Monitoring your Windows system helps you keep your computer running smoothly, troubleshoot problems, and maintain your PC’s health. For beginners, it can be overwhelming to know where to start or which tools to trust. This guide introduces you to essential system monitoring tools and proven methods to get the best out of them, with practical steps and real-world examples.
What Are System Monitoring Tools in Windows?
System monitoring tools are software utilities that help track your computer’s performance, resource usage, and health. Examples include Task Manager, Resource Monitor, Performance Monitor, and third-party tools like Glary Utilities. These tools let you monitor CPU, memory, disk, and network activity.
Why Should Beginners Use System Monitoring Tools?
Using system monitoring tools lets you:
– Identify performance bottlenecks (slowdowns)
– Detect unwanted background programs
– Spot potential hardware or software issues early
– Keep your PC running efficiently
Here are 15 proven methods to improve your experience with Windows system monitoring tools.
1. Start with Task Manager for Basic Monitoring
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. The Processes tab shows running applications and their resource usage. Beginners can use this to end unresponsive programs or check which applications use the most memory and CPU.
2. Use Resource Monitor for Detailed Insights
Type Resource Monitor in the Windows search bar and open it. Resource Monitor provides deeper information about CPU, memory, disk, and network usage. For example, you can see which processes are writing to your hard drive and which apps are using your internet connection.
3. Customize Columns for Relevant Data
In Task Manager, right-click the column headers (like Name, CPU, Memory), and select additional columns such as GPU or Command Line. This gives you a better overview of what’s happening on your system.
4. Set Up Alerts with Performance Monitor
Open Performance Monitor by typing perfmon in the search bar. You can add “Data Collector Sets” to monitor specific counters, like available memory. Set up alerts to notify you if a resource drops below a certain threshold.
5. Schedule Regular System Scans with Glary Utilities
Download and install Glary Utilities, a comprehensive PC maintenance suite. From its “1-Click Maintenance” feature, you can set regular scans to check for junk files, registry errors, and spyware. This keeps your system healthy and prevents slowdowns.
6. Monitor Startup Programs for Faster Boot Times
Use Glary Utilities’ “Startup Manager” to monitor and disable unnecessary startup programs. Too many startup applications can slow down your PC’s boot time. Disable items you don’t need launching with Windows.
7. Use Disk Usage Tools to Find Space Hogs
In Windows Settings, go to System > Storage to see which folders use the most space. For deeper insights, Glary Utilities’ Disk Space Analyzer shows large files and folders, helping you free up space easily.
8. Watch for Unusual Network Activity
Use Resource Monitor’s Network tab to see which applications use your internet connection. If you notice unknown programs consuming bandwidth, investigate or uninstall them to protect your privacy and speed.
9. Monitor Windows Updates and Security
Always keep your system updated. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Up-to-date security patches help prevent vulnerabilities that can affect system performance.
10. Enable Notifications for System Health
Windows Security (formerly Windows Defender) can notify you of threats. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security and ensure notifications are enabled for virus protection and other system health alerts.
11. Create Performance Baselines for Comparison
Using Performance Monitor, record system performance during normal use. If performance drops later, compare current stats to your baseline to identify what’s changed.
12. Automate Maintenance Tasks with Glary Utilities
Glary Utilities allows you to automate routine maintenance like cleaning temp files and fixing registry errors. Set up a schedule so these tasks run automatically, keeping your system optimized without manual effort.
13. Use PowerShell Commands for Quick Checks
For quick monitoring, open PowerShell and type Get-Process or Get-Service to see running processes and services. This is handy for troubleshooting without opening multiple windows.
14. Regularly Check System Logs
Event Viewer (search for Event Viewer) logs warnings and errors from your system. Review the “Windows Logs > System” section if you experience crashes or errors.
15. Consolidate Monitoring with Glary Utilities’ System Information
Glary Utilities’ “System Information” tool provides an easy-to-read summary of your hardware and software. Beginners can quickly check RAM, disk space, and system status in one place.
Conclusion
Improving your use of Windows system monitoring tools is one of the best ways to keep your PC running well. By combining built-in utilities with a comprehensive tool like Glary Utilities, even beginners can effectively monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain their computers. Start with basic tools like Task Manager, then explore deeper options and automate routine tasks to save time and boost your PC’s performance.