Windows system monitoring tools like Task Manager, Resource Monitor, and Performance Monitor are essential for tracking your computer’s health and spotting problems early. But sometimes, these tools stop working properly, won’t open, or display errors. If you’re new to Windows, don’t worry—here are 12 beginner-friendly methods to repair and restore your system monitoring tools, complete with easy step-by-step instructions.
1. Restart Your Computer
Why try this?
Minor glitches or temporary issues often resolve after a simple restart.
How to do it:
Click the Start button, choose Power, and then select Restart. Once your computer reboots, try opening the monitoring tool again.
2. Use Windows Troubleshooter
Why try this?
Windows includes built-in troubleshooters that can fix many common problems automatically.
How to do it:
Type Troubleshoot settings in the Start menu and press Enter. Click on Other troubleshooters, find Windows Store Apps (if you use apps from the store), and run the troubleshooter.
3. Run System File Checker (SFC)
Why try this?
Corrupted system files often cause problems with built-in tools.
How to do it:
a. Type cmd in the Start menu.
b. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
c. In the window, type sfc /scannow and hit Enter.
d. Wait for the scan to complete, then restart your PC.
4. Use the DISM Command
Why try this?
DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) can fix deeper Windows image issues.
How to do it:
a. Open Command Prompt as administrator (see step 3).
b. Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
c. Allow the process to complete, then restart your computer.
5. Check for Windows Updates
Why try this?
Updates can fix bugs that affect system tools.
How to do it:
Go to Settings > Windows Update, then click Check for updates. Install any pending updates and restart your computer.
6. Re-enable System Monitoring Tools via Group Policy
Why try this?
Sometimes, monitoring tools are disabled accidentally.
How to do it:
a. Type gpedit.msc in the Start menu and press Enter. (Note: Available in Pro editions)
b. Go to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Ctrl+Alt+Del Options.
c. Double-click Remove Task Manager and set it to Disabled.
d. Apply changes and close the window.
7. Enable Tools via the Registry Editor
Why try this?
Registry changes can restore missing features.
How to do it:
a. Type regedit in the Start menu and hit Enter.
b. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
c. Find the entry called DisableTaskMgr. Right-click and select Delete.
d. Restart your PC.
8. Scan for Malware
Why try this?
Viruses can block access to system monitoring tools.
How to do it:
Open Windows Security from the Start menu, select Virus & threat protection, and click Quick scan.
9. Create a New User Account
Why try this?
Problems may be limited to your user profile.
How to do it:
Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users. Click Add account and follow the instructions. Log in with the new account and test the monitoring tools.
10. Use Glary Utilities for System Repairs
Why try this?
Glary Utilities provides an easy, all-in-one toolkit for fixing common Windows problems.
How to do it:
a. Download and install Glary Utilities from its official website.
b. Open Glary Utilities and select 1-Click Maintenance.
c. Run the scan and click Repair Problems.
d. Use the Registry Repair and Shortcuts Fixer features for more targeted repairs.
Glary Utilities can fix registry errors, broken shortcuts, and other issues that often cause system tool failures.
11. Restore System to an Earlier Point
Why try this?
If problems started recently, restoring to a previous state can help.
How to do it:
a. Type Create a restore point in the Start menu and hit Enter.
b. Click System Restore, then follow the on-screen instructions to revert to a previous restore point.
12. Reinstall Windows (Last Resort)
Why try this?
Use this if all else fails, and backup your files first.
How to do it:
Go to Settings > System > Recovery. Under Reset this PC, click Get started and select Keep my files for a reinstall that preserves your data.
Conclusion
Repairing Windows system monitoring tools doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Using these 12 proven methods—starting with simple restarts and progressing to more advanced repairs like using Glary Utilities—you can easily restore Task Manager, Resource Monitor, or Performance Monitor even if you’re a beginner. Stay patient, follow the steps, and your essential Windows tools should be working again in no time.