How to Check Device Performance in Windows 11
Task Manager is a built-in Windows 11 tool that shows live stats for your processor, memory, and disk so you can see which programs slow down your PC. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open the window instantly and spot power-hungry apps in seconds.
Performance Monitor is an advanced tool included in Windows 11 that tracks exact system logs and resource use over time to catch tricky hardware problems. You can use these tools to check your system health whenever your computer feels slow.
Open Windows Security, click Device performance & health, and review Storage capacity, Apps and software, Battery life, and Windows Time service. You can also use Task Manager ’s Performance tab for real-time CPU, memory, disk, and network usage.
Why check your device health?
Catching problems early prevents crashes and data loss. Regular checks uncover low storage or outdated software before minor hiccups turn into major headaches.
What happens when done?
After running a Windows 11 performance check, a health report appears with green checkmarks for good status and yellow marks for issues needing attention, like pending updates.
Using the Windows Security App
You can run a Windows 11 performance check using the built-in Windows Security app to see your overall device health and find problems that slow down your system. This tool checks storage space, driver updates, and battery life without needing any extra software. Open the Start menu , type Windows Security, and click the app to view your current system status.
- In the search box on your taskbar , type Windows Security.
- Select Windows Security from the search results.
Administrator rights are not required to check device performance using the Windows 11 Performance Monitor tool. Some suggested fixes within the performance report might require administrator rights to implement.
- Inside the Windows Security app, click on Device performance & health.
The report covers these main areas:
- Storage capacity: Checks if you are running out of disk space.
- Apps and software: Alerts you if programs are failing or need updates.
- Battery life: Shows if apps are draining your battery too quickly.
- Windows Time service: Ensures your clock is set correctly for system processes.
Using the PC Health Check App
You can use the PC Health Check app from Microsoft to run a thorough Windows 11 performance check and see if your computer meets the hardware requirements for the operating system. This free tool shows your processor speed, memory use, and storage capacity in one dashboard. Download it from the Microsoft website, open the app, and click the Check Now button to see your results.
Downloading the app from Microsoft's official website takes moments. After installation, the utility provides a complete rundown of device specifications, including processor, RAM, and storage amount, while verifying compatibility for the newest Windows updates.
Troubleshooting Performance Issues
If a Windows 11 performance check reveals trouble spots, clearing temporary files using Disk Cleanup (a utility for freeing up disk space) or disabling unneeded startup programs in Task Manager gets things running smoothly again.
Hardware Diagnostics
For laptops, running a battery capacity report displays battery health and usage history.
Summary
Regularly checking your Windows 11 device performance and health keeps your PC fast and secure, so make it a habit to review updates and storage.
Is the PC Health Check app free?
The PC Health Check app is completely free to download and use from Microsoft's official website. It helps verify if hardware meets Windows 11 system requirements and provides basic diagnostics for device health and performance status.
How do I fix performance issues found by Windows Security?
When Windows Security identifies an issue, a recommended action button appears on screen. Clicking this button lets Windows fix the problem automatically. For storage issues, manually deleting large files or moving data to an external drive frees up space.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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