Latest Windows 11 Update Overhauls CPU Utilization Calculation for Greater Consistency with Third-Party Tools

Microsoft is gearing up to enhance the way Windows 11’s Task Manager handles CPU monitoring, and the change might make some third-party tools unnecessary for users seeking accurate performance data.

In their latest move, Microsoft has recognized that the Task Manager’s current performance metrics have lagged behind the capabilities offered by various third-party utilities. In response, they’ve decided to roll out a fresh update that revamps the calculation method for CPU utilization. This update will bring Task Manager more in line with the benchmarks and functionalities provided by those external tools, ultimately boosting its effectiveness.

Microsoft shared, “We are beginning to roll out a change to the way Task Manager calculates CPU utilization for the Processes, Performance, and Users pages. Task Manager will now use the standard metrics to display CPU workload consistently across all pages and align with industry standards and third-party tools.”

Although the intricacies of how these calculations will be adjusted remain somewhat vague, what’s clear is that we’ll see a unified representation across the Processes, Performance, and Users tabs. This cohesive approach ensures that the figures shown will mirror what’s displayed in third-party applications, thus promoting consistency and better support for monitoring CPU performance natively. Soon, you might not need to rely on external programs like HWINFO for this purpose, but rather, Task Manager itself might suffice once the new update is released.

As a nod to those who prefer the current method of calculation, Microsoft has also introduced a new, optional “CPU Utility” column in the “Details” tab. This addition allows users to stick with familiar settings if they so desire. At the moment, these updates are part of the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3360 and are included in the 24H2 update. It’ll take some time for all users to receive these changes, but it’s certainly encouraging to see Microsoft striving to enhance consumer experience with these thoughtful updates.