Keeping an eye on your CPU temperature in Windows 10 isn’t just for the tech geeks or overclockers. Sometimes, your system might suddenly feel sluggish, fans start roaring louder than usual, or you notice weird crashes that seem thermal-related. It’s kind of annoying how Windows doesn’t show CPU temps natively—at least not without some poking around. The goal here is to be able to check your CPU temperature conveniently, so you can spot overheating before it causes any real damage. Whether you’re troubleshooting random crashes or just trying to keep things cool, knowing how hot your processor runs can save a lot of headaches.
In this guide, there are a few ways to get this info, from the quick and dirty BIOS route to more detailed readings with third-party apps. Not everything is perfect; sometimes BIOS readings are outdated or only accessible during boot, and software might need some setup or permissions. But with a bit of patience, you’ll get a good idea of what’s happening under your hood and can act accordingly. This way, you’ll avoid thermal throttling, unexpected shutdowns, or hardware damage. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary to peek under the hood but, hey, it’s doable.
How to See CPU Temp on Windows 10
Checking your CPU temperature can help you catch overheating issues before they spiral into bigger problems. Here’s how you can easily do it with some simple tricks. No fancy tech degree required.
Method 1: Access the BIOS/UEFI
This is the classic way, kind of old school but still useful for a quick read. Restart your computer and hit the F2, F10, or Delete key (depends on your motherboard manufacturer—sometimes you have to try a couple).The UEFI interface usually has a System Health tab or a similar section that shows CPU temp. On some setups, the temp info is right on the main page, so it’s kind of like knowing where to look. Keep in mind, BIOS temps are usually a few degrees off from real-time because it’s a snapshot, but it’s better than nothing if you’re troubleshooting.
On some machines this fails the first time or shows outdated info—reboot and try again if needed. Also, check your motherboard manual if unsure which key to press.
Method 2: Use Third-Party Monitoring Software
This is what most folks prefer because it’s real-time and super easy. Download apps like HWMonitor or Core Temp. You can find them online pretty easily—just avoid sketchy download sites. Install the program, run it, and boom, there’s your CPU temp in the main window.
What’s nice here is that they also show voltages, fan speeds, and other stats — if you’re into that kind of deep dive. Just note, sometimes these apps need administrator permissions to work properly, so run them as admin if things look weird at first.
Method 3: Keep an Eye on It and Set Alerts
Once you’ve got the software up, just keep an eye on the temp readings. If your CPU hits 80°C or more regularly, it’s a sign to check your cooling setup. Many apps allow you to set custom alerts—like a warning pop-up when temps surpass a threshold. That’s handy if you’re away from the PC and want early warnings, or if you just want peace of mind.
On some setups, you might have to tweak fan curves in your BIOS or through manufacturer apps (like ASUS Armoury Crate or MSI Dragon Center).Sometimes a quick dust-out or reapply thermal paste helps—because, yeah, dust buildup and dry paste are sneaky culprits.
Method 4: Keep It Cool with Practical Tips
Knowing your temps is half the battle. Once you start monitoring, regular checks can catch issues early. Keep your PC in a well-ventilated spot, clean dust from fans and heatsinks, and consider upgrading your cooling if temps stay stubbornly high. On some older setups, just replacing thermal paste every couple of years makes a noticeable difference. It’s kind of annoying, but Windows doesn’t make it obvious when it’s overheating, so proactive monitoring is the better way to go.