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A Long-Awaited Fix for CPU Usage Accuracy
Windows 11’s Task Manager is receiving a crucial update that standardizes how CPU usage is reported across all its tabs—Processes, Performance, and Users. This improvement fixes a decades-old inconsistency that often confused users.
Previously, Windows Task Manager displayed CPU usage differently on various tabs. Users often found that adding up the CPU usage of individual processes didn’t match the total CPU usage reported. This discrepancy occurred because the Processes tab used a different calculation formula compared to the Performance and Users tabs.
With Windows 11 Build 26120.3360, Microsoft has resolved this issue by adopting a standardized industry formula for CPU usage calculations. This means that all three tabs in Task Manager will now report CPU utilization consistently, making it easier to analyze system performance.
Additionally, Microsoft has provided an option for users who prefer the old calculation method. By right-clicking within Task Manager, users can enable the legacy CPU usage view. This update will be rolled out beyond preview builds, reaching Windows 11 24H2 and 23H2 versions in the coming weeks.
This change aligns Task Manager’s CPU reporting with third-party monitoring tools, enhancing accuracy and reliability. It’s a small but significant quality-of-life improvement for Windows users who rely on Task Manager for performance monitoring.
What Undercode Says:
Microsoft’s update to Task Manager’s CPU reporting is more than just a minor tweak—it’s a long-overdue correction that enhances performance monitoring accuracy. Here’s a deeper look at why this change matters and how it affects both casual and advanced users.
The Root of the Problem
Task Manager’s inconsistent CPU usage reporting has been an issue for years. The Processes tab used a different calculation than the Performance and Users tabs, often causing confusion when users tried to diagnose performance issues. The mismatched numbers led many to believe Task Manager was reporting incorrect data when, in reality, it was using different measurement methods.
Why Standardization Matters
By aligning Task Manager with industry standards, Microsoft ensures that CPU utilization is reported consistently across all tabs. This makes system diagnostics more transparent and improves compatibility with third-party monitoring tools like HWMonitor, MSI Afterburner, and Process Explorer, which have long been trusted for accurate performance tracking.
Impact on Users
- Casual Users: Many users check Task Manager only when their PC slows down. Previously, they might have seen 100% CPU usage at the top but lower percentages when summing up process usage, leading to confusion. With this fix, Task Manager provides a clearer picture of system performance.
- Power Users & IT Professionals: Those who monitor resource usage for optimization and troubleshooting will benefit greatly. Consistent CPU usage reporting across tabs ensures better accuracy when analyzing workload distribution.
- Developers & Benchmarkers: Many developers rely on Task Manager for performance profiling. The update allows for more precise tracking of how applications consume CPU resources, aligning with external benchmarking tools.
Comparison with Third-Party Tools
Historically, many users have preferred third-party performance monitoring software due to Task Manager’s inconsistencies. With this update, Windows Task Manager now aligns more closely with applications like:
– HWMonitor – Used for real-time system monitoring.
- Process Explorer – Offers detailed CPU usage insights.
- MSI Afterburner – Widely used for gaming performance monitoring.
This change reduces discrepancies between Task Manager and these tools, improving trust in Windows’ built-in monitoring features.
Can Users Still Access the Old Method?
For those accustomed to the previous CPU usage calculation, Microsoft has provided a way to revert. Users can right-click within Task Manager and enable the legacy mode, ensuring that long-time users can transition at their own pace.
Future Implications
This update sets the stage for Microsoft to improve other aspects of Task Manager. We may see further refinements in memory usage reporting, GPU monitoring, and power consumption tracking in future Windows updates. As Windows 11 continues to evolve, such optimizations will make built-in tools more reliable for both casual and professional users.
Fact Checker Results
- Claim: Windows 11 Task Manager now reports CPU usage consistently across all tabs.
- ✅ True – Microsoft confirmed this update in their official blog post.
Claim: The old CPU calculation method is no longer available.
❌ False – Users can still enable the legacy mode via right-click options in Task Manager.
Claim: This update is exclusive to Windows preview builds.
- ❌ False – The update will be rolled out to Windows 11 24H2 and 23H2 in the coming weeks.
This update might seem minor, but for those who rely on Task Manager for performance tracking, it’s a welcome and long-awaited change.
References:
Reported By: https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/03/01/windows-11-standardizes-task-managers-cpu-usage-calculation-aligns-with-industry/
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