Windows 10: Show CPU usage - how it works

You can easily view the load on your CPU on the desktop. This practical tip shows you what you can do with the information and how you can save performance.

Show CPU utilization in Task Manager

Some situations require more from your PC than others. How fast your processor ticks at a certain point in time is indicated by the on-board resources in Windows 10.

1. Open the Task Manager either using the search function in the taskbar or using the key combination "Ctrl" + "Shift +" Esc ". Here you can see the most important active programs.
2. With a click on the button "More Details" at the bottom left you get to the extended view. The task manager reads out the hardware performance that every running process claims for itself.
3. The model name of your CPU and various key figures are displayed under the "Performance" tab. The blue line shows the development of the relative load within the last minute.
4. With a right click you can change the diagram so that a single graph is displayed for each logical processor. Modern multi-core CPUs share the computing load among themselves as evenly as possible.

Keep an eye on power consumption and temperature

When your PC reaches its limits, individual components inside get hot. Apart from a disturbing volume level, the hardware can suffer irreparable damage. We show what you can do about it.

• If your computer is used for a long period of time, the temperature of the CPU rises and there is a risk that the processor will overheat. Your system will then slow down and stop responding at some point.
• Graphic or mathematically demanding applications are particularly important. Avoid running such programs in parallel and turn off unnecessary services if you experience performance problems.
• Provide adequate cooling for your hardware. Especially if you want to overclock your processor, the included CPU fan is often no longer sufficient. Models with copper heat pipes or water coolers provide more power.
• Additional case fans also cool down your PC. With the free tool "Speed ​​Fan" you can adjust your cooling system to peak performance and reduce the volume under normal load.