Windows · Troubleshooting
Monitor CPU, memory, and startup impact
Opens Task Manager, which shows real-time resource usage across CPU, memory, disk, GPU, and network, lets you end unresponsive processes, and manage which apps launch automatically at startup.
How to open Task Manager Performance Monitoring
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager directly
- Review the Processes tab for current resource usage
- Check the Performance tab for detailed hardware graphs
- Open the Startup apps tab to manage what launches at boot
What you should know
- View real-time CPU, memory, disk, GPU, and network usage per process
- End unresponsive or resource-heavy applications
- Disable unnecessary startup apps to speed up boot time
- Review the Performance tab for detailed hardware utilization graphs
Why it matters
Task Manager is the primary built-in tool for diagnosing why a PC feels slow, whether it's a runaway process consuming CPU, a memory leak, or too many startup apps competing for resources during boot. Being able to quickly identify and end an unresponsive application prevents having to restart the entire PC just to recover from one frozen program. The Startup tab specifically addresses one of the most common causes of slow boot times, letting you selectively disable apps that don't need to launch automatically every time.
Best practices
- Sort processes by CPU or memory usage to quickly spot what's consuming the most resources
- Disable unnecessary startup apps rather than leaving everything enabled by default
- Use the Performance tab's graphs to identify sustained versus temporary spikes in usage
- Check the Details tab for more granular process information when troubleshooting a specific issue
Common problems and fixes
- A process shows high CPU usage constantly
- Identify the process, check if it's a known issue with that application, and consider ending or updating it.
- PC boots slowly
- Open the Startup tab in Task Manager and disable high-impact apps that don't need to launch automatically.
- Ending a process doesn't stop the problem
- Some processes restart automatically if managed by a service; check Services or the app's own settings instead.
Tips and tricks
- Use Ctrl+Shift+Esc as the fastest way to open Task Manager directly, bypassing other menus
- Right-click a process for options like 'Open file location' or 'Search online' to identify unfamiliar processes
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to end any process?
No, ending certain system processes can cause instability; only end processes you recognize as safe to close, typically user applications.
How do I open Task Manager quickly?
Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc for instant access, or right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager.
What does 'startup impact' mean?
It's Windows' estimate of how much a given app slows down boot time when set to launch automatically.
Related settings
- TroubleshootTroubleshoot gathers Windows' built-in automated diagnostic tools in one place, covering internet connections, audio playback and recording, printers, Bluetooth, Windows Update, and more. Each troubleshooter runs a scripted sequence of checks against the specific feature it targets and applies a fix automatically wherever it safely can, instead of requiring you to already know the underlying cause.
- Windows Memory DiagnosticRuns the built-in Windows Memory Diagnostic tool, which restarts your PC and tests physical RAM for errors that can cause crashes, blue screens, or general instability.
- Event ViewerOpens Event Viewer, an advanced diagnostic tool that logs detailed records of system events, application errors, security events, and warnings, useful for pinpointing the exact cause of crashes or failures.
More Troubleshooting guides for Windows
- Windows ResetWindows Reset allows you to reinstall the operating system while choosing whether to keep your personal files or remove everything. This option is useful when your PC is experiencing serious performance issues, system corruption, or persistent software problems.
- System RestartSystem Restart allows you to safely reboot your PC, clearing temporary files and refreshing all running processes. This can resolve many common issues such as slow performance, unresponsive applications, and minor software glitches.
- Network ResetNetwork Reset restores all networking components to their factory default settings. This includes removing all saved WiFi networks, resetting TCP/IP stack, and clearing DNS cache. Use this as a troubleshooting step when other network fixes have not resolved your issue.
- RecoveryRecovery brings together the tools for fixing a Windows PC that won't start correctly or is having serious problems, including Advanced startup (for Safe Mode, Startup Repair, and command-line recovery tools), System Restore, and Fix problems using Windows Update. It's a broader troubleshooting toolkit than Reset This PC alone, covering scenarios where a full reset is more than you need.
- Get Help AppOpens the Get Help app, Microsoft's built-in support tool that provides guided troubleshooting for common Windows problems and can connect you to a live support agent when self-service steps don't resolve an issue.
- Feedback HubOpens the Feedback Hub app, which lets you report bugs, log performance problems with diagnostic traces, and upvote or suggest new features that Microsoft's Windows engineering teams review.