Microsoft has fixed an inaccuracy in the Windows 11 Task Manager related to the calculation of the central processing unit (CPU) load. Previously, the utility determined this indicator based on the base clock speed of the processor, ignoring dynamic changes such as overclocking and underclocking. This led to an underestimation of the total load indicator, and when manually adding up the use of processor resources by individual applications, to results above 100%. The Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3360 update fixes this issue, bringing the calculations in line with industry standards.
Image source: Microsoft
Previously, Task Manager displayed CPU load based on its base clock speed, rather than its actual operating or overclocked frequency. This calculation method resulted in incorrect readings: CPU load could be displayed lower than the actual one, since the utility did not take into account dynamic frequency changes. As a result, when CPU resources were fully utilized in the Details tab, the total CPU load value could exceed 100% if the load indicators were added up manually by processes. This discrepancy often misled users. Microsoft noted in the official Windows blog that the fix eliminates discrepancies with data from third-party monitoring utilities, such as Process Explorer.
The problem was compounded by the way Task Manager presented graphical data. The Performance tab capped the CPU load graph at 100%, even if the processor was actually running at a higher clock speed. This meant that when overclocking or performing intensive calculations, the actual load could exceed this threshold, but Task Manager would not show it. The situation became even more complicated when underclocking (manually reducing the CPU frequency): even if the processor reached its maximum performance within the set frequency, the tool would not show 100% load.
Despite its significant impact on monitoring accuracy, Microsoft did not fix this bug for a long time. The main reason is that most Windows users did not notice these discrepancies. Those who were serious about monitoring CPU load preferred to use third-party utilities, such as Process Explorer or HWMonitor, which provided more accurate data. However, with the introduction of a new calculation method, Task Manager is now able to display the correct CPU load level, which reduces the need to use third-party utilities.
This update is especially useful for users who use automatic processor overclocking technologies such as Intel Turbo Boost and AMD Precision Boost. Microsoft has also retained the old method of calculating CPU load for backward compatibility, but this parameter will now be called CPU utility. This will allow programs that previously relied on the legacy calculation system to function correctly without having to adapt to the new algorithm.
Image source: Microsoft
The Task Manager fix is part of a broader effort by Microsoft to improve the accuracy of system utilities. In May 2024, the company updated the way it reports RAM clock speeds, replacing megahertz (MHz) with megatransactions per second (MT/s), a more technically correct unit of measurement. While these changes don’t have a significant impact on everyday users, they are important for enthusiasts monitoring the performance of their systems.