
- Clear all Windows Experience Index scores and re-rate the system: Re-assesses system performance and generates a new Windows Experience Index (WEI) score. You would typically run this after installing newer, faster hardware components (for example, a video card).
- View performance details in Event Log: Provides insight into any performance-related warnings or errors. Unfortunately, clicking this link does not open the Event Viewer with the Performance Information upfront. You need to navigate to Applications and Services Logs ➪ Microsoft ➪ Windows ➪ Diagnostics- Performance, and then click Operational.
- Open Performance Monitor: Enables you to view and gather performance data, either in real-time or from a log file, and generate reports.
- Open Resource Monitor: Enables you to view information about hardware (for example, CPU, memory, and so on) and software (for example, handles) resources in real-time.
- Open Task Manager: Infamous tool that enables you to display (and, more important, kill) running programs, processes, and services. It also provides network status and basic performance information.
- View advanced system details in System Information: Enables you to view details about your computer’s hardware configuration, computer components, and software, including drivers. Very handy and can even be run via the Command Prompt.
- Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows: Enables you to tweak visual effects, processor and memory usage, and virtual memory settings.
- Open Disk Defragmenter: Rearranges bits of files and folders on your disk (defragments) for faster, more efficient hard disk access. With solid-state drives on the rise, the usefulness of this tool is declining.
- Generate a system health report: Analyses your system from top to bottom and provides a very thorough report on various performance warnings and problems detected. If you suspect performance issues, run this tool first.