SysInternals, a suite of robust utilities from Microsoft, offers a treasure trove of tools designed to enhance the performance and reliability of Windows PCs. Users can either download the entire SysInternals Suite package or select individual tools from the dedicated Microsoft SysInternals Learn page. This suite comprises 74 tools, primarily aimed at troubleshooting, yet several stand out for their optimization capabilities.
5 AutoRuns
It helps you clear background processes and startup apps
Among the most valuable tools in the suite is AutoRuns, which excels in identifying unnecessary background processes and obsolete registry entries. With a simple click, users can access detailed information about each entry, including the publisher and file path. This tool is particularly adept at spotting potentially harmful entries and files that may linger after software uninstallation. Additionally, the Drivers tab allows users to review installed drivers, highlighting any issues and unverified drivers, thus facilitating effective troubleshooting.
To launch AutoRuns, users can find it in the Start menu or use the shortcut Win + R, type Autoruns.exe, and press Enter.
4 TCPView
See everything happening on your network
For those experiencing sluggish internet applications, TCPView is an indispensable monitoring tool. It provides real-time insights into all TCP and UDP connections, categorizing them by version and displaying the ports in use along with connection timestamps. Users can also view details about sent and received packets, making it a favorite among system administrators who appreciate the ability to customize monitoring states and terminate bandwidth-hogging processes. Launching TCPView is as simple as searching in the Start menu or using Win + R, typing tcpview.exe, and pressing Enter.
3 RamMap
An amped-up Task Manager
While the standard Task Manager is useful for managing RAM usage, RamMap takes it a step further by providing an in-depth analysis of memory consumption across individual processes. Users can identify memory-hogging applications and diagnose memory leaks effectively. RamMap also offers options to clear memory, including:
- Empty Working Sets: Clears the working set of processes, freeing up memory from idle applications.
- Empty Standby Lists: Clears cached data from the standby list, making more memory available for active processes.
- Empty Modified Lists: Forces modified pages to be written to disk, freeing up memory.
To access RamMap, users can navigate through the Start menu or press Win + R, type rammap.exe, and press Enter.
2 DiskView
A hard drive assessment tool
DiskView is the go-to tool for those seeking detailed insights into hard drive usage. After scanning, it presents a color-coded map of disk sectors, revealing how each sector is utilized. This visualization helps users identify fragmentation and unused space, guiding them on when to defragment their HDD for optimal performance. While SSD users may find it less applicable, DiskView still provides valuable insights into data distribution. To launch DiskView, users can either search in the Start menu or use Win + R, type diskview.exe, and press Enter.
1 CacheSet
Clearing the system cache with a single click
CacheSet is designed to optimize the Windows file system cache, allowing users to adjust how cached data is managed. By modifying the minimum and maximum working set sizes and cache flush intervals, users can significantly enhance system performance. For those unfamiliar with these settings, CacheSet also simplifies the process of clearing the cache with a single click. To utilize CacheSet, simply press Win + R, type cacheset.exe, and hit Enter, followed by clicking the Clear button.
You don’t need expensive tools to optimize your Windows PC
While numerous system optimization tools are available, the SysInternals Suite stands out for its cost-free, comprehensive offerings. These tools are not only effective but also compatible with Windows Recovery mode, making them invaluable for troubleshooting. Their small size and practicality make them an excellent choice for users seeking to enhance their PC’s performance without incurring additional expenses.
