Uncover Hidden Windows Tools to Monitor Your PC’s Performance

Behind the scenes of your Windows PC, countless processes work seamlessly to ensure optimal performance. While this intricate operation usually goes unnoticed, interruptions like prolonged startup times, unexpected crashes, or unresponsive applications can disrupt your experience, making it challenging to identify the root cause. Fortunately, Windows integrates various diagnostic tools designed to give you insight into system performance.

These utilities simplify troubleshooting tasks—from monitoring system health to analyzing resource usage, recording crashes, and capturing user interactions. When you face a problem, these tools transform uncertainty into clarity, enabling you to understand and address issues effectively.

5 Windows Device Performance and Health

A Dashboard for Your System’s Well-being

Windows Security health tab on PC — Screenshot by Pankil Shah — No attribution required

If your computer exhibits unusual behavior, you don’t have to go on a wild goose chase for answers. Within the Windows Security app, the Device Performance and Health feature operates quietly, monitoring your computer’s status. Many users overlook this valuable tool, which can provide critical insights into your system’s performance.

To access this feature, navigate to the Device performance & health section of Windows Security. There, you will find a user-friendly dashboard that highlights four essential categories: Storage capacity, Battery life, Apps and software, and Windows Time service.

For example, if your storage is almost full, Windows will alert you. It also monitors software functionality, notifying you of any failures or needed updates that could impact your system. Additionally, should you notice your laptop’s battery health declining, this tool provides alerts to help you plan a timely replacement, preventing unexpected drops in battery performance.

4 Step Recorder

Capture Your PC’s Problems, Step by Step

Step recorder tool in Windows — Screenshot by Pankil Shah — No attribution required

Explaining computer issues to others can often be a daunting challenge. Enter the Step Recorder, a built-in Windows tool that streamlines this process. When activated, a control bar appears with an easy-to-find Start Record button. Clicking it initiates the recording of every action performed on your computer.

Once you finish, hit Stop Record, and the tool compiles your activity into a comprehensible report complete with detailed captions such as “User left-clicked on the Settings icon, ” making it easier for tech support or colleagues to understand the sequence of events. The final product is packaged in a convenient ZIP file that can be shared for support purposes.

3 Reliability Monitor

View Your Computer’s Diary of Stability

Reliability Monitor window in Windows 11 — Screenshot by Pankil Shah — No attribution required

The Reliability Monitor serves as your PC’s historical log, diligently recording system occurrences such as crashes and software failures. Presented in an easily interpretable visual timeline, this tool enables you to quickly identify patterns or anomalies.

To start, simply type Reliability Monitor in the Start menu and select View reliability history. You’ll see a timeline graph with dates on the horizontal axis and a stability score ranging from 1 to 10 vertically. Days are marked with icons denoting critical issues, warnings, or informational alerts. By clicking on any icon, you can dive deeper into reports detailing what transpired, which application failed, or what updates were recently applied.

This feature is particularly useful for diagnosing reoccurring problems. Instead of hypothesizing what could have caused a decline in performance, you can pinpoint the exact moment of failure and take proactive measures.

2 Resource Monitor

Identify What’s Consuming Your CPU, Memory, and Disk

Reflecting its name, the Resource Monitor enables you to scrutinize how your computer’s hardware and system resources are utilized in real time. This powerful diagnostic tool provides an overview of CPU, memory, disk, and network activities all in one interface.

Within Resource Monitor, you’ll discover a comprehensive dashboard segmented into four tabs: CPU, Memory, Disk, and Network. Each tab details which processes are utilizing resources, their consumption levels, and any corresponding files or network connections involved. You can swiftly determine if a rogue process is hogging CPU resources or if a background application is depleting your bandwidth.

This tool is invaluable for diagnosing why your PC may be lagging or unresponsive. Rather than randomly closing applications or restarting your computer, you can directly see what’s causing the slowdown and take targeted action.

1 DirectX Diagnostic Tool

Quickly Diagnose Graphics and Sound Issues

DirectX Diagnostics tool — Screenshot by Pankil Shah — No attribution required

For those experiencing issues with gaming or multimedia applications, the DirectX Diagnostic Tool is a valuable asset. It provides a thorough overview of your system’s graphics, sound, and input hardware, facilitating rapid diagnostic processes.

To access it, use the shortcut Win + R, type dxdiag, and press Enter. The tool conducts a system scan, presenting you with detailed information across several tabs, including System, Display, Sound, and Input. You can verify your DirectX version, identify your graphics card, check driver versions, and even run basic tests to ensure operational integrity.

The DirectX Diagnostic Tool proves particularly beneficial for addressing crashes or glitches in applications that heavily rely on graphics and sound performance.

While these diagnostic tools are not everyday utilities, their presence is a comfort in times of trouble. They offer transparency into your system’s health, assist in identifying problems, and empower you to resolve issues proactively before they escalate into more significant challenges.

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