Using Performance Monitor
Introduction
Efficient server performance is critical for ensuring smooth business operations, minimizing
downtime, and optimizing resource usage. Performance Monitor (PerfMon) is a built-in
Windows tool that allows administrators to track system performance in real time, analyze
historical data, and troubleshoot performance bottlenecks.
In this session, we will explore:
✅ Understanding Performance Monitoring
✅ Key Features of Performance Monitor
✅ How to Use Performance Monitor for Real-Time & Historical Analysis
✅ Common Performance Counters & Their Interpretation
✅ Best Practices for Performance Tuning
1. Understanding Performance Monitoring
Performance monitoring is essential for proactive server management. It helps
administrators:
✔ Detect Bottlenecks – Identify issues related to CPU, memory, disk, and network
usage.
✔ Optimize Resource Utilization – Ensure the server runs efficiently without overuse
or underuse.
✔ Plan for Scalability – Forecast future resource needs based on historical trends.
✔ Improve Troubleshooting – Pinpoint the root cause of slowdowns and failures.
2. Introduction to Performance Monitor
Performance Monitor (PerfMon) is a powerful tool that provides:
📊 Real-time system performance tracking
📈 Logging and graphing of system activity
📌 Detailed reports for troubleshooting
🔧 Customizable alerts and automated actions
✅ PerfMon allows monitoring of hardware (CPU, RAM, Disk, Network) and software
(Processes, Services, Applications) performance over time.
3. Launching Performance Monitor
You can open Performance Monitor using any of the following methods:
🔹 From the Start Menu:
● Press Windows + S, type Performance Monitor, and select the tool.
🔹 Using the Run Command:
● Press Windows + R, type perfmon, and hit Enter.
🔹 Via Command Prompt or PowerShell:
Open CMD or PowerShell and type:
powershell
perfmon
🔹 From Server Manager:
● Open Server Manager > Tools > Performance Monitor
4. Using Performance Monitor for Real-Time & Historical Analysis
A. Real-Time Performance Monitoring
1
1️⃣ Open Performance Monitor
2️⃣ Navigate to Monitoring Tools > Performance Monitor
3️⃣ Click the + button to add counters
4️⃣ Select the desired system metrics (CPU, Disk, Memory, Network)
5️⃣Click OK to start tracking
✅ This provides a real-time graphical view of system performance.
B. Collecting Historical Data with Data Collector Sets
To analyze performance trends over time, you can use Data Collector Sets (DCS):
Step 1: Create a New Data Collector Set
1️⃣ Open Performance Monitor
2️⃣ Go to Data Collector Sets > User Defined
3️⃣ Right-click and select New > Data Collector Set
4️⃣ Name the set (e.g., "ServerPerformance") and select Create Manually
5️⃣Choose Performance Counter Data
Step 2: Add Performance Counters
1️⃣ Click Add and select key counters (CPU, Memory, Disk, Network)
2️⃣ Set sample interval (e.g., every 15 seconds)
3️⃣ Choose Log format (Binary, CSV, or SQL Database)
4️⃣Define where to save the logs
Step 3: Start & View Reports
1️⃣ Right-click the Data Collector Set and click Start
2️⃣ Let it run for a few hours/days
3️⃣Stop the collection and view the report under Reports > User Defined
✅ This helps in trend analysis and identifying performance degradation over time.
