If you want to improve your PC performance, you need to know how to monitor and troubleshoot the factors that affect it. In this article, you will learn how to use Task Manager and other tools to check and optimize your CPU, memory, disk, and network usage, as well as how to identify and resolve common issues.
The CPU (central processing unit) is the brain of your PC, and it handles all the calculations and instructions that run your programs and processes. To monitor your CPU usage, you can use Task Manager, which shows you how much of your CPU's capacity is being used by each process, as well as the overall percentage. To open Task Manager, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and select Task Manager, or right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager. You can switch to the Details tab to see more information about each process, such as the process ID, priority, and affinity. If you notice that your CPU usage is high or spiking, you can try to close or end the processes that are consuming the most resources, or change their priority or affinity to allocate more or less CPU power to them. However, be careful not to end any system processes or services that are essential for your PC's functionality.
The memory (also known as RAM or random access memory) is the temporary storage space for your PC, and it holds the data and instructions that your CPU needs to access quickly. To monitor your memory usage, you can use Task Manager, which shows you how much of your memory is being used by each process, as well as the overall percentage. You can also see the total amount of memory available, the amount of memory cached by the system, and the amount of memory compressed to save space. If you notice that your memory usage is high or exceeding your available memory, you can try to close or end the processes that are using the most memory, or use the Memory Diagnostic Tool to check for any errors or problems with your memory. To run the Memory Diagnostic Tool, type "memory" in the search box and select Windows Memory Diagnostic. You can choose to restart your PC and run the tool immediately, or schedule it for the next time you start your PC.
The disk (also known as the hard drive or solid state drive) is the permanent storage space for your PC, and it holds all your files, programs, and system data. To monitor your disk usage, you can use Task Manager, which shows you how much of your disk's capacity is being used by each process, as well as the overall percentage. You can also see the read and write speed of your disk, and the response time of your disk operations. If you notice that your disk usage is high or slowing down your PC, you can try to close or end the processes that are writing or reading a lot of data to or from your disk, or use the Disk Cleanup tool to free up some space on your disk. To run the Disk Cleanup tool, type "disk cleanup" in the search box and select Disk Cleanup. You can choose which files and folders you want to delete, such as temporary files, downloads, recycle bin, and system files.
The network (also known as the internet or LAN) is the connection between your PC and other devices or servers, and it allows you to access online resources and services. To monitor your network usage, you can use Task Manager, which shows you how much of your network's bandwidth is being used by each process, as well as the overall percentage. You can also see the send and receive speed of your network, and the type and status of your network connection. If you notice that your network usage is high or affecting your PC performance, you can try to close or end the processes that are sending or receiving a lot of data over your network, or use the Network Troubleshooter to diagnose and fix any issues with your network. To run the Network Troubleshooter, type "network troubleshooter" in the search box and select Identify and repair network problems. You can follow the instructions to troubleshoot your network connection, such as resetting your adapter, renewing your IP address, or flushing your DNS cache.