Monitoring CPU usage is one of the most important skills for keeping your computer fast, stable, and healthy. Whether your system feels slow, overheats, or crashes randomly, learning how to monitor CPU usage helps you identify performance problems early and fix them before they get worse.
In this guide, you’ll learn multiple ways to monitor CPU usage on Windows, Mac, and Linux using built-in tools and third-party software—explained in plain, easy language.
What Is CPU Usage?
CPU usage shows how much processing power your computer is using at any moment. It is measured as a percentage.
What CPU Usage Percentages Mean
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0–10% – Idle or very light usage
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10–40% – Normal tasks
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40–70% – Heavy multitasking or demanding apps
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70–100% – Maximum load (may cause slowdowns)
High CPU usage for long periods can reduce performance and increase heat.
Why Monitoring CPU Usage Is Important
Knowing how to monitor CPU usage helps you:
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Diagnose slow computer performance
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Identify resource-hungry apps
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Prevent overheating and system crashes
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Improve battery life on laptops
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Optimize gaming and professional workloads
Regular monitoring keeps your system running smoothly.
How to Monitor CPU Usage on Windows
Windows provides powerful built-in tools that make monitoring CPU usage easy.
How to Monitor CPU Usage Using Task Manager
Task Manager is the fastest and easiest way to check CPU usage on Windows.
Steps to Open Task Manager
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
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Or right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager
Check Overall CPU Usage
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Click the Performance tab
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Select CPU from the left panel
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View real-time CPU usage graph and speed
This shows how much processing power your system is using.
Check CPU Usage by Individual Programs
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Go to the Processes tab
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Look at the CPU column
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Sort by CPU usage to find heavy apps
This method is ideal for identifying programs slowing down your PC.
How to Monitor CPU Usage Using Resource Monitor
Resource Monitor provides deeper system insights.
Steps
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Open Task Manager
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Click Performance → Open Resource Monitor
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Go to the CPU tab
You can see:
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Per-process CPU usage
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Services using CPU
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Thread activity
Resource Monitor is useful for advanced troubleshooting.
How to Monitor CPU Usage Using Command Prompt
For advanced users, Command Prompt provides quick CPU stats.
Steps
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Open Command Prompt
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Type:
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Press Enter
This displays current CPU usage instantly.
How to Monitor CPU Usage on Mac
Mac computers include Activity Monitor for tracking CPU usage.
How to Monitor CPU Usage Using Activity Monitor
Steps
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Open Finder
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Go to Applications → Utilities → Activity Monitor
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Click the CPU tab
What You’ll See
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CPU usage by each app
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System vs user processes
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Real-time CPU graphs
You can quit apps consuming excessive CPU directly from Activity Monitor.
How to Show CPU Usage in Mac Menu Bar
Steps
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Open Activity Monitor
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Click View → Dock Icon
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Select Show CPU Usage
This allows constant monitoring without opening apps.
How to Monitor CPU Usage on Linux
Linux offers powerful monitoring tools depending on your distribution.
How to Monitor CPU Usage Using the Top Command
Steps
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Open Terminal
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Type:
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Press Enter
This displays:
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Live CPU usage
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Memory usage
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Running processes
Press Q to exit.
How to Monitor CPU Usage Using Htop
htop is a more user-friendly alternative to top.
Steps
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Install htop:
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Run:
You’ll see colorful graphs and easier navigation.
Best Third-Party Tools to Monitor CPU Usage
If you want advanced visuals or alerts, third-party tools help.
Popular CPU Monitoring Software
For Windows
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HWMonitor – Shows temperature and usage
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Core Temp – Per-core CPU usage
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MSI Afterburner – Ideal for gaming
For Mac
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iStat Menus – Real-time CPU monitoring
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Intel Power Gadget – CPU performance insights
For Linux
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Glances
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System Monitor
Third-party tools are useful for professionals and gamers.
How to Monitor CPU Usage While Gaming
High CPU usage during gaming is normal, but extreme usage causes lag.
Tips
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Use MSI Afterburner or Xbox Game Bar
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Monitor CPU temperature alongside usage
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Close background apps
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Adjust in-game graphics settings
Monitoring CPU usage improves gaming performance and stability.
What Causes High CPU Usage?
Common causes include:
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Too many startup programs
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Malware or viruses
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Background updates
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Browser tabs and extensions
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Faulty drivers
Monitoring CPU usage helps identify these problems quickly.
How to Reduce High CPU Usage
If CPU usage stays high, take action.
Effective Fixes
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Restart your computer
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Disable unnecessary startup apps
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Update drivers and OS
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Scan for malware
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Upgrade RAM or CPU (if needed)
Reducing CPU usage improves speed and system health.
FAQs About How to Monitor CPU Usage
What is normal CPU usage?
Normal CPU usage ranges between 5% and 40% during everyday tasks.
Is 100% CPU usage bad?
Can high CPU usage damage my computer?
Yes, prolonged high usage increases heat and reduces hardware lifespan.
How often should I monitor CPU usage?
Occasionally for normal users, regularly for gamers and professionals.
Does monitoring CPU usage slow down the system?
Built-in tools use minimal resources and won’t impact performance.
Conclusion
Learning how to monitor CPU usage is essential for maintaining a fast, stable, and efficient computer. Whether you use Task Manager on Windows, Activity Monitor on Mac, or Terminal tools on Linux, monitoring CPU usage helps you detect problems early and optimize performance.
By understanding CPU behavior, identifying heavy programs, and taking corrective action, you can extend your system’s lifespan and enjoy smoother computing every day.
