How to Check PC Performance: A Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you’re a gamer, a remote worker, or a casual user, knowing how to check your PC’s performance is essential for maintaining speed, stability, and productivity. This guide walks you through different ways to monitor and improve your computer’s performance.

Why You Should Regularly Check PC Performance

Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand why this matters. Regularly examining the performance of your PC ensures it runs efficiently, letting you:

• Identify resource-hungry apps
• Spot hardware issues early
• Optimize startup processes
• Extend the lifespan of your device

1. Use Windows Task Manager

The Task Manager is the quickest way to check real-time performance.

How to Access:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc or Ctrl + Alt + Delete > Task Manager
• Click on the Performance tab

You’ll see CPU, Memory (RAM), Disk, GPU, and network usage graphs. If your CPU or RAM is always maxed out, it might be time to upgrade or close background apps to enhance performance.

2. Run Windows Performance Monitor

For a deeper look, use Performance Monitor, a built-in diagnostic tool.

Steps:

• Type “Performance Monitor” in the Start menu
• Go to Performance > Monitoring Tools > Performance Monitor
• Add counters like % Processor Time, Available MBytes, and Disk Queue Length

This tool helps you track long-term performance of your PC and identify bottlenecks.

3. Use PC Speed Test Software

Free tools like UserBenchmark, Novabench, or Geekbench provide in-depth PC performance scores. These tools analyze:

• CPU performance
• GPU rendering
• RAM speed
• Storage read/write speed

Running a PC speed test will give you a comparison against other similar systems, helping you decide if you need an upgrade to improve your PC’s performance.

4. Check Startup Impact

Too many startup apps can slow your PC.

How to check:

• Open Task Manager > Startup tab
• Disable non-essential apps with a high startup impact

This simple step often makes a big difference in boot time and improves system performance.

5. Monitor Temperatures and Fan Speeds

Overheating can throttle your performance. Tools like HWMonitor, Core Temp, and SpeedFan can help.

These tools show:

• CPU and GPU temperatures
• Fan RPM
• Voltage levels

High temps mean it’s essential to check your PC’s cooling system, clean your PC, or reapply thermal paste.

6. Perform a Disk Cleanup

Low disk space can hurt performance. Use:

• Windows Disk Cleanup Tool
• Or third-party tools like CCleaner

Delete temporary files, system cache, and unnecessary logs to free up space and improve overall performance.

7. Update Drivers and Windows

Old drivers can cause performance issues or crashes.

To update:

• Use Device Manager or visit the manufacturer’s website
• Keep Windows Update turned on for security patches and feature improvements

Bonus Tip: Upgrade Your Hardware

If all else fails, consider upgrading:

• Add more RAM (8GB minimum for modern systems)
• Replace HDD with an SSD
• Upgrade GPU for gaming or editing tasks

Final Thoughts

Learning how to check the performance of your PC is key to maintaining a fast, responsive computer. With the right tools and regular checks, you can troubleshoot issues before they slow you down. Whether you’re a power user or just want smoother browsing, these tips will help you keep your computer in top shape.