How to Keep an Eye on Your Windows 11 PC’s Performance
Quick Ways to Check Your System’s Speed and Health
It’s a good idea to check your PC’s performance now and then—think of it like a regular health check-up. Let’s look at how to monitor key components like CPU, RAM, and disk activity. This way, you’re aware of any strange behaviour that pops up.
First Up: Opening Task Manager
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc and there you go! Task Manager opens up. It’s your quick resource meter. You’ll be able to see what’s hogging your system’s resources and how they’re being used right away. Switch to the “Performance” tab to view the detailed graphs showing how your PC is holding up.
Next, Dive Into Performance Monitor
If you want more detailed info, search for “Performance Monitor” in Windows. You can also launch it via PowerShell or Command Prompt using:
perfmon /reportThis is your deep-dive tool for tracking performance over longer periods and setting alerts. Especially useful if you’ve got persistent issues that won’t go away.
Check Resource Usage
Back in Task Manager, look closely at the “Performance” tab. If CPU or RAM are maxing out, it’s time to investigate what’s running in the background. Excessive disk activity can slow everything down, and network spikes often suggest background apps or updates running wild. Recognising these patterns can help you pre-empt problems.
Spot Unnecessary Background Processes
Under the Processes tab, you’ll see what’s currently running. Some apps start automatically and keep running, wasting resources. To tidy this up, check the Startup tab in Task Manager or go to Settings > Apps > Startup. Disable anything that’s resource-heavy or unnecessary. You can also use msconfig in the Run (Win + R) box to turn off some startup items.
Generate a System Health Report
Using Performance Monitor, you can create a detailed diagnostics report via the “Reports” section or by running:
perfmon /reportThis provides a comprehensive rundown of potential issues with your system. Handy when troubleshooting or planning upgrades.
Making these checks a regular habit can save you a lot of hassle later on. Spotting issues early means you can fix them before they escalate—keeping your device running smoothly.
Tips to Keep Your Windows 11 PC Running Smoothly
- Check performance regularly to catch little problems before they turn into big ones.
- Keep Windows up to date. Head to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Updates often include performance improvements.
- Close apps you’re not using. If things start lagging, it might be time for a spring clean in your taskbar.
- Disable unnecessary startup programs. A few clicks in Task Manager can help speed up boot time.
- If your PC still feels slow, consider hardware upgrades like adding more RAM or swapping to an SSD. You can check your RAM info by running
msinfo32in the Run box (Win + R).
Common Questions About Monitoring Windows 11 Performance
How often should I check my PC’s performance?
A couple of times a month should do it, or whenever things feel a bit sluggish. You can also automate routine checks with Task Scheduler or use third-party monitoring tools.
What if my CPU usage is always high?
Open Task Manager’s Details tab to see which process is hogging resources. If it’s unnecessary, consider ending it or uninstalling the app. Running a malware scan is also a good idea—sometimes, malicious software can cause trouble.
Can I speed up Windows 11 without upgrading hardware?
Absolutely! Tweak your startup items, adjust visual effects in Control Panel > System, and make sure everything’s up to date. These simple steps can give your system a noticeable boost.
Why does my PC feel slow even with low CPU usage?
This often points to other issues like high disk activity or insufficient RAM. Using Resource Monitor (resmon) can help identify what’s dragging things down.
How do I run a detailed performance report on Windows 11?
Open Performance Monitor and type perfmon /report in the Run dialog (Win + R). It will generate an in-depth report highlighting hardware and software issues.
Wrapping Up on Windows 11 Performance Monitoring
Monitoring how your PC is doing doesn’t have to be a hassle. With tools like Task Manager and Performance Monitor, it’s like giving your computer regular check-ups. Keeping everything in top shape helps dodge tech troubles down the track. Think of it like maintaining a car—if you look after it, it’ll look after you. So, keep tabs on performance regularly, run maintenance, and make tweaks as needed. Your Windows 11 experience will thank you for it.
Stay on top of those checks—you’ll thank yourself later.