Getting Started with Hardware Monitor: A Free Tool for Checking Your CPU Temp on Windows
If you’re like me and have ever worried whether your CPU’s getting a bit too hot, there’s a pretty straightforward way to keep an eye on it — no need to fiddle with BIOS or install bulky third-party software. I ended up trying Hardware Monitor — a free, open-source utility that’s surprisingly easy to use for quick hardware stats, including CPU temperature. It’s not perfect right out of the box, and I ran into a few hiccups with sensor detection, but overall, it works well once you get the hang of it.
How to Install Hardware Monitor and Check Your CPU Temperature
Getting started is as simple as downloading it from the official website — just be sure to verify the source, as there are clones and shady forks knocking around. After downloading, run the installer; it’s a typical “Next, Next, Finish” process. Here’s where I hit a small snag: after installing, you might need to enable certain sensors in your BIOS to get accurate readings. To do that, restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI. Usually, that involves pressing Del, F2, or Esc during startup, depending on your motherboard. Inside BIOS, look for sections like Advanced, Hardware Monitoring, or sometimes under M.I.T. or Security. Make sure to enable options related to sensors or hardware monitoring. Save your changes, reboot, and fingers crossed, that’s all it takes for Hardware Monitor to detect your CPU sensors.
When Windows loads back up, open Hardware Monitor. The main window will show a list of hardware details. If all goes well, you’ll find a section dedicated to your CPU — possibly multiple sensors or cores, and sometimes the readings can be a bit jumpy or inconsistent. That’s normal; sensors are located at different spots within the CPU or motherboard, so slight temperature differences are expected. Don’t panic if one core reads a couple of degrees higher or lower than another — it’s all part of the process.
Locating and Displaying Your CPU Temperature
To find the CPU temp — look for entries labelled “Temperatures,” “Package,” “Core Temperature,” or similar. Usually, it’s near the top of the list or next to your CPU model name. The trickier part: right-click on the temperature reading and select options like “Show on Desktop” or “Show Gadget.” Doing this will pin a small widget on your desktop that keeps updating with the latest CPU temp.
I had to experiment a bit because different versions or setups can behave differently. Sometimes, you’ll see multiple options with different sensors or offsets. Generally, focus on the main CPU temperature — often called “Package” temperature, such as “Intel Core i7-12700K Package,” or the AMD equivalent. Once it’s pinned, you get a neat little live readout without having to keep opening the app.
Pinning the Temperature as a Desktop Widget
After choosing “Show Gadget” or “Show on Desktop,” a small window should appear displaying your CPU temperature. You can click and drag it around, resize it if needed, and place it somewhere visible but out of the way — I keep mine in a corner where I can glance at it quickly, usually top right or bottom left. If it doesn’t show up immediately, check the “View” menu within Hardware Monitor and toggle “Show Gadget” again. Sometimes, I had to turn it off and back on a few times; a bit annoying but worth the effort.
Some users report that the gadget doesn’t stay after rebooting or only appears after restarting the app. This can be a Windows quirk or a bug in certain versions. Once it’s working, though, it’s a handy way to monitor your CPU temp in real time without fuss.
Tips and Final Thoughts
If your CPU has multiple cores or sensors tracking VRMs, MOSFETs, and other components, you might see several temperature readings. Usually, the highest core temperature or the “Package” temperature matters most. Don’t worry if the numbers fluctuate a bit — temps will vary under load and spike occasionally. However, if you notice sustained temps over 90°C, it’s worth double-checking your cooling system. Perhaps your heatsink isn’t sitting properly, or your case fans need a good clean. In my setup, temps reach around 85°C during heavy use — still acceptable, but anything higher could risk throttling or long-term damage.
This tool is especially useful for gamers, streamers, or anyone pushing their CPU hard. Being able to glance at the temperature on your desktop without jumping into BIOS or running complex software is a real time-saver. That said, there can be quirks — gadgets might refuse to show or require a restart of Hardware Monitor or your machine. Patience is key, but once it’s set up, it’s a simple way to keep an eye on things.