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To create a high CPU load, run a multithreaded stress utility such as CpuStres, then watch Task Manager’s CPU graph. Microsoft documents CpuStres as a way to simulate high CPU usage, but the cited guidance does not give a current download location or version. Check the utility’s provenance before running it.
Watch CPU usage in Task Manager
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Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
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Select Performance > CPU. The graph shows overall processor utilization.
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Right-click the graph and choose the logical-processor view to see how load is distributed across individual logical processors.
Microsoft’s example shows an eight-logical-processor system: when total capacity is fully used evenly, each processor is at 12.5%. A workload that fills only one logical processor may leave the overall CPU reading below 100%.
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Generate the CPU workload
Microsoft’s Windows Server troubleshooting guidance names CpuStres as a tool for simulating high CPU usage by running several threads. Start the workload while Task Manager is open and watch the overall graph. Stop the workload when you have the reading you need.
The cited guidance does not establish a current CpuStres download source, a specific version, a universal thread count, or a recommended test duration. It also does not establish compatibility with every Windows 10 build. Do not assume the utility is included with Windows or download it from an unverified source.
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Collect readings with PowerShell
For sampled readings instead of a live graph, use PowerShell’s Get-Counter with the total processor-time counter. Microsoft documents this example, which takes three samples at two-second intervals:
Get-Counter 'Processor(_Total)% Processor Time' -SampleInterval 2 -MaxSamples 3The counter path shown is English; performance-counter names are localized, so it may differ on a non-English Windows installation. Microsoft documents Get-Counter as a way to query performance data and set a sample interval and maximum sample count.
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Understand what “100%” means
Task Manager’s overall CPU graph expresses utilization across the system’s available logical processors. Other monitoring displays may report a process’s aggregate usage differently. Microsoft’s performance troubleshooting example describes a four-thread workload reaching 400% process usage while four processors are fully loaded. That process-level figure is not the same as Task Manager’s normalized system-wide percentage.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Windows 10 support status
Microsoft states that Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. After that date, Microsoft no longer provides free software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes through Windows Update; the PC continues to work. See Microsoft’s Windows 10 support information.
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