How do you troubleshoot high CPU usage on a Windows Server system using Performance Monitor?

[ProfRon]

You know when your Windows Server starts chugging like an old truck? I grab Performance Monitor right away. It helps spot what's hogging the CPU.

First, I hit the Windows key and type perfmon. That pops it open quick. You see the graph window staring back at you.

I add the processor counter from the performance section. Click that green plus button. Watch the lines spike where the trouble hides.

If the total CPU dances near 100 percent too long, something's feasting on power. I note the times it peaks. That clues me in on when it flares up.

Now, switch to the process view inside PerfMon. I add the % processor time for processes. Suddenly, you see culprits like sqlservr or explorer gobbling shares.

I let it run for a bit, maybe an hour. Peaks tell stories about runaway apps. You pinpoint the greedy one eating cycles.

Sometimes I correlate with system uptime counter. Helps if reboots mask the issue. You chase ghosts otherwise.

If it's a service acting wild, I task manager it next. But PerfMon gives the full picture first. You avoid blind stabs.

I save the data log for later review. Graphs export easy to share. You show bosses the proof without fuss.

Once you nail the process, restart or tweak it. CPU chills out fast. I breathe easier after that.

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