How to Check CPU Usage on Windows 10
Want to know how much of your computer’s brainpower you’re using? It’s pretty simple to check your CPU usage on Windows 10. All you need is the Task Manager, a built-in tool that lets you see which programs are hogging your CPU. Once you know where to look, monitoring your CPU is as easy as pie!
Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Check CPU Usage on Windows 10
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to check your CPU usage on Windows 10. By the end, you’ll know how to keep tabs on your computer’s performance and identify any resource-heavy applications.
Step 1: Open Task Manager
To get started, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard.
Pressing these three keys together will open the Task Manager directly. It’s the quickest way to access the tool without navigating through multiple menus.
Step 2: Switch to the ‘Performance’ Tab
Click on the ‘Performance’ tab at the top of the Task Manager window.
The ‘Performance’ tab gives you a detailed view of your CPU usage along with other system resources like memory and disk usage. This is where you’ll find a real-time graph and statistics.
Step 3: Select ‘CPU’
In the ‘Performance’ tab, click on ‘CPU’ from the list on the left.
Once you select ‘CPU,’ you’ll see a graph displaying your CPU usage in real time. Below the graph, you’ll find additional information like the speed, number of processes, and cores.
Step 4: Monitor the Usage
Look at the graph and the percentage shown next to ‘CPU Usage.’
The graph updates every second, showing you how much of your CPU’s capacity is being used. You can also see which applications are consuming the most CPU.
Step 5: Close Task Manager
When you’re done, simply close the Task Manager window.
Closing the Task Manager won’t affect your computer’s performance. You can reopen it anytime by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc again.
After completing these steps, you’ll have a good understanding of your CPU usage. This can help you identify any programs that are slowing down your computer, and you can decide if you need to close them or find alternatives.
Tips for Checking CPU Usage on Windows 10
- Use Task Manager Shortcuts: Utilize keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl + Shift + Esc for quick access.
- Compare Times: Check CPU usage at different times of the day to identify regular patterns or spikes.
- Monitor Background Processes: Some background processes might be eating up CPU without you knowing. Keep an eye on them.
- Use Third-Party Tools: For more detailed analysis, consider third-party tools like CPU-Z or HWMonitor.
- Regular Maintenance: Regularly cleaning up junk files and keeping software updated can help maintain optimal CPU performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my CPU usage high?
High CPU usage can be caused by numerous software running simultaneously or a resource-heavy application.
How can I reduce CPU usage?
Close unnecessary programs, update your software, and consider upgrading your hardware if high usage persists.
Is high CPU usage bad?
Consistently high CPU usage can slow down your computer and make it less responsive. It’s not ideal for long-term health.
Can I check CPU usage in real-time?
Yes, the real-time graph in the Task Manager’s ‘Performance’ tab shows live CPU usage.
What does CPU stand for?
CPU stands for Central Processing Unit. It’s the brain of your computer, handling all instructions it receives.
Summary
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Click on the ‘Performance’ tab.
- Select ‘CPU.’
- Monitor the graph and percentage.
- Close the Task Manager.
Conclusion
Knowing how to check CPU usage on Windows 10 can help you keep your computer running smoothly. By keeping an eye on the Task Manager, you can easily identify which programs are draining your system’s resources. If you notice any high usage, take steps like closing unnecessary applications, updating your software, or considering a hardware upgrade. Regular monitoring can give you insights into your computer’s health and help you maintain optimal performance.
For further reading, explore articles on optimizing your Windows 10 performance or learning more about system resources. Stay proactive, and you’ll have a much smoother computing experience!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.