Steam’s latest update promises enhanced monitoring – a boon for gamers eager to track performance. But hold on. This upgrade comes with a significant caveat: access to your Windows Kernel. Granting such deeplevel access opens a Pandora’s Box of potential risks. Before you click “accept,” understand what you’re really signing away.
What Does Kernel-Level Access Mean?
Popcorn or powerhouse? For many, “kernel” conjures images of movie nights, not the very heart of their computer’s operating system. So, when software demands “kernel-level access,” a red flag should be waving, not a shrug offered. We’re talking about the OS’s control center, the innermost sanctum, not just another app permission.
Think of your operating system as a fortress. Apps, typically, are like visitors allowed inside, but with limitations. They’re kept under strict supervision to prevent them from tampering with the fortress’s vital infrastructure. This protective barrier ensures that no rogue app can bring the whole system crashing down.
Imagine malware as a puppet master, pulling every string in your computer. That’s what happens when it burrows down to the kernel, the very core of your operating system. Granting an application this kind of unrestricted access is like handing over the keys to your entire digital kingdom – memory, processor, every piece of hardware bends to its will.
Kernel-level access: not always a red flag. Some apps, the powerhouses of system administration and eagle-eyed monitoring tools, need this deep dive to truly flex their muscles.
However, if any of these apps are hacked or compromised, your kernel and entire operating system is also compromised.
Windows Defender offers a feature called Core Isolation to help protect your PC from many types of kernel-based attacks.
Why Does the Steam Update Need Kernel Access?
The latest Steam client update isn’t just a tuneup; it’s a fullblown performance overhaul! Now, keep a hawkeye on your CPU temperature directly within Steam. But that’s not all – prepare for enhanced gameplay with fresh controller inputs, a sleek user interface that’s a joy to navigate, and overall performance boosts that’ll make your games sing. Steam just got hotter… cooler… you get the idea.
Steam’s latest update dips into the Windows kernel for precisely one thing: optional CPU temperature tracking. And guess what? It’s on by default.
Think Steam’s got a constant grip on your PC’s core? Not quite. It only peeks into the Windows kernel to check your CPU’s temperature when you’re gaming and that overlay’s fired up. Otherwise, it’s hands-off. This update isn’t handing Steam a 24/7 all-access pass to your system’s deepest secrets.
Worried about Steam poking around in your Windows kernel? No sweat. Just flick the switch to OFF. Alternatively, unleash its power only when you need to keep a hawk’s eye on your CPU temp – choose your games wisely!
Steam isn’t a malicious app, but it’s worth weighing whether this one metric is worth risking the kernel.
Disable CPU Temperature in Steam
Steam’s new kernel-level setting? Relax, it’s only relevant if you flaunt your CPU specs. If you’re not broadcasting your processor’s prowess, this update’s a no-show. But heads up: if you’re already CPU-monitoring, consider this setting auto-enabled.
Open the Steam client, click theSteammenu, and selectSettings. OpenIn Gamein the left sidebar.
Having CPU temperature woes in your Overlay Performance Monitor? That pesky reading gone rogue? Let’s fix it. First, dive into your settings and find “Overlay Performance Monitor.” See that “Enable kernel driver based metrics (CPU temperature)” option? Flick that switch to “off.” Still missing? No sweat! Double-check “Show performance monitor” is enabled and that you’ve chosen a CPU option under “Performance level detail.” One of those should jumpstart it.
Cut off CPU temperature tracking at the source, system-wide. This silencesonlythe kernel-level CPU temperature sensor in Windows, leaving all other performance monitoring untouched.
Disable CPU Temperature Tracking Per Game
Want pinpoint control over Steam’s new overlay? Disable it game-by-game. This bypasses your global settings, letting you selectively enjoy the feature. The bonus? Games running without the overlay keep Steam out of your Windows kernel, potentially boosting performance and security.
Want to shield your system from potential overreach? Dive into your Steam Library, find the game in question, rightclick its name, and unlock thePropertieswindow.
Under theGeneralsection, disableEnable the Steam Overlay while in-game.
Monitor CPU Temperature Without Steam Overlay
Steam’s convenience is undeniable, but that new update’s kernel-level access? A bit much for some. Don’t fret; you can still monitor your system’s performance without handing over the keys to the kingdom. Alternative tools await.
Forget installing yet another CPU monitoring tool! Steam’s overlay taps into the tried-and-true CPUID SDK, the very same engine powering trusted stalwarts like CPU-Z and HWMonitor Pro. Think of it: you’re already running Steam. Why bog down your system with more software for the same information? Steam’s built-in monitor offers a convenient, reliable peek under the hood, using tech with a proven track record. If CPU-Z and HWMonitor Pro pass muster, Steam’s monitoring deserves a look, too.
The catch? Most of these performance trackers demand kernel-level access, placing you at a crossroads: trust a third-party tool or dive into your BIOS. While BIOS peeking offers a clean solution, it’s hardly ideal mid-game. However, if performance hiccups raise suspicion, a quick BIOS check bypasses the need for extra software.
If you do notice your CPU temp slowly, or rapidly climbing, take steps to cool it off immediately.
Thanks for reading Steam Wants to Access the Windows Kernel: Why and Is It Safe?
