resource monitor

Using Resource Monitor to Troubleshoot Windows Performance Bottlenecks Difficulty: Intermediate | Time Required: 15 minutes Resource Monitor is a powerful, built-in Windows tool that lets you see, in real time, exactly which apps and services are consuming CPU, memory, disk, and network...

When a Windows Server hosts services for users or other systems, port visibility is one of the first and most essential things an administrator must master; knowing which ports are listening, which are established, and which are blocked by a firewall directly affects uptime, security posture...

Over the years I’ve built a compact, free toolkit of Windows utilities that quickly expose the usual suspects when a PC slows down: low disk space, runaway background processes, flaky RAM, overheating hardware, or an aging storage drive. The MakeUseOf piece that started this conversation lays...

In March 2025, Microsoft released an update to the Xbox Game Bar, a built-in Windows feature designed to enhance gaming experiences by providing overlays for resource monitoring, capturing gameplay, and more. This update introduced a refreshed interface and additional functionalities. However...

Windows operating systems are equipped with a plethora of built-in utilities that often go unnoticed by the average user. These tools can significantly enhance productivity, streamline system management, and provide advanced functionalities without the need for third-party software. Here, we...

Windows has continually evolved, introducing a stream of new features, apps, and interfaces with every iteration. Yet, some of its oldest built-in tools remain as relevant and dependable today as ever. While the sleek and often cloud-dependent apps of modern Windows cater to a connected world...

When attempting to administer a Windows server environment, there are few issues more disruptive and anxiety-inducing than being locked out due to a perplexing error message. One such problem—"The task you are trying to do can't be completed because Remote Desktop Service is currently busy"—has...

Few Windows utilities are as universally recognized as Task Manager—a tool whose very mention evokes urgency among seasoned users and casual PC owners alike. For decades, it has been the go-to choice for troubleshooting sluggish systems, taming runaway resource hogs, or simply ending those...

Windows 11 users who rely on Task Manager for performance monitoring and troubleshooting are in for a subtle but impactful shift. The recent rollout of the KB5058411 update—part of the Windows 11 24H2 cycle—delivers a noteworthy upgrade: a smarter, unified approach to CPU usage calculation that...

Windows Sysinternals is a suite of advanced utilities developed by Microsoft to assist users in managing, diagnosing, and troubleshooting Windows systems. While these tools are often associated with IT professionals and developers, many of them offer functionalities that can significantly...

Containerizing core programs with Docker on Windows might sound like an advanced DevOps trick best left for cloud professionals, but the tangible workflow improvements are immediate—fracturing assumptions about desktop app management and system stability. For years, personal computers have...

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.5090 (KB5053649) has landed for Beta Channel users, and it’s already generating buzz among enthusiasts eager to glimpse the future of Windows 11. For those who haven’t been closely following the Insider Program, this new build is part of Microsoft’s ongoing...

If you’ve ever struggled with a sluggish computer or wondered why your system seems to drag its feet on critical tasks, you might want to take a closer look at one of Windows’ most underrated features: Task Manager. While many of us know it as the trusty tool for force-quitting frozen...

If you’ve only used Windows Task Manager to force-close an unresponsive application or glance at basic resource usage, it's time to level up your game. Task Manager is far more than just a “kill switch” for misbehaving processes—it’s a robust diagnostic and management tool built right into...

When it comes to keeping your Windows system running in tip-top shape, even the most stable releases can occasionally throw you a curveball. Fortunately, Windows has a robust set of built-in troubleshooting tools designed to help you diagnose and fix issues without having to install third-party...

In the ever-evolving world of Windows 11, one might think that the operating system is only as good as its flashy updates and user interface enhancements. But for those who delve deeper, there's a treasure trove of built-in utilities that can exponentially enhance your experience and efficiency...

Hello, Occasionally, when watching a video* through Google Chrome, I notice CPU usage goes way up. Resource Monitor shows it's due to a svchost process in charge of "DComLaunch, PlugPlay, Power". For one, Sysinternals' psservice.exe says that the PlugPlay service is...

Windows Server 2016: Why the C drive of a server gets full while neither data nor heavy software are stored or installed in it, I couldn’t figure out why the C drive of a server gets full while neither data nor heavy software are stored or installed in it as per the screenshots below

I have been using Hyper-V on a W-10 Pro 64b for four years, with two virtualized OS: a] Windows XP-SP3 b] Windows 10 Pro satisfactorily for testing, in a Lenovo laptop P70 (Xeon 2.8, 64GB RAM) with Windows 10 Pro. Just updated the OS a week ago to v:20H2 built 19042.685. Today the two virtual OS...

Suddenly the transfer rate dropped to 200-300 kb/s. I have no idea why . Any help is appreciated. Thank you! I uploaded all the relevant screenshots, here is a summary: My system is : Intel Core i7 4771 @ 3.50GHz Link Removed Windows 10 Pro 64-bit. I have this PC with Win10 installed on the...