Have you ever wondered if your Windows 11 PC is performing at its best? Whether you’re a gamer chasing higher frame rates, a student running multiple apps, or a professional editing videos, knowing how your PC performs is essential.
Luckily, Windows 11 comes with built-in tools and also supports third-party software that can help you monitor performance in real time. In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through different methods to check your PC’s performance on Windows 11 and understand what those numbers really mean.
Why Should You Check PC Performance?
Before diving into the steps, let’s understand why monitoring performance matters:
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Troubleshooting Issues – If your PC feels slow, performance monitoring helps pinpoint the cause.
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Gaming Optimization – Check CPU, GPU, and RAM usage to maximize FPS.
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System Health – Ensure your PC isn’t overheating or overworked.
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Upgrade Planning – Knowing your bottlenecks helps decide whether to upgrade RAM, SSD, or GPU.
Different Ways to Check PC Performance on Windows 11
Windows 11 provides several built-in tools, plus you can use third-party apps for advanced monitoring. Let’s go step by step.
Method 1: Check Performance with Task Manager
Task Manager is the simplest way to monitor real-time performance.
Steps:
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
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Go to the Performance tab.
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Here you can check:
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CPU usage (% load, cores, threads, speed).
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Memory usage (RAM used vs available).
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Disk usage (read/write activity).
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GPU usage (graphics performance).
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Network activity (Wi-Fi or Ethernet speed).
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If one component is always near 100%, that’s likely your performance bottleneck.
Method 2: Use Performance Monitor
Windows has a powerful tool called Performance Monitor.
Steps:
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Press Win + R, type
perfmon, and hit Enter. -
In the Performance Monitor window, click the green + icon.
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Add counters like Processor Time, Memory Usage, Disk Queue Length.
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Monitor performance in real-time graphs.
This tool is best for advanced users who want detailed insights.
Method 3: Use Windows Security – Device Performance & Health
Windows Security also provides a quick health report.
Steps:
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Press Win + I → Open Settings.
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Go to Privacy & Security → Windows Security → Device performance & health.
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Here you’ll see reports on:
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Storage capacity
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Battery life (for laptops)
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Apps and software issues
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Windows updates
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Great for a quick health check without diving deep.
Method 4: Use Command Prompt (Built-in Reports)
Yes, you can generate a detailed performance report with just one command.
Steps:
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Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
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Type:
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Wait 60 seconds—Windows will analyze your system.
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A full report opens with details about CPU, memory, disk, and network.
This is one of the most detailed built-in performance checks.
Method 5: Use Resource Monitor
Resource Monitor gives deeper insight than Task Manager.
Steps:
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Press Win + R, type
resmon, and press Enter. -
Use the tabs (CPU, Memory, Disk, Network) to see real-time performance.
This is especially helpful for finding which app is hogging resources.
Method 6: Use Settings App (System Information)
Windows Settings also provides performance and hardware info.
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Press Win + I → Go to System → About.
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Check processor, RAM, and system type.
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For storage performance, go to System → Storage.
Method 7: Benchmark with Third-Party Tools
If you want deeper benchmarking (for gaming or heavy tasks), third-party apps are best.
Popular Tools:
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Cinebench R23 – CPU benchmarking.
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3DMark – GPU & gaming performance tests.
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CrystalDiskMark – SSD/HDD speed test.
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HWMonitor – Temperature and voltage monitoring.
Gamers love these tools to test FPS and stability.
How to Check PC Temperature in Windows 11
Overheating can seriously slow down performance.
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Task Manager (GPU tab shows temp).
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HWMonitor or Core Temp for CPU/GPU temps.
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Keep temps below 80°C for CPU and 85°C for GPU for safe usage.
How to Test Gaming Performance
If gaming is your priority, here’s how to check performance:
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Press Win + G to open the Xbox Game Bar.
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Click the Performance widget.
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Monitor FPS, CPU, GPU, and RAM usage while gaming.
If your FPS is low, consider lowering game graphics or upgrading your GPU.
How to Run a Full PC Benchmark Report
Want an overall score for your PC’s performance?
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Use PCMark 10 (paid) for complete benchmarking.
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It tests productivity, web browsing, content creation, and gaming.
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Gives a single score you can compare with other PCs.
Troubleshooting Performance Issues
If you find your PC is underperforming, here’s how to fix it:
1. High CPU Usage
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Close unnecessary background apps.
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Disable startup programs.
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Update drivers.
2. High Disk Usage
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Check for Windows updates.
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Run chkdsk /f to repair disk errors.
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Consider upgrading to an SSD.
3. High RAM Usage
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Check which apps are using the most RAM in Task Manager.
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Increase virtual memory.
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Add more RAM if needed.
4. GPU Bottleneck
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Update graphics drivers.
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Lower in-game resolution.
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Clean GPU fans to prevent overheating.
Tips to Improve PC Performance
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Keep Windows 11 updated.
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Use an SSD instead of HDD.
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Upgrade to at least 16GB RAM for multitasking.
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Enable High Performance mode when gaming.
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Regularly clean your PC for dust buildup.
Final Thoughts
Checking your PC performance on Windows 11 is easier than you might think. Whether you just want a quick health report or an in-depth benchmark, there’s a method for everyone—from Task Manager and Performance Monitor to advanced benchmarking tools like 3DMark.
Think of it like checking your car’s dashboard—monitoring CPU, RAM, and GPU ensures your PC runs smoothly and avoids breakdowns. So go ahead, run those checks, and keep your system at peak performance.
FAQs
1. How can I check FPS while gaming in Windows 11?
Press Win + G to open Xbox Game Bar, then enable the Performance widget to see FPS.
2. What’s the best free tool to check PC performance?
Task Manager and Resource Monitor are built-in and free. For benchmarks, Cinebench and CrystalDiskMark are great free options.
3. How do I know if my PC needs an upgrade?
If CPU, RAM, or GPU usage is near 100% during normal tasks, it might be time to upgrade.
4. Can I check PC performance without third-party apps?
Yes, Windows 11 includes Task Manager, Resource Monitor, Performance Monitor, and Xbox Game Bar.
5. How often should I check my PC’s performance?
Once every few months is enough, but check more often if you notice slowdowns or crashes.