Monitoring performance metrics is one of the best ways to detect and prevent computer problems. If your computer uses a lot of CPU cycles or memory, but you’re not doing anything with it, this could be a sign that something is wrong. This could indicate that your computer is having problems.
As an example, let’s say you need to benchmark new apps for system performance. Monitoring performance metrics will provide you with a lot of data.
What are Performance Counters in Windows?
Windows performance counters track usage data such as processor cycles, memory and storage disks. System administrators can monitor system performance by measuring the finite usage at any one time. This system performance data can prove to be extremely valuable, but it’s not often used.
Let’s say that an end-user complains about their laptop’s slow performance and demands a new device. This is a common problem that every IT support agent will encounter. Support staff can use performance metrics for insight into the hardware utilization of an end user’s device. They can also see the device’s response time and latency. Tech support agents can use this data to diagnose the problem and fix it without spending money.
Another example. Let’s say you need to deploy a network-based application within your business. You have some capacity on a VM running under ESXi on one your servers. You don’t know if the VM has enough resources to handle additional applications. These performance metrics can be used to quickly answer this question.
There are many reasons IT professionals should be comfortable monitoring system performance metrics. First, this data is useful and can be used to fix many issues. This data can be accessed by IT professionals without having to sit in front a computer.
Performance metrics can be remotely gathered, monitored, and analyzed like many Windows-based admin utilities. Microsoft also offers GUI-based panel snap ins and command-line tools to grab performance data remotely. This is particularly useful for IT professionals who want to create a remote monitoring tool that can capture and store performance data.
It would be great fun to create your own script that monitors a server’s memory and CPU usage and sends you an alert if it occurs. This is a great way to take your IT skills to the next step.
How to find Windows Performance Metrics
Windows offers a way to monitor system performance metrics via both the GUI and the command line. Let’s talk about how to find these performance metrics.
There are two ways to locate the Performance Monitor snap in in Windows. You can either use run dialog box or the control panel to find the snap-in.
These instructions will work with Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. These instructions work for Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11.
How to launch the Windows Performance Monitor from the Start Menu
It is simple to run the Windows Performance Monitor using the Run Dialogue box from the Windows Start Menu. Click the Start button
Start typing “Perfmon” in the search box. These results will be automatically populated by the Windows Start Menu. The Windows Search mechanism will populate the Start Menu option called “Performance Monitor”.
To run Performance Monitor, select it.
How to find the Windows Performance Monitor in Windows Control Panel
It is easy to find the Windows Performance Monitor within the Control Panel. The Performance Monitor is located under the Administrative Tools section. Follow the instructions below to locate the Windows Performance Monitor snap in.
In Windows, click the Start Button.
Type Control