Windows 10 does not include a built-in CPU temperature readout. To see a live temperature while Windows is running, use monitoring software compatible with your processor; you can also check BIOS/UEFI for a reading if your PC exposes one. The right utility depends on whether your CPU is Intel or AMD.
Check CPU temperature in Windows 10 with monitoring software
Choose a utility that supports your processor. These options differ in compatibility and the detail they provide.
| Method | Compatibility | What it shows | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU) | Intel processors supported by XTU; Intel’s cited support article describes models with a K suffix and links a compatibility list. | Temperature among the parameters displayed in System Monitor. | Check the supported-processor list before installing. Intel’s instructions cover Windows 10 64-bit. Intel XTU support instructions |
| AMD Ryzen Master | Supported Ryzen processors; AMD groups downloads by Ryzen 5000 and later, 3000–4000, and 2000 and earlier. | Live temperature readings, including average and peak values. | Select the download group for your Ryzen generation. Temperature monitoring does not require using the overclocking controls. AMD Ryzen Master |
| Open Hardware Monitor | Intel and AMD CPUs, subject to sensor availability on the hardware. | Per-core temperature readings. | Some sensors require administrator privileges. Use the project’s own distribution and documentation. Open Hardware Monitor |
Intel: use XTU if your processor is supported
- Check Intel’s supported-processor list for your CPU model.
- Install and launch Intel XTU.
- Open System Monitor and select temperature among the parameters to display.
AMD Ryzen: use Ryzen Master
- Open AMD’s Ryzen Master page and choose the download grouping that matches your Ryzen generation.
- Launch Ryzen Master to view its live temperature readings, including average and peak values.
Either brand: use a cross-vendor monitor
Open Hardware Monitor can display temperatures per core for Intel and AMD CPUs. Hardware determines which sensors are available, and some readings may require running the program as an administrator. If a sensor is missing, that does not by itself mean the CPU has no temperature sensor; the utility may not be able to read it on that system.
Check BIOS or UEFI for a firmware reading
If you do not want to use a Windows utility, restart the PC and enter its BIOS/UEFI setup. Look for a screen called something like Hardware Monitor, PC Health, or a similar name. Some systems show a CPU temperature there; others may not. The key to enter setup and the menu names vary by manufacturer and model, so consult your PC or motherboard manual rather than relying on one universal key.
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A BIOS/UEFI reading is a snapshot while the system is in firmware setup. A Windows monitoring utility is more useful for watching how temperature changes during ordinary use or a demanding workload.
Use the right temperature reading
On some Ryzen systems, a monitoring program may display both Tdie and Tctl. PCWorld describes Tdie as die heat and Tctl as a control temperature that may include an offset. Sensor labels and reporting can vary between utilities, so do not compare readings with different labels as if they were the same measurement. PCWorld’s guide to checking CPU temperature
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Task Manager is not a substitute for these tools: Microsoft’s documentation describes it as a way to monitor CPU load and general resource usage, not as a CPU-temperature interface. Microsoft’s Task Manager guide
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Decide whether a temperature is concerning
There is no single temperature range that is universally safe for every CPU. The operating temperature depends on the processor, cooler, airflow, room temperature, workload, and settings. AMD advises checking the exact processor’s specifications for its maximum operating temperature rather than applying a generic rule of thumb. AMD: Troubleshooting CPU Performance and Temperature Issues
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If a reading seems unusually high, AMD recommends checking that the system is updated and running at stock configuration, then confirming that the cooling solution has suitable capacity, is mounted properly, and is working. Its support article explains: “The operating temperature of any CPU will depend on several factors such as CPU cooler, system air flow, ambient temperature, custom user settings, and workload.”
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