Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager, then select Processes and click the Memory column heading to sort running apps and processes by current RAM use. For the overall system picture, open Performance > Memory.
Find the biggest current memory users
- Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc. You can also right-click Start and select Task Manager. Microsoft describes Task Manager as a system monitor and startup manager.
- Select Processes. If Task Manager opens in a compact view, choose the option to show more details before looking for the process list.
- Select the Memory column heading. The list sorts by current memory use; select the heading again if you want to reverse the order.
- Read the largest entries at the top. The list groups items as apps, background processes, and Windows processes, so a process name may not match the name of the app window you recognize.
This is a live snapshot, not a record of which app used the most RAM earlier. Values can change as apps open, close, or do work in the background.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Understand what the two memory views tell you
| Task Manager view | What it shows | Best used for |
|---|---|---|
| Processes | Current memory use by apps and processes | Finding the largest visible contributors |
| Performance > Memory | A real-time overview of system memory | Checking whether memory use is high across the PC as a whole |
Use the process list to answer “which app or process is using memory?” Use Performance > Memory to see the system-wide status. One view does not replace the other: a large process entry is useful context, but the overall memory view helps show whether the PC is under broader memory pressure.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Identify a process before ending it
If an app is grouped in the Processes list, expand its entry to see the processes behind it. For more process-level detail, select the Details tab. An unfamiliar name is not, by itself, a reason to end a task; it may belong to Windows or an app working in the background.
#1 Best Overall
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
Also, closing or minimizing a window does not necessarily stop its app from doing background work. If you are unsure what a process does, identify it before taking action rather than ending it solely because its name is unfamiliar.
What to do if memory use is making the PC slow
- Close apps you recognize and are not using, then check whether the PC feels more responsive.
- Revisit Performance > Memory and the sorted Processes list to see how the live picture changes.
- Review startup apps if the slowdown tends to occur after signing in. Task Manager includes startup management, but changing startup behavior is separate from identifying current memory use.
There is no universal RAM-use number that makes every app “too high.” What is reasonable depends on the app, what it is doing, and the computer’s available memory. Microsoft’s Runtime Broker guidance discusses a specific Windows 10 troubleshooting case; its example figures and threshold apply to that scenario, not to all Windows processes or apps. Read Microsoft’s Runtime Broker guidance.
Rank #2
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
Windows version notes
Microsoft’s performance guidance covers Windows 11 and Windows 10. Support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025. Task Manager’s exact layout and labels can vary by Windows release and build, but the key concepts remain the Processes list, its Memory column, and the Performance memory view. See Microsoft’s Windows system configuration tools guidance.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- WINDOWS 11 | STABLE PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 system, this laptop delivers stable performance for everyday computing tasks. It supports web browsing, online learning, document editing, email communication, and basic office work with optimized power efficiency, providing a practical and reliable experience for essential daily use for daily use.
- 15.6” FHD IPS DISPLAY: Features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with narrow bezels, offering wider viewing angles and clearer image details compared to standard panels. The improved screen-to-body ratio enhances visual experience for study, reading, document work, and video playback, making it suitable for both productivity and entertainment use.
- 4GB DDR4 + 128GB eMMC STORAGE: Equipped with 4GB DDR4 memory and 128GB eMMC storage for everyday basics such as browsing, documents, email, and online learning platforms. The built-in TF card slot supports storage expansion up to 1TB, giving you more flexibility for files, photos, videos, and daily documents. TF card not included.
- CONNECTIVITY & PORTS: Includes 1× TF card slot, 2× USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, and 2× full-featured Type-C ports (USB 3.2 Gen1). The Type-C ports support data transfer, charging, and video output, enabling flexible connection with external devices such as monitors, storage, and peripherals for daily work and study use.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN | ONLINE COMMUNICATION: Designed with a slim, portable profile, this laptop is easy to carry for school, commuting, and travel. A built-in 1MP front camera supports online classes, video meetings, remote communication, and everyday conferencing. The 3300mAh battery works with the low-power system design to support practical daily use, while thermal optimization helps maintain quieter operation during extended tasks.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
