How to Check Computer Speed Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide - Support Your Tech (2025)

how to check computer speed windows 10

Checking your computer’s speed on Windows 10 is a straightforward task that involves using built-in tools to assess system performance. These tools offer insights into CPU usage, memory allocation, disk activity, and network performance. Essentially, you’ll use the Task Manager and Performance Monitor to get a clear picture of how fast your computer is running.

Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Check Computer Speed Windows 10

In this section, you’ll learn how to check your computer speed on Windows 10 by using simple steps anyone can follow.

Step 1: Open Task Manager

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.

Task Manager is a built-in utility that gives you a real-time view of what’s going on in your system. It shows you which programs are using the most resources, and how much CPU, memory, and disk space are being used.

Step 2: Go to the Performance Tab

Click on the "Performance" tab located at the top of the Task Manager window.

The Performance tab provides a more detailed breakdown of your computer’s usage stats. You’ll see graphs and data related to your CPU, memory, disk, and network usage.

Step 3: Check CPU Usage

Look at the "CPU" section to see your processor’s current usage.

Higher CPU usage means your processor is working hard. If your computer feels slow, check here to see if a particular application is hogging your CPU.

Step 4: Check Memory Usage

Look at the "Memory" section to see how much RAM is being used.

Available memory is essential for multitasking and running large applications. If your memory usage is high, your computer might be slow because it’s running out of RAM.

Step 5: Check Disk Usage

Look at the "Disk" section to see your hard drive’s activity.

Disk activity can affect your computer’s speed, especially if your system is constantly reading or writing data. High disk usage can lead to slow performance.

Step 6: Open Performance Monitor

Press Win + R, type "perfmon", and hit Enter to open Performance Monitor.

Performance Monitor gives you even more detailed information about your system’s performance. It’s a more advanced tool, but it can offer deeper insights into what might be slowing down your computer.

After you complete these steps, you’ll have a good idea of what’s affecting your computer’s speed. Whether it’s high CPU usage, lack of memory, or excessive disk activity, these insights can help you identify the bottlenecks.

Tips for How to Check Computer Speed Windows 10

• Regular Checks: Make it a habit to check your computer’s speed regularly to catch any issues early.
• Background Applications: Close unnecessary background applications to free up resources.
• Upgrade Components: Consider upgrading your RAM or switching to an SSD if you frequently experience slowdowns.
• Clean Up Disk Space: Use disk cleanup tools to remove temporary files and free up space.
• Update Software: Keep your operating system and software updated for optimal performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I speed up my computer if it’s slow?

Closing unnecessary programs, clearing temporary files, and upgrading your hardware like RAM or SSD can speed up your computer.

Is there software to automatically measure computer speed?

Yes, third-party software like CPU-Z, HWMonitor, and CrystalDiskMark can provide detailed performance data.

How often should I check my computer speed?

Checking once a month can help you stay ahead of any performance issues.

What should I do if my CPU usage is always high?

Identify the program using the most CPU and see if you can optimize or replace it. Sometimes, updating or reinstalling the software can help.

Can antivirus software slow down my computer?

Yes, some antivirus programs can be resource-intensive. Ensure you are using a lightweight but effective antivirus solution.

Summary

1. Open Task Manager.
2. Go to the Performance tab.
3. Check CPU usage.
4. Check Memory usage.
5. Check Disk usage.
6. Open Performance Monitor.

Conclusion

Knowing how to check computer speed on Windows 10 is like having a health check-up for your PC. By regularly monitoring your CPU, memory, and disk usage, you can identify performance bottlenecks early on. This proactive approach can save you from the frustrations of a slow computer and help you maintain its efficiency over time.

Don’t forget to make use of the built-in tools like Task Manager and Performance Monitor. These utilities offer a real-time snapshot of your system’s performance, helping you pinpoint where improvements can be made. If you find that hardware limitations are causing slowdowns, consider upgrading your components.

Keeping your system updated, decluttering your disk, and running periodic checks can go a long way in maintaining the speed and performance of your computer. Take control of your PC’s health today and enjoy a faster, more efficient computing experience.

Matt Jacobs

Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.

His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.