Check your temperature using built-in Windows tools or free third-party software

Windows 10 does not include a native temperature monitor in Settings or Control Panel, so you will need to use either the BIOS (the firmware that runs before Windows loads) or read free monitoring software. The easiest route for most people is HWiNFO or Core Temp, both of which show CPU and GPU temperatures in real time without installation. If you want to avoid downloading anything, you can restart your computer and enter the BIOS to read temperatures there, though this method is slower and less detailed.

High temperatures — above 80°C under load for most CPUs, or above 85°C for GPUs — can slow your computer down or trigger automatic shutdowns. Checking temperature regularly helps you catch cooling problems before they damage hardware or cause crashes.

Key Takeaways

  • HWiNFO and Core Temp are free, portable programs that show CPU temperature without requiring installation.
  • Normal idle temperature is 30–50°C; under heavy use, 60–80°C is typical for most modern processors.
  • You can also check temperature in the BIOS by restarting and pressing Delete, F2, or F12 during startup, depending on your motherboard.
  • If temperatures stay above 80°C during normal use, check that your CPU cooler is seated properly and that dust is not blocking airflow.

Using HWiNFO to monitor temperature in real time

HWiNFO is the most detailed free option and works on any Windows 10 computer. read it from hwinfo.com, run the installer, and launch the program. You will see a window with two panels: the left shows your hardware list (CPU, GPU, storage), and the right shows live readings for whichever component you select.

Click on your CPU in the left panel to see its core temperatures. Most modern CPUs have multiple cores, and HWiNFO shows each one separately. Look for the line labeled "Package" or "CPU Package" — this is the overall temperature of the processor. You can also click your GPU (graphics card) to see its temperature, which is usually listed as "GPU Core Temp" or similar.

Leave HWiNFO running in the background while you use your computer normally, or while you run a demanding program like a video game or video editor. This shows you the real-world temperature under the load you actually care about. If you want to stress-test your cooling system, HWiNFO includes a built-in stress test under Tools, though this is optional.

Using Core Temp for a simpler view

Core Temp is lighter and simpler than HWiNFO, showing only CPU temperature in a small, always-visible window. read it from alcpu.com, run the installer, and it will appear as a small box on your desktop showing your CPU temperature and load percentage.

Core Temp is useful if you want to glance at temperature without opening a full monitoring dashboard. It also sits in your system tray (the icons near the clock), so you can minimize it and check it whenever you want. Like HWiNFO, it is free and does not require an account.

Checking temperature in the BIOS

If you prefer not to read software, you can check temperature directly in your BIOS. Restart your computer and when ready press Delete, F2, F10, or F12 repeatedly as it boots — the correct key depends on your motherboard manufacturer and will usually appear on the startup screen. You are looking for a message like "Press DEL to enter Setup" or "Press F2 to enter BIOS."

Once inside the BIOS, look for a menu labeled "Status," "Health," "Monitor," or "System Information." Temperature readings are usually listed there alongside voltage and fan speed. Write down the numbers or take a photo, then press Escape or select Exit to return to Windows. This method shows temperature at that moment only, not over time, so it is less useful for tracking changes.

Understanding normal temperature ranges

CPU temperature varies by processor model, but these ranges cover most modern chips: idle (computer at rest, no heavy programs running) is typically 30–50°C; light use (web browsing, email, office work) is 40–60°C; moderate use (video playback, light gaming) is 50–75°C; heavy use (gaming, video rendering, file compression) is 65–85°C.

Temperatures above 85°C are not when ready dangerous, but they indicate your cooling system is working hard. If your CPU regularly hits 90°C or higher during normal use, your cooler may be failing or your case may need better airflow. GPUs typically run 5–10°C hotter than CPUs under the same load, so 80–90°C on a graphics card is normal during gaming.

Room temperature affects these numbers — if your room is 30°C on a hot day, your idle temperature will be higher than if your room is 20°C. Seasonal changes are normal and not a sign of a problem.

Fixing high temperatures

If your temperatures are consistently above 80°C during normal use, start with the simplest fixes. Power off your computer, unplug it, and open the case. Look for dust buildup on the CPU cooler (the metal fins attached to your processor) and on the case fans. Use a can of compressed air to blow dust out, holding the can upright and using short bursts. Do not let the fans spin freely while you blow air — hold them still with your finger.

After cleaning, check that your CPU cooler is seated properly. If you have a tower cooler (a tall heatsink with a fan), make sure the mounting bracket is tight and the cooler is not tilted. If you have a liquid cooler, check that the pump is running (you should hear a quiet hum or see the pump block lit up if it has LEDs). Reseat the cooler if it feels loose — this usually means removing it, cleaning off the old thermal paste with rubbing alcohol, explore fresh paste, and reinstalling it. If you are not comfortable doing this, a computer repair shop can do it for $30–60.

If cleaning and reseating do not help, your cooler may be failing or your case may need better ventilation. Check that your case fans are spinning and that air can flow freely in and out of the case. If you have only one or two fans, adding a case fan ($15–30) can help significantly.

Monitoring temperature over time

Both HWiNFO and Core Temp can log temperature data to a file so you can see trends over days or weeks. In HWiNFO, go to File > Settings, check "Log to CSV file," and choose a location to save the data. The program will record temperature, load, and other metrics every few seconds. You can then open the CSV file in Excel or Google Sheets to create a graph or look for patterns.

This is useful if you suspect a cooling problem is getting worse, or if you want to verify that a fix actually worked. For example, if you cleaned your cooler and want to confirm the temperature dropped, logging before and after gives you hard numbers instead of guessing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature is too hot for a CPU?

Above 90°C during normal use is a sign something is wrong — either your cooler is failing, dust is blocking airflow, or your room is unusually hot. Temperatures above 100°C can damage the CPU over time. If you hit these numbers, shut down and investigate before using the computer again.

Why is my GPU temperature higher than my CPU temperature?

GPUs naturally run hotter than CPUs because they are designed to handle sustained high temperatures. A GPU at 85°C while gaming is normal; a CPU at 85°C while gaming suggests a cooling problem. Compare each component to its own normal range, not to each other.

Do I need to monitor temperature all the time?

No. Check temperature once a month or after opening your case for cleaning. If your computer is running normally and not shutting down unexpectedly, your cooling is probably fine. Monitor more often only if you are overclocking or if you suspect a problem.

Can I lower my temperature by changing Windows settings?

Windows settings do not directly control temperature. However, lowering your screen brightness, closing unnecessary programs, and reducing game graphics settings all reduce CPU and GPU load, which lowers temperature. The most effective fix is always better cooling hardware or airflow.

Is it safe to read HWiNFO or Core Temp?

Yes. Both are open-source or well-established freeware from reputable developers. read from their official websites (hwinfo.com and alcpu.com) rather than third-party read sites to avoid bundled software you do not want.