How to Check CPU Temperature on Windows 11, Mac and Linux (2026)

By Allen · Updated

Average and max temp (in ° C) for CPU 
On this page
  1. Normal CPU temperatures
  2. Windows 11 and 10: use a free tool (easiest)
  3. Check CPU temperature in the BIOS/UEFI (no software)
  4. What about Task Manager, PowerShell or Command Prompt?
  5. Check CPU temperature on a Mac
  6. Check CPU temperature on Linux
  7. Is your CPU too hot? Signs to look for
  8. How to lower CPU temperature
  9. FAQ

Short answer: Windows 11 doesn't show CPU temperature anywhere by default (Task Manager only shows the GPU temperature). The easiest way is a small free tool such as Core Temp or HWiNFO. You can also check it in the BIOS/UEFI. On a Mac you need an app such as Stats or iStat Menus; on Linux, the sensors command.

Normal CPU temperatures

SituationDesktopLaptop
Idle / web browsing30–50 °C35–60 °C
Gaming or heavy work60–85 °C70–95 °C
Worry if it's consistentlyabove 90 °Cat the limit and slowing down (throttling)

Modern processors are designed to run hot under load. Recent AMD Ryzen and Intel Core desktop chips can boost until they reach about 95–100 °C and then hold there, so a brief peak in the 90s isn't automatically a problem. What matters is whether temperatures are high at idle, or the PC slows down, crashes or shuts off under load. Your processor's exact maximum ("Tjmax" or "Max Operating Temperature") is on the AMD or Intel spec page.

Windows 11 and 10: use a free tool (easiest)

ToolBest forWhere to see CPU temp
Core TempA quick, simple reading per core; can show temp in the taskbar trayMain window, "Temperature Readings"
HWiNFOThe most detailed and accurate sensor readoutOpen in "Sensors-only" mode → "CPU Package" or "CPU (Tctl/Tdie)"
HWMonitorOne window with CPU, GPU and drive temperaturesUnder your processor → Temperatures → Package
AMD Ryzen MasterAMD Ryzen desktop CPUsHome screen, CPU temperature
Intel XTUUnlocked Intel desktop CPUsMonitoring panel, Package Temperature

Download tools only from the developer's official site. To check under load, leave the tool open while you play a game or render something, and look at the "Maximum" column afterwards.

Many gaming PCs and laptops also show CPU temperature in the maker's own app: ASUS Armoury Crate, MSI Center, Lenovo Vantage/Legion Space, HP OMEN Gaming Hub, or the Corsair iCUE and NZXT CAM apps for coolers.

Check CPU temperature in the BIOS/UEFI (no software)

  1. Windows 11: Settings → System → Recovery → Advanced startup → Restart now.
  2. Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware Settings → Restart.
  3. Look on the main screen or under "PC Health", "Hardware Monitor" or "H/W Monitor".

The BIOS shows the temperature while the PC is idle, so it can't tell you how hot it runs during games. Many laptop BIOS screens don't show temperature at all.

What about Task Manager, PowerShell or Command Prompt?

  • Task Manager → Performance shows the temperature of a dedicated GPU, not the CPU.
  • Guides often suggest a PowerShell or WMIC command that reads "MSAcpi_ThermalZoneTemperature". On most PCs it either returns an error, a fixed value, or the temperature of a motherboard "thermal zone" rather than the CPU itself, so it isn't reliable for checking CPU temperature.

Check CPU temperature on a Mac

macOS has no built-in temperature display. Options:

  • Stats (free, open source): shows CPU temperature and usage in the menu bar.
  • iStat Menus or TG Pro (paid): detailed sensors, fan control on supported Macs.
  • Terminal: sudo powermetrics --samplers smc shows CPU die temperature on Intel Macs; on Apple silicon Macs it reports "thermal pressure" (Nominal, Fair, Serious, Critical) instead, which is a good overall indicator.

Apple silicon MacBooks run cool most of the time; a MacBook Air has no fan and slows itself down slightly when hot rather than overheating.

Check CPU temperature on Linux

sudo apt install lm-sensors   # Debian/Ubuntu (use dnf on Fedora)
sudo sensors-detect           # accept the defaults
sensors

Look for "Package id 0" (Intel) or "Tctl" (AMD). For a live graph, the Psensor app or the GNOME "Vitals" extension are popular.

Is your CPU too hot? Signs to look for

  • Fans running loudly all the time, even at idle (see why a laptop fan is so loud)
  • Games or apps suddenly slow down after a few minutes (thermal throttling)
  • Random shutdowns or restarts under load
  • Laptop too hot to touch around the keyboard or underneath

How to lower CPU temperature

FixDesktopLaptop
Clean dust from fans, vents and heatsinkYesYes (see cleaning without compressed air)
Improve airflowArrange intake/exhaust fans; give the case spaceUse on a hard surface, raise the back, or use a cooling pad
Replace old thermal pasteEvery few yearsRepair shop or experienced users
Upgrade the coolerLarger air cooler or AIO liquid coolerNot possible
Use a balanced power modeWindows: Settings → Power & battery → Power modeSame, or the maker's "quiet/balanced" mode
Check for malware or runaway appsTask Manager → sort by CPUSame

If you're building or upgrading a PC, a better cooler and case airflow make the biggest difference; see our low-profile CPU cooler and airflow PC case guides.

FAQ

Can I check CPU temperature in Windows 11 without software?

Only in the BIOS/UEFI. Windows itself has no CPU temperature display.

Is 80 °C too hot for a CPU?

Not under load. It's normal for gaming or heavy work on many desktops and most laptops. At idle it would be too high.

Is 90 °C safe for a laptop CPU?

Short peaks are within spec for most modern laptop chips, but constant 90 °C+ with loud fans means the cooling needs cleaning or better airflow.

What's the difference between CPU package and core temperature?

Core temperatures are per core; "package" is the hottest reading for the whole chip. Use the package value for a quick check.

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