Windows 11 is poised to enhance user experience with a new preview release that addresses inconsistencies in CPU usage reporting within Task Manager. The latest build, 26120.3360, is currently available for testers in the Dev and Beta channels, bringing with it a series of improvements aimed at streamlining performance metrics.
Task Manager is often the go-to tool for users seeking insights into their system’s performance, especially during moments of sluggishness. A quick invocation of Task Manager can be achieved by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Escape. However, users may have noticed discrepancies in CPU usage readings across different tabs, such as the Processes and Performance sections. For instance, while the Processes tab might indicate a CPU usage of 9%, the Performance panel could reflect a higher figure of 14%. This inconsistency, although not an error, has led to confusion among users.
Microsoft has acknowledged this issue and is rolling out a change to standardize CPU utilization calculations across all Task Manager pages. According to the company, “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 aligning with industry standards and third-party tools.” This adjustment promises to provide users with a unified view of CPU performance, eliminating the previous discrepancies.
As this feature is still in testing, it is anticipated to be available in the upcoming release versions of Windows 11, specifically 24H2 and 23H2, in the coming weeks. For those who prefer the previous method of reporting, an option will remain available in the Details tab of Task Manager to revert to the old measurement known as ‘CPU Utility’.
In addition to the Task Manager updates, this preview build introduces a much-anticipated feature for the lock screen. Users will soon have the ability to select which widgets they want displayed, rather than being limited to a blanket on-or-off option. However, this customization is currently limited to users within the European Economic Area (EEA), with plans for broader rollout to other regions, including the US, in the future. While the wait for this feature has been lengthy, its eventual arrival is a welcome development for Windows 11 users.
