How to Check Your Laptop's CPU Temperature: PC & MacBook

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Plus, some ways to help your laptop run cooler
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Although your laptop has built-in sensors that track its internal temperature, you can't easily find temperature information in Windows or macOS. This wikiHow teaches you how to use two free and safe applications to monitor your laptop's temperature. You'll also learn some best practices for keeping your laptop's CPU temperature in the safe zone.

How to Check Laptop Temperature: Quick Steps

  1. Download and install Core Temp (Windows) or the Fanny app (macOS).
  2. Open the app.
  3. Find the CPU temperature in the “Temperature Readings” section.
Section 1 of 4:

Using Core Temp for Windows

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  1. Download Core Temp from alcpu.com/CoreTemp . Core Temp is a free Windows app that displays the temperature of your PC's CPU(s). To download the installer, click the Download link near the top-center part of the page. This saves the installer to your default download folder.
    • Core Temp has not only been around for a long time, but it's also recommended by internet security experts. [1] However, many other apps monitor your CPU temperature if you'd rather shop around.
  2. It's called Core-Temp-setup.exe . Depending on your security settings, you may have to select Yes to allow the app to open.
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  3. When you're asked to "Select Additional Tasks," remove the checkmark from anything that isn't related to the Core Temp app. When the installation is complete, you'll be asked if you want to open the app.
  4. If you're still in the installer, follow the on-screen instructions to launch the app for the first time. If not, just click Core Temp in the Start menu.
  5. It's at the bottom of the window. If you have multiple CPUs (or even one CPU with multiple cores), you'll see multiple sets of temperatures.
    • To see what temperature your laptop should be at, check out the numbers below .
    • The CPU's current temperature appears in the first blank. In the "Minimum" column you'll find the lowest recorded CPU temperature since launching the app. The "Max" column shows you the highest recorded temperature. The "Load" percentage tells you how much load is on the core.
    • If the internal temperature is running high, press Ctrl + Alt + Del to open the Task Manager , and click More Details at the bottom-left corner of the resulting window (if you see it). In the CPU column, find the app that's using the most CPU power (it'll be at the top of the list) and shut it down if necessary.
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Section 2 of 4:

Using Fanny for Mac

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  1. Fanny is a free app that monitors your Mac's internal temperature. To install Fanny, go to fannywidget.com , click Download v2.3.0 (or the latest version number), and then double-click the downloaded file to unzip it. Double-click the application inside and follow the on-screen instructions.
  2. It's at the top-right corner of your screen and looks like three horizontal lines preceded by three dots.
  3. It's at the top of the Notification Center.
  4. This adds the Fanny widget to your Notification Center, as well as a fan icon to your menu bar.
  5. It's near the top-right corner of the screen (to the left of the clock). You can also just open the Notification Center to see the Fanny widget if you'd prefer.
  6. You will see information about your Mac's fan(s), as well as the current temperature of the CPU and GPU (video card).
    • Although Apple doesn't report the average running temperature of a CPU or GPU, they recommend only using your notebook when the ambient temperature is between 50°F and 95°F (10 °C and 35°C). [2] To see what temperature your laptop should be at, check out the numbers below .
    • If your temperatures are running high, open Activity Monitor (in Applications > Utilities ) and click the CPU tab. You can click the CPU % column to sort by what's consuming the most of your CPU power. Closing that app might decrease the temperature.
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Section 3 of 4:

Keeping Your Laptop Cool

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  1. While it's not always feasible, try to work in places that aren't too hot. A safe temperature zone for a modern laptop is an ambient temperature between 50°F and 95°F (10 °C and 35°C).
    • If the ambient temperature is getting too high and you need to use your laptop, try pointing a fan at it during use.
    • Keep your laptop out of strong direct outdoor sunlight, especially when it's really hot.
  2. When you place your laptop on a soft surface, such as a pillow or blanket, it's more difficult for the fans to circulate air properly. Your laptop should be on a flat, hard surface, such as a table or desk. Make sure nothing is blocking the fan vent(s), and that nothing is placed on top of the keyboard.
    • If you must work on your lap, try using a laptop cooling pad or an external fan.
  3. If you're using Windows 8.1, 10, or 11, make sure you're using the Balanced or Power Saver plan instead of High Performance . If you make your laptop work on overdrive all the time, it will stay hotter. To edit your PC's power plan, right-click the battery indicator in the task bar and select Power Options .
    • Alternatively, you can type edit power plan into your taskbar search bar. Click Change advanced power settings to open the Power Options menu.
    • Another way to lower your energy consumption is to simply unplug when you can, as many laptops automatically switch to a power-saver mode.
    • Often, your laptop will be set to "passive" cooling when on battery to reserve power. However, if you're often overheating, you may want to change that to "active." In your Power Options, click Change plan settings below your power plan, then click Change advanced power settings to find these settings under "Processor power management."
  4. When dust builds up in your fans and vents, they aren't as effective at cooling. To counteract that, you can clean your fans from time to time. Depending on your laptop, expertise, and what sort of tools you have lying around, you may be able to do this yourself. This involves powering down and unplugging the computer, flipping it over, and then removing the bottom panel to expose the components. Then you'll need to gently loosen any dust or debris you see around the fans using a cotton swab or cloth.
    • If you use compressed air , use only short light bursts. Also, make sure to hold the fans in place so they don't spin. This can cause the fans to generate static electricity, which can damage your computer.
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Section 4 of 4:

Ideal Laptop Temperature

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  1. The ideal laptop temperature depends on what you're doing. If the laptop is working harder (such as running intensive programs), the CPU temperature will be higher. First, determine how much load you're putting on the laptop, then compare your computer's CPU temps against the numbers below. If your CPU is running hotter than it should for that load, you should either replace the CPU or bring your laptop in to get it repaired.
    • Idle/Light load: 113°F/45°C or below
    • Moderate load: 149°F/65°C or below
    • Heavy load: 176°F/80°C or below

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  • Question
    I accidentally let my HP laptop plugged in and on for about 1 hour, and the area where it was plugged in was melted due to overheating, should this be a problem? The laptop is running fine though.
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    Community Answer
    The charging jack might be melted too but that can be easily replaced, if needed. So, it should be just fine, except if the heat has damaged the motherboard.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.avg.com/en/signal/check-cpu-temperature
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201640

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To find the CPU temperature on a PC, install the free Core Temp app and open it from the Start menu. If you're using a Mac, you can use Fanny, a free widget that runs in the menu bar, to monitor your CPU and GPU temperatures.

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