Keeping your Windows PC in top shape requires more than just occasional cleanups. System monitoring tools empower you to track system performance, detect issues before they escalate, and optimize your workflow. With the right tips, you can save valuable time and avoid headaches down the road. Here are 15 essential tips for using Windows system monitoring tools, designed for both beginners and advanced users.
Why Monitor Your Windows System?
System monitoring tools provide real-time insights into your PC’s health. By monitoring resources like CPU usage, memory, disk activity, and network performance, you can spot bottlenecks, prevent slowdowns, and extend your computer’s life. Monitoring is especially vital for users who multitask, game, or rely on their PC for intensive applications.
Tips for Beginners
1. Use Task Manager for Quick Insights
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager instantly. This built-in tool lets you see which apps and processes are consuming CPU, memory, and disk resources. If your PC feels sluggish, check Task Manager to find resource hogs and close them.
2. Monitor Startup Programs with Task Manager
Open Task Manager and switch to the Startup tab. Disable unnecessary startup programs to speed up boot time. Right-click on unwanted entries and select Disable. This tip saves time each time you turn on your PC.
3. Check System Health with Windows Security
Search for “Windows Security” and open the app. Navigate to Device Performance & Health to view a basic summary of your PC’s health, including storage capacity and Windows update status. Use this for a quick checkup.
4. Track Storage Usage with Storage Sense
Go to Settings > System > Storage. Turn on Storage Sense to automatically free up space by removing temporary files and managing cloud content. This keeps your disk clean without manual intervention.
5. Use Glary Utilities for One-Click Maintenance
Glary Utilities streamlines routine maintenance. Launch the software and use its 1-Click Maintenance feature to scan for junk files, broken shortcuts, registry errors, and more. This saves you from running multiple separate tools, making it perfect for beginners seeking all-in-one optimization.
Tips for Advanced Users
6. Dive Deeper with Resource Monitor
Open Resource Monitor by typing “resmon” in the Start menu search. This tool provides detailed graphs and process-level info on CPU, memory, disk, and network usage. Identify unusual spikes and track down problematic applications more precisely than with Task Manager.
7. Set Performance Alerts with Performance Monitor
Launch Performance Monitor by searching for “perfmon.” Here, you can set up custom alerts for specific system metrics (like high CPU usage) and log performance data over time. This is invaluable for proactive troubleshooting and system analysis.
8. Monitor Hardware Temperatures
Overheating can damage your hardware. Use tools like HWMonitor or Core Temp to check CPU and GPU temperatures. If you notice high temperatures under normal workloads, clean your fans or improve airflow.
9. Check for Resource Leaks
Add the “Handles” and “Threads” columns in Task Manager’s Details tab. A process with ever-increasing handles or threads may indicate a memory leak. Restart or update the offending application as needed.
10. Automate Cleanup with Glary Utilities Scheduler
Glary Utilities includes a Scheduler feature. Set up regular, automated cleanups—daily, weekly, or monthly. This ensures your system remains optimized without manual effort, freeing up your time for more important tasks.
Time-Saving Tips for All Users
11. Use System Tray Monitoring Widgets
Some monitoring tools, including Glary Utilities, offer system tray widgets. Enable them to keep an eye on CPU, RAM, or disk usage at a glance. This helps you spot issues without interrupting your workflow.
12. Export System Reports for Troubleshooting
When contacting support or troubleshooting complex issues, use tools like System Information (msinfo32) or Glary Utilities’ system report generator to create detailed hardware and software reports. Sharing these reports can dramatically speed up diagnostics.
13. Prioritize Real-Time Monitoring
Focus on tools that offer real-time updates. Task Manager, Resource Monitor, and Glary Utilities all provide live data, so you can react instantly to spikes or performance drops.
14. Combine Built-in and Third-Party Tools
Don’t rely solely on one tool. Use Task Manager or Resource Monitor for quick checks, and Glary Utilities for deeper cleaning and maintenance. This layered approach ensures thorough monitoring and optimization.
15. Stay Updated for Security and Stability
Regularly update your system monitoring tools and Windows itself. Updates often include security fixes and performance improvements. Enable automatic updates in Windows Settings and set Glary Utilities to notify you of new releases.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a casual Windows user or a power user, effective system monitoring is a smart investment of your time. Built-in Windows tools like Task Manager and Performance Monitor offer valuable insights, while comprehensive suites like Glary Utilities make routine maintenance effortless. By applying these 15 tips, you’ll keep your PC running smoothly, save time, and avoid future headaches—no matter your experience level.