How to Check Laptop Temperature Windows 11 – Honestly, have you ever felt like your laptop is hotter than the sun? Well, I have, and trust me, it’s not a great feeling. So, because I didn’t want my laptop to turn into a toaster, I decided to check my laptop temperature in Windows 11. Now, if you’re wondering how to do the same, let’s dive right in!
Why Checking Your Laptop Temperature is a Lifesaver
First, nobody wants their laptop to overheat, right? So, you need to check the temperature regularly. Moreover, overheating can cause severe issues. For instance, it leads to sudden shutdowns. Furthermore, it slows down performance. Additionally, it shortens hardware lifespan. Therefore, monitoring temperature is a must!
1. Using Built-in Tools (Limited but Useful)
Now, Windows 11 doesn’t have a direct way to check temperature. However, you can still get an idea.
a. Task Manager
- First, press
Ctrl + Shift + Esc. - Then, go to the Performance tab.
- But, unfortunately, it doesn’t show the temperature directly.
b. BIOS/UEFI (The Old-School Way)
- First, restart your laptop.
- Next, press
F2,F10, orDel(depending on your laptop brand). - Then, go to Hardware Monitor.
- Finally, check the CPU temperature.
However, the downside is that you can’t check it while using your laptop. So, that’s inconvenient, right?
2. Using Third-Party Software (The Easy Way)
Since Windows doesn’t show temperatures easily, third-party software is the way to go.
a. HWMonitor (Comprehensive and Reliable)
- First, install HWMonitor.
- Then, open it.
- After that, check CPU, GPU, and motherboard temperatures.
b. Core Temp (Lightweight and Simple)
- First, download Core Temp.
- Next, launch the app.
- Then, check your CPU temperature in real-time.
c. Speccy (Great for Full System Monitoring)
- First, install Speccy.
- Then, run the program.
- Finally, view all temperature details easily.
d. MSI Afterburner (Best for Gamers)
- First, download MSI Afterburner.
- Then, install and open it.
- Finally, monitor GPU temperature live.
Personally, HWMonitor works best for me because it’s simple yet detailed.
3. Command Prompt or PowerShell (For the Tech-Savvy)
Now, if you prefer a command-line method, this trick might work.
- First, open Command Prompt (Win + R, type
cmd, press Enter). - Then, type:
wmic /namespace:\\root\wmi PATH MSAcpi_ThermalZoneTemperature get CurrentTemperature - Finally, press Enter.
Although this works sometimes, it’s not always reliable. So, I’d still recommend third-party tools.
4. Safe Laptop Temperature Ranges
Now, knowing your laptop temperature is one thing, but understanding the safe range is crucial.
- Idle (No heavy tasks): 40-50°C
- Normal usage (Browsing, Office, YouTube): 50-65°C
- Gaming or video editing: 70-85°C
- Critical overheating: Above 90°C (That’s dangerous!)
If your laptop constantly reaches 90°C, you need to fix it ASAP!
5. How to Lower Laptop Temperature (Before It’s Too Late!)
If your laptop is overheating, fixing it quickly is essential.
a. Improve Cooling and Airflow
- First, use a cooling pad because it helps reduce heat.
- Then, place your laptop on a hard surface.
- Also, clean air vents regularly for better airflow.
b. Optimize Software and Settings
- First, close unnecessary apps running in the background.
- Then, lower in-game graphics settings to reduce heat.
- Finally, switch to Windows Balanced Power Mode.
c. Upgrade Your Hardware (If Possible)
- First, apply new thermal paste if your laptop is old.
- Next, upgrade to SSD & more RAM to reduce CPU load.
- Finally, clean or replace the internal cooling fan if necessary.
d. Regular Maintenance
- First, update all drivers and BIOS.
- Then, scan for malware because viruses can cause overheating.
- Finally, keep your workspace cool to help heat dissipation.
FAQ: How to Check Laptop Temperature Windows 11
Q: Can high temperatures damage my laptop?
A: Yes, overheating can cause permanent hardware failure.
Q: Is 80°C normal for gaming?
A: Yes, but keeping it under 85°C prevents performance drops.
Q: What’s the best free software to check laptop temperature?
A: HWMonitor and Core Temp are both excellent choices.
Q: How often should I check my laptop’s temperature?
A: At least once a month or when you notice performance issues.
