If your computer is like mine, knowing what’s running on my computer is a nightmare. Numerous background processes are connected to the actual programming running, making it tricky to isolate issues when the arise. I install new apps frequently to test them out. I don’t always remember to uninstall them.
As that list grows it becomes harder to know what’s running on my computer. And many apps have background processes that run even if the app is closed.
The Windows Task Manager offers some idea what’s going on. For additional detail, Microsoft offers a great free tool called Process Explorer. It gives you a deeper dive on exactly how everything is connected. Combined with the information about your display, sound, and input devices available in DXDIAG you get a pretty clear picture of all of your computer’s vitals.
Process Explorer is particularly handy if you run into situations where your Windows computer routinely fails to shut down properly. Sometimes a background process from a specific app is the root cause of the issue. With Process Explorer helping you see what’s running it’s easier to identify potential problematic apps and either deactivate them or uninstall them.
