Technology

Original Task Manager creator explains why it lies to you about CPU usage — former Microsoft engineer shows unique solution to a seemingly simple, but actually complicated, task

Source

Tom's Hardware

Published

Apr 20, 2026

TL;DR

AI Generated

Former Microsoft engineer Dave Plummer, creator of the original Task Manager, explains the complexity behind measuring CPU usage accurately. Plummer reveals that the Task Manager provides an interpretation of CPU usage between refreshes, not a real-time view. He details a unique solution where the tool calculates CPU consumption based on total time and processes, offering a more precise measurement. However, with modern processors' dynamic behaviors, the traditional method may feel less accurate due to factors like frequency scaling and thermal throttling. Plummer suggests a new approach where CPU usage reflects work accomplished compared to potential work, but acknowledges his retirement from Microsoft limits his influence on future developments.

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