Modern gaming laptops are designed to handle high temperatures during gameplay.
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Check out how to monitor laptop's CPU and GPU temperatures using free tools.
Learn simple ways to reduce laptop overheating through undervolting, fan control, power settings, and better airflow.
Keep thermal throttling in check and improve laptop's performance with easy cooling tips and regular temperature monitoring.
If you ever come across your laptop getting noticeably hot even while doing everyday tasks, it might not mean that the laptop needs to be repaired or replaced. There are chances that you might be able to fix it with the help of a few tools available online for free.
It is worth noting that while it is normal for laptops to generate heat, consistently high temperatures can affect performance, battery life, and even the lifespan of internal components. Therefore, it is quite important to solve the problem before it starts affecting the overall performance of your laptop.
Take a look at these free tools, such as HWiNFO, Core Temp, Libre Hardware Monitor, and HWMonitor, that can help you monitor CPU and GPU temperatures, while some simple software tweaks and basic maintenance can keep your laptop running cooler.
It is highly advised to keep an eye on your laptop's temperature, as that will help you identify if there is overheating. Notably, excessive heat can cause thermal throttling, where the CPU or GPU automatically reduces its speed to prevent damage, leading to slower performance, lag, and lower frame rates. Gradually, high temperatures may also affect battery health and reduce the lifespan of internal components, and that will ultimately affect the laptop's overall performance.
HWiNFO is touted to provide accurate readings across CPU cores, package temperature, GPU, motherboard sensors, and storage. Therefore, it the most reliable starting point on modern hardware.
How to download and set up:
Go to the official website -- hwinfo.com
Download either the Installer or the Portable version.
Run the file. If Windows shows a SmartScreen warning, select "More info" and then "Run anyway".
Launch the program. When the main window appears, click the Sensors button (or choose Sensors-only mode).
How to use it:
Once the Sensors window opens:
Scroll through the list to locate the CPU section. Here users will find individual core temperatures and the overall Package temperature -- these are the most important readings for most users.
Further down, find the GPU section for graphics card temperature (and hotspot if available).
Right-click any temperature sensor and select Show in Tray to keep it visible in the system tray at all times.
To record temperatures over time, go to the menu bar, then File, then Start Logging, or enable logging in Settings. This is useful when testing under load.
Open Settings to customise the interface, change update intervals, or adjust what information is displayed.
Users can also create a custom summary view or rearrange sensors for a cleaner look.
Tip: Always run HWiNFO as Administrator so it can access all sensors properly.
Another tool, Core Temp is lightweight, easy to use, and shows the temperature of each CPU core in real time. If users only want to monitor their processor without the extra information offered by tools like HWiNFO, Core Temp gets the job done.
How to download and set up:
Visit the official website -- alcpu.com/CoreTemp
Download the latest version.
Run the installer or extract the portable files.
Launch Core Temp. It will appear as a compact window and can also sit in the system tray.
How to use it:
The main window shows the temperature of every CPU core in real time, along with basic processor information.
Right-click the system tray icon to access options such as displaying temperatures in the tray, setting temperature thresholds, or enabling logging.
Users can customise the display interval and choose whether temperatures appear in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
Under heavy load, users can watch how individual cores heat up -- this helps identify if certain cores are running hotter than others.
Tip: Core Temp is especially useful when users want a clean, no-nonsense view of CPU thermals without the full detail of HWiNFO.
Libre Hardware Monitor lets users monitor their laptop's temperature in real time. Besides CPU and GPU temperatures, it also shows fan speeds, voltages, and hardware usage in a clean interface. If users want a simple tool that provides all the essential hardware information without any unnecessary complexity, this is worth considering.
How to download and set up:
Visit the official GitHub page or search for "Libre Hardware Monitor" releases.
Download the latest release (portable version is recommended).
Extract the files and run LibreHardwareMonitor.exe as Administrator.
The main window will open and begin displaying available sensors.
How to use it
Expand the sections for CPU, GPU, and Motherboard to view temperature readings.
Individual sensors can be shown in the system tray by right-clicking them.
The interface also displays fan speeds and voltages, which can be useful when diagnosing cooling behaviour.
Users can adjust the update interval and choose which sensors remain visible for a cleaner view.
Tip: Libre Hardware Monitor works well when users want reliable monitoring without relying on closed-source tools.
HWMonitor lets users monitor users' laptop's temperature in real time. It displays CPU, GPU, motherboard, and storage drive temperatures in a single window, making it easy to keep track of users' system's overall temperature.
How to download and set up:
Visit the official CPUID website -- cpuid.com/softwares/hwmonitor.html
Download the free version of HWMonitor.
Run the installer or extract the portable version if available.
Launch the program. It opens directly into a list of detected sensors.
How to use it:
The main window shows temperatures, voltages, and fan speeds organised by component.
Look under the CPU and GPU sections for the most relevant temperature readings.
Sensors update in real time, giving users an immediate view of how hot the system is running.
Tip: HWMonitor is useful when users want a simple, no-frills reading of system temperatures without extra features.
Once users know how to monitor their laptop's temperature, the next step is reducing the heat. Here are some simple and effective ways to keep laptop temperatures under control.
1. Undervolt the CPU
Undervolting reduces the amount of power supplied to the CPU, helping it run cooler without significantly affecting performance.
For Intel users, use ThrottleStop to gradually lower the CPU Core and Cache voltage, then test for stability.
For AMD users, supported laptops can use Universal x86 Tuning Utility (UXTU) or RyzenAdj.
Tip: Make small changes while undervolting. If the laptop becomes unstable, revert to the previous settings.
2. Adjust Fan Speed
Increasing fan speed helps improve cooling during heavy workloads.
Use NoteBook FanControl (NBFC) or Fan Control if supported.
Users should also check manufacturer software such as Lenovo Vantage, Dell Power Manager, or ASUS Armoury Crate, as these often include fan control options.
3. Reduce CPU Power Limits
Lowering CPU power limits can help reduce temperatures during intensive tasks.
Switch to Balanced or Quiet mode in Windows or the manufacturer's software.
Advanced users can also use ThrottleStop or UXTU to adjust power limits on supported laptops.
4. Improve Airflow
Simple maintenance can also help lower laptop temperatures.
Keep the laptop on a hard, flat surface.
Clean dust from the air vents regularly.
Use a cooling pad if required.
Replace old thermal paste on older laptops if necessary.
How can users check their laptop's temperature for free?
Users can check their laptop's temperature for free using tools such as HWiNFO, Core Temp, Libre Hardware Monitor, and HWMonitor. These applications display real-time CPU, GPU, and other hardware temperatures, helping users identify overheating and monitor system performance.
What is the normal CPU temperature for a laptop?
A laptop CPU typically runs between 40-degree Celsius and 60-degree Celsius during light tasks such as browsing or watching videos. Under heavy workloads like gaming or video editing, temperatures between 70-degree Celsius and 90-degree Celsius are generally considered normal, although sustained temperatures above 95-degree Celsius may indicate overheating.
How can users reduce laptop temperature without buying a cooling pad?
Users can reduce laptop temperature by closing unnecessary background apps, using a balanced power mode, improving airflow by placing the laptop on a hard surface, cleaning air vents, updating drivers, and monitoring temperatures with free software such as HWiNFO or HWMonitor.
Can overheating damage a laptop?
Yes. Continuous overheating can cause thermal throttling, reduce battery health, shorten the lifespan of internal components, and lead to unexpected shutdowns or system instability. Monitoring temperatures regularly helps users identify overheating before it affects performance.
Which is the best free software to monitor laptop temperature?
HWiNFO is widely considered one of the best free tools for monitoring laptop temperature because it provides detailed readings for the CPU, GPU, motherboard, storage, and other hardware components. Users looking for a simpler interface can also consider Core Temp, Libre Hardware Monitor, or HWMonitor.
A few small changes can make a noticeable difference to your laptop's temperature. Start by monitoring CPU and GPU temperatures, then try simple methods such as improving airflow, adjusting power settings, or increasing fan speed. If the laptop continues to run hot, users can consider advanced options like undervolting.
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