Latest Windows 11 Update Revamps CPU Utilization Measurement for Consistency with Third-Party Tools

Microsoft is set to roll out an update for Windows 11 that introduces an innovative approach to how Task Manager calculates CPU utilization, aligning it more closely with third-party software.

In this forthcoming update, users can expect a more effective CPU monitoring experience directly through Task Manager, potentially reducing the necessity for external applications. Microsoft seems to have recognized that the performance metrics currently showcased don’t quite match up to what other tools offer. Consequently, the company is implementing changes that adopt a calculation method used by third-party tools, promising a significant improvement in the precision of the data Task Manager provides.

According to Microsoft, the update will bring consistency across different sections of Task Manager—specifically the Processes, Performance, and Users pages—using standard metrics to align them with industry benchmarks and what external tools use. Essentially, Task Manager will now present CPU workload in a way that’s both unified and reflective of what third-party platforms show, addressing any prior inconsistencies and offering native support for CPU monitoring. While details on the specific changes are scarce, the prospect of Task Manager doing what took third-party options like HWINFO is promising. That said, we’ll need to be patient until the update is officially released to see how it all plays out.

For those who might prefer sticking to the existing calculation method, Microsoft offers a handy alternative: a new optional column dubbed CPU Utility on the “Details” tab, which eases backward compatibility for those who might not want to switch. This update is currently part of the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3360, part of the 24H2 update. It will be gradually rolled out to users over time. It’s refreshing to see Microsoft focusing on enhancing user experience in practical ways.