Top 10 Ways to Configure Windows System Monitoring Tools in Windows 10 & 11

For intermediate users looking to optimize and monitor their Windows 10 and 11 systems, configuring system monitoring tools can be an empowering step towards maintaining and enhancing your PC’s performance. In this guide, we explore the top 10 ways to configure system monitoring tools effectively.

1. How to Use Task Manager for Real-Time Monitoring?
Task Manager is your go-to tool for a quick overview of system performance. To access it, right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager. Navigate to the ‘Performance’ tab to see real-time data on CPU, memory, disk, and network usage. For a more detailed view, click on ‘Open Resource Monitor’ at the bottom.

2. What is Resource Monitor and How to Utilize It?
Resource Monitor offers in-depth details on system resources. Access it via Task Manager or by typing ‘Resource Monitor’ in the search bar. Use it to identify processes that consume excessive resources. In the ‘CPU’ tab, observe the processes and services to decide which ones can be ended or need further investigation.

3. How Can You Set Up and Use Performance Monitor?
Performance Monitor (PerfMon) allows you to create detailed monitoring reports. Search for ‘Performance Monitor’ in the Start menu. Use the ‘Data Collector Sets’ to create customized monitoring reports. Add specific counters like processor time or disk usage for a tailored analysis of system performance over time.

4. How to Enable and Utilize Event Viewer?
Event Viewer logs significant system events and warnings. Search for ‘Event Viewer’ to open the application. It’s useful for troubleshooting errors and warnings. Check the ‘Windows Logs’ section, particularly ‘System’ and ‘Application’, for any critical or error logs.

5. How Do You Configure Reliability Monitor?
Reliability Monitor tracks system reliability and problem history. Search for ‘Reliability Monitor’ or access it through Control Panel > Security and Maintenance > Maintenance > View reliability history. It provides a timeline of critical events and failures, assisting in identifying recurring issues.

6. How to Employ Windows Performance Toolkit?
For advanced performance analysis, the Windows Performance Toolkit (part of the Windows SDK) is invaluable. Install it from the official Microsoft website. Use tools like Windows Performance Recorder and Windows Performance Analyzer to record and analyze performance data.

7. How Can You Customize Windows Defender Security Center?
Windows Defender Security Center provides security monitoring. Access it through the Start menu search. Review ‘Virus & threat protection’ and ‘Firewall & network protection’ settings. Ensure real-time protection is enabled and review protection history for any threats.

8. How to Integrate Sysinternals Suite for In-Depth Monitoring?
Sysinternals Suite, available from Microsoft’s website, includes tools like Process Explorer and Autoruns. Process Explorer provides a more detailed view of running processes than Task Manager. Autoruns helps you manage startup programs and ensure only necessary apps run at startup.

9. How Do You Set Up Alerts with Performance Monitor?
In Performance Monitor, you can set up alerts for specific criteria. Create a new Data Collector Set, and under ‘Alert’, set conditions like ‘CPU Usage > 80%’. Configure it to log an event or send a notification, allowing proactive management of resource usage.

10. Why Use Glary Utilities for Comprehensive Monitoring and Maintenance?
Glary Utilities is a comprehensive suite for monitoring and optimizing your system. It offers features like disk cleaner, registry repair, and startup manager. Use its ‘System Information’ tool for an overview of system performance and ‘Process Manager’ for managing running applications efficiently.

By effectively configuring these Windows monitoring tools, intermediate users can maintain peak system performance, promptly address issues, and ensure a secure and reliable computing experience. For an even more streamlined approach to system maintenance, Glary Utilities offers an all-in-one solution that covers many of these aspects in a user-friendly package.