System monitoring is essential for keeping your Windows 10 PC running smoothly. For beginners, understanding how to keep an eye on your computer’s health can seem daunting, but with the right tools and strategies, you can easily monitor system performance, detect issues early, and optimize your machine. Here are ten effective strategies, tailored for beginners, using trusted Windows system tools.
Why Should You Monitor Your Windows 10 System?
Monitoring helps you spot problems like slowdowns, overheating, or software conflicts before they cause crashes or data loss. It also helps you optimize performance and extend the lifespan of your PC.
1. Use Task Manager to Monitor Processes and Performance
Task Manager is built into Windows 10 and is easy to use. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open it. Here, you can see which programs use the most CPU, memory, disk, and network resources.
Action Steps:
– Open Task Manager.
– Click the “Processes” tab to see running applications.
– Use the “Performance” tab for live graphs of CPU, Memory, Disk, and Network usage.
Real-World Example: If your PC slows down, check Task Manager to see if an app is using too much CPU or memory and close it if needed.
2. Check System Health with Windows Security
Windows Security (formerly Windows Defender) helps monitor for viruses and performance issues.
Action Steps:
– Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security.
– Click “Device performance & health” to check for any system suggestions.
Real-World Example: If you see warnings, follow the recommendations to resolve problems like storage issues or outdated drivers.
3. Monitor Storage and Clean Up With Glary Utilities
Junk files and unnecessary data can slow down your PC. Glary Utilities is a beginner-friendly tool that offers disk cleanup and monitoring features in one place.
Action Steps:
– Download and install Glary Utilities.
– Open the tool and select “Disk Cleanup” to scan and remove junk files.
– Use “Disk Space Analyzer” to see which files are taking up the most space.
Benefits: Glary Utilities makes it easy to keep your hard drive healthy and frees up space with just a few clicks.
4. Use Resource Monitor for Detailed Analysis
Resource Monitor provides more detailed info than Task Manager and is also built into Windows.
Action Steps:
– Press Windows Key + R, type “resmon” and press Enter.
– View detailed data about CPU, memory, disk, and network activity.
Real-World Example: If you suspect a program is slowing down your system, Resource Monitor helps you pinpoint exactly which one.
5. Set Up Performance Alerts with Reliability Monitor
Reliability Monitor shows a timeline of your PC’s reliability and error history.
Action Steps:
– Type “Reliability Monitor” in the Start menu search and open it.
– Review the timeline for recent errors or warnings.
– Click on events for more details and suggested actions.
Real-World Example: Spot patterns of recurring crashes and identify problematic apps or drivers.
6. Monitor Startup Programs with Glary Utilities
Too many startup programs can slow down boot time. Glary Utilities provides a simple way to manage them.
Action Steps:
– Open Glary Utilities.
– Go to “Startup Manager.”
– Disable unnecessary programs from starting with Windows.
Benefits: Faster startup times and improved overall performance.
7. Use Windows Event Viewer for Troubleshooting
Event Viewer logs all system events and errors, which can help in troubleshooting issues.
Action Steps:
– Type “Event Viewer” in the Start menu and open it.
– Browse “Windows Logs” > “System” for error messages.
– Use Google to look up error codes if you find any.
Real-World Example: If your PC crashes, check for recent critical errors and note the details.
8. Monitor System Temperatures with HWMonitor
High temperatures can damage hardware. HWMonitor is a free tool that shows your PC’s temperature readings.
Action Steps:
– Download and install HWMonitor.
– Open the program to see temperatures for your CPU, GPU, and drives.
Benefits: Ensure your system isn’t overheating, especially during gaming or heavy use.
9. Track Network Usage with Windows Resource Monitor
Slow internet? Resource Monitor can show which apps are using your connection.
Action Steps:
– Open Resource Monitor.
– Click the “Network” tab to see active connections and bandwidth usage.
Real-World Example: Discover hidden programs using your internet and close them if needed.
10. Schedule Regular Maintenance with Glary Utilities
Glary Utilities offers “1-Click Maintenance” for easy routine cleanup and optimization.
Action Steps:
– Open Glary Utilities.
– Click “1-Click Maintenance” to scan for junk files, registry errors, and more.
– Click “Repair Problems” to fix issues automatically.
Benefits: Keeps your system running smoothly without manual intervention.
Conclusion
By combining built-in Windows tools with beginner-friendly apps like Glary Utilities and HWMonitor, you can monitor your Windows 10 system with confidence. Start with the basics—Task Manager and Windows Security—then enhance your approach with more advanced tools as you gain comfort. Regular monitoring helps you catch issues early, maintain peak performance, and extend your PC’s lifespan. With these strategies, even beginners can master Windows 10 system monitoring.