Ever wondered if your PC is running at its best? Maybe your computer feels slower than usual, or you’re just curious about how much power it’s packing. Whatever the reason, checking your PC’s performance in Windows 11 is easier than you think.
In this guide, I’ll show you multiple ways to check CPU usage, GPU performance, RAM consumption, storage speed, and overall system health. Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, these methods will help you figure out what’s going on under the hood.
Why Check Your PC Performance?
Before we dive into the how, let’s quickly cover the why:
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Identify Bottlenecks – Find out if CPU, RAM, or storage is slowing you down
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Prevent Overheating – High temps can reduce performance and damage hardware
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Optimize Gaming and Workflows – Ensure smooth performance for demanding apps
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Plan for Upgrades – Know when it’s time for more RAM, a faster SSD, or a better GPU
Think of it like a routine checkup for your computer — catch small problems before they become big ones.
Method 1: Check Performance with Task Manager
Task Manager is your built-in performance dashboard, and it’s perfect for a quick health check.
Step 1: Open Task Manager
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
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Or right-click the taskbar and choose Task Manager
Step 2: Switch to Performance Tab
Click Performance on the left sidebar — you’ll see:
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CPU Usage – How much processing power is being used
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Memory Usage – RAM consumption in real time
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Disk Activity – Read/write speed and usage
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GPU Activity – Graphics performance data
Step 3: Monitor in Real Time
Watch the live graphs — high constant usage (near 100%) could mean something is bogging down your PC.
Method 2: Use Windows 11 Settings App
For a more beginner-friendly view, use the Settings app.
Step 1: Open Settings
Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Step 2: Go to System > About
Scroll down to Device Specifications to view:
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Processor
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Installed RAM
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System type (32-bit or 64-bit)
While this doesn’t show live usage, it’s a good way to check hardware specs quickly.
Method 3: Check Performance with Resource Monitor
Want a deeper dive? Resource Monitor gives detailed insights.
Step 1: Launch Resource Monitor
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Press Windows + R, type
resmon, and hit Enter
Step 2: Explore Tabs
You’ll see data for:
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CPU – Which processes are using the most resources
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Memory – How RAM is being allocated
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Disk – Which apps are reading/writing data
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Network – Bandwidth usage
This tool is like Task Manager on steroids.
Method 4: Use Performance Monitor (Advanced)
If you want long-term performance tracking, Performance Monitor is the way to go.
Step 1: Open Performance Monitor
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Press Windows + R, type
perfmon, and hit Enter
Step 2: Add Counters
You can track metrics like:
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Processor time
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Available memory
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Disk I/O
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Network usage
Great for diagnosing ongoing issues.
Method 5: Run Windows 11 Built-In Troubleshooters
Windows includes automated troubleshooters that can detect performance issues.
How to Access
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Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters
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Run the Performance or Power troubleshooters
This can automatically fix common problems like power plan misconfigurations.
Method 6: Check PC Health with Windows Security
Performance isn’t just about speed — system health matters too.
Step 1: Open Windows Security
Search for Windows Security in the Start menu.
Step 2: Go to Device Performance & Health
Here you can see:
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Storage capacity
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Battery life (for laptops)
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Windows updates status
Method 7: Benchmark Your PC
If you want to compare your PC’s performance with others, try benchmarking.
Recommended Tools
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Geekbench – Tests CPU and GPU performance
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UserBenchmark – Free and simple to use
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Cinebench – Popular for CPU rendering performance
Benchmark scores give you a number you can compare with other systems online.
Method 8: Monitor Temperatures
High temperatures can throttle performance, so keep an eye on them.
Best Tools for Monitoring Temps
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HWMonitor – Lightweight, shows CPU/GPU temps
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MSI Afterburner – Great for gamers to track GPU temps in real time
Tips to Improve PC Performance After Testing
Once you’ve checked your performance, you may want to boost it.
1. Close Unnecessary Startup Apps
Go to Task Manager > Startup Apps and disable anything you don’t need running all the time.
2. Update Drivers
Outdated drivers can hurt performance. Use Windows Update or manufacturer tools to stay current.
3. Free Up Disk Space
Run Storage Sense in Settings or delete temporary files manually.
4. Adjust Power Mode
Switch to Best Performance mode for demanding tasks:
Settings > System > Power & Battery > Power Mode
5. Scan for Malware
Viruses can hog CPU and RAM. Run a quick scan with Windows Security.
When to Consider Hardware Upgrades
If you’ve tried all the software fixes and performance is still lacking, it might be time for an upgrade:
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Add More RAM – Helps with multitasking
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Switch to SSD – Dramatic speed improvement over HDD
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Upgrade GPU – Essential for gamers and video editors
Final Thoughts
Checking PC performance in Windows 11 isn’t complicated — in fact, Microsoft gives you several built-in tools to make it easy. From Task Manager for quick monitoring to Performance Monitor for in-depth analysis, you’ve got plenty of options.
Regularly checking your PC’s health can help you catch issues early, keep things running smoothly, and plan upgrades before problems slow you down.
FAQs
1. How do I check my computer speed in Windows 11?
Use Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and check CPU speed under the Performance tab.
2. Is there a built-in benchmark tool in Windows 11?
Not exactly, but you can use Performance Monitor for detailed performance tracking.
3. How do I check my PC’s temperature?
You’ll need third-party tools like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner to monitor temps.
4. Can I boost performance without upgrading hardware?
Yes — close background apps, update drivers, free up disk space, and adjust power settings.
5. How often should I check PC performance?
Once a month is a good habit, or anytime you notice unusual slowdowns.