Windows Task Manager vs Resource Monitor : Which is Better?

Windows Task Manager icon

Windows Task Manager

Task Manager, previously known as Windows Task Manager, is a task manager, system monitor, and startup manager included with Microsoft Windows systems. It provides limited information about computer performance and running applications, processes and CPU usage, commit charge and memory information, network activity and statistics, logged-in users, and system services. Developed by Microsoft

License: Free

Apps available for Windows

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Resource Monitor icon

Resource Monitor

Resource Monitor a utility that displays information about the use of hardware (CPU, memory, disk, and network) and software (file handles and modules) resources in real time. Developed by Microsoft

License: Free

Apps available for Windows

Windows Task Manager VS Resource Monitor

Windows Task Manager is designed for quick and easy access to running processes and basic resource monitoring, making it user-friendly for general users. In contrast, Resource Monitor provides more detailed insights and advanced monitoring capabilities, suitable for users needing in-depth analysis of system performance.

Windows Task Manager

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface for quick access to running processes
  • Real-time monitoring of CPU, memory, disk, and network usage
  • Ability to end tasks or processes directly
  • Performance tab for detailed resource usage statistics
  • Startup tab to manage applications that run at startup

Cons:

  • Limited detailed information compared to Resource Monitor
  • Less granular control over individual service/resource
  • Does not provide historical data

Resource Monitor

Pros:

  • More detailed and granular information on resource usage
  • Ability to monitor specific services and their resource consumption
  • Network monitoring capabilities including TCP connections
  • Graphs for visual representation of resource usage
  • Detailed disk activity monitoring

Cons:

  • More complex interface, which may overwhelm new users
  • Requires more system resources than Task Manager
  • Not as intuitive for quick checks

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