Keeping your Windows system running smoothly does not always require complicated tools or third-party software. Windows comes with several built-in features that allow you to monitor performance, analyze issues, and maintain overall system health. For beginners, understanding these tools is the first step toward optimizing and improving your PC. Below are seven key features you can use right away with practical examples of how they work.
What is Task Manager and how can it help?
Task Manager is one of the most useful built-in tools for monitoring and managing your Windows system. It shows real-time information about CPU, memory, disk, and network usage. For example, if your PC suddenly becomes slow, open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc. Check which programs are using the most resources under the Processes tab. If a web browser is consuming too much memory, closing unnecessary tabs can instantly improve performance. Task Manager also allows you to manage startup programs so Windows boots faster.
How does Resource Monitor provide deeper insights?
Resource Monitor offers a more detailed view of system activity compared to Task Manager. Open it by typing “Resource Monitor” in the Start menu. Here you can see exactly which applications are using your CPU, memory, disk, and network in greater detail. For beginners, the memory tab is especially useful to figure out if programs are consuming too much RAM. If your system runs low on available memory, closing high-usage applications helps prevent crashes.
What role does Performance Monitor play?
Performance Monitor helps track long-term system performance. Unlike Task Manager, it allows you to set up data collector sets and logs. For example, you can monitor CPU usage over hours or days to identify ongoing slowdowns. Beginners can start with the built-in “System Performance” template, which gathers detailed performance statistics. Reviewing these logs makes it easier to spot patterns, such as a specific time of day when performance drops due to background updates.
How can Event Viewer be used for error analysis?
Event Viewer records every system event, including errors and warnings. Open it by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Event Viewer. Suppose your PC keeps restarting unexpectedly. In Event Viewer, you can check the System log for critical events and identify what caused the restart. This tool is especially helpful for troubleshooting problems that are not immediately visible. Beginners should focus on the “Critical” and “Error” categories to quickly find the root cause of common issues.
Why is Reliability Monitor useful for beginners?
Reliability Monitor is a hidden gem in Windows. It provides a timeline of your system’s stability, showing when errors or crashes occurred. Access it by typing “Reliability Monitor” in the Start menu. For example, if your system crashed after installing a new driver, Reliability Monitor will display the date of the crash along with the error details. This makes it easier to link specific problems with recent changes to your system.
How does Windows Security contribute to monitoring?
Windows Security, previously known as Windows Defender, is a built-in tool that provides protection against viruses and threats. It also monitors system health. Open it from the Start menu and check the Device Performance & Health section. Here you’ll find reports on storage capacity, battery life (for laptops), and Windows update status. Beginners can use this feature to make sure the system is secure and up to date without needing third-party antivirus software.
What about Disk Cleanup and Storage Sense?
Disk Cleanup and Storage Sense help optimize and maintain storage performance. Disk Cleanup can be launched by typing its name in the Start menu. It scans your system for temporary files, cached files, and system logs that can be safely removed. Storage Sense, found in Settings under System > Storage, can automatically free up space by deleting temporary files and emptying the recycle bin. For beginners, enabling Storage Sense ensures the system does not slow down due to low disk space.
Enhancing Built-in Tools with Glary Utilities
While these built-in features are powerful, beginners can simplify system monitoring and maintenance with a tool like Glary Utilities. It combines many optimization tasks into a single interface. For example, instead of manually running Disk Cleanup, Glary Utilities includes a one-click cleanup for junk files. It also offers startup manager, registry cleaner, and privacy protection tools that complement Windows’ built-in options. This makes it easier to maintain a healthy, optimized PC without needing advanced technical knowledge.
By learning to use these seven built-in features and extending their power with Glary Utilities, even beginners can effectively monitor, analyze, and improve their Windows system performance.