How to Read the CPU Time in Task Manager
- 1). Right-click on any empty portion of the taskbar. A menu will appear.
- 2). Choose "Task Manager" or "Start Task Manager," depending on the computer's operating system. The task manager will open.
- 3). Click inside the "Processes" tab positioned at the top of the "Task Manager." Five other categories will appear beneath the "Processes" tab.
- 4). Click the "CPU" category until a downward-pointing arrow appears above the "CPU" letters. The programs taking up CPU process time, or CPU time, are listed beneath the categories in order from most CPU time being taken up to least. The actual CPU time for a program is listed to the right of that program name, inside the CPU column.
Source...