How to Check Device Performance in Windows 11
Windows 11 offers built-in tools to check your device’s performance, letting you see how your computer is running.
These tools help you understand what’s slowing down your PC by showing which programs use the most resources like your processor (CPU), memory, and disk space.
The Task Manager’s ‘Performance’ tab is a great place to start. It displays real-time stats for your CPU, memory, disk, and network, making it easy to spot resource-hungry applications.
For a deeper look, Performance Monitor can track specific details over longer periods. This helps you find and fix more complex computer issues.
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?
What happens when done?
After running a Windows 11 performance check, you’ll see a health report with green checkmarks for good status and yellow marks for issues needing attention, like pending updates.
Using the Windows Security App
You can start a Windows 11 performance check using the built-in Windows Security app. This tool helps monitor your device’s overall health and check for potential issues that might be slowing it down.
- 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
The PC Health Check app from Microsoft offers a way to see how well your Windows 11 device is performing. It shows your computer’s main specs and checks if it meets the requirements to run Windows 11 smoothly.
You can download the app from Microsoft’s official website. After installing the app, it gives you a rundown of your device’s specifications, including your processor, RAM, and storage amount. The app also checks if your PC meets the requirements for the newest Windows updates.
Troubleshooting Performance Issues
If your Windows 11 performance check reveals issues, you can troubleshoot by clearing temporary files using Disk Cleanup (a tool for freeing up disk space) or by disabling unneeded startup programs in Task Manager.
Hardware Diagnostics
For laptops, running a hardware diagnostic like the battery capacity report in Windows 11 can show your battery’s health and usage history.
Summary
Regularly checking your Windows 11 device performance and health is key to keeping your PC fast and secure, so make it a habit to review updates and storage.
Is the PC Health Check app free?
Yes, the PC Health Check app is completely free to download and use from Microsoft’s official website. It is designed to help users verify if their hardware meets Windows 11 system requirements and to provide basic diagnostics for device health and performance status.
How do I fix performance issues found by Windows Security?
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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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