Method 3. Using Manufacturer Utilities:

If you have a gaming PC or laptop, the manufacturer may provide software that can display the CPU temperature, such as Intel's Extreme Tuning Utility or Corsair's iCUE.

The main advantage of using third-party apps is that you can monitor the CPU temperature while Windows 11 is running, which is more useful for seeing real-time temperature changes during intensive tasks. The UEFI/BIOS method only shows the temperature before Windows starts up.

Conclusion

Monitoring your CPU temperature is an essential task for maintaining the health and performance of your computer. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily check your CPU temperature on Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11, whether through the BIOS/UEFI or by using third-party monitoring tools. Remember, keeping your CPU within the recommended temperature range is crucial for ensuring your computer runs smoothly and avoids any potential hardware issues.