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How to Fix Resource Monitor Not Working in Windows 10: Step-by-Step Solutions

Resource Monitor is a useful tool in Windows 10 that helps you monitor your system’s CPU, memory, disk, and network usage in real-time. Sometimes, this tool may stop working or fail to open, leaving users frustrated and unsure how to proceed. Fortunately, fixing Resource Monitor issues is usually straightforward and can be done with a few simple steps.

This guide will walk you through several easy-to-follow solutions to get Resource Monitor working again on your Windows 10 computer. Each method is explained clearly, even if you are not very tech-savvy.

By following these instructions, you can quickly identify and resolve common problems that prevent Resource Monitor from functioning properly.

Let’s start by checking a few quick prerequisites before diving into the troubleshooting steps.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

Before trying more complex fixes, make sure of the following:

  • Check if Resource Monitor is running: Sometimes, it might be open but minimized or hidden. You can open it by pressing Windows + R, typing resmon, and hitting Enter.
  • Restart your computer: A simple restart often solves temporary glitches that may cause Resource Monitor not to open.
  • Ensure your Windows 10 is updated: Updates often include fixes for system tools like Resource Monitor. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.
  • Check for system performance issues: If your system is extremely slow or unstable, Resource Monitor might struggle to launch.

Step 1: Run Resource Monitor as Administrator

Sometimes, the Resource Monitor needs elevated permissions to work properly. Running it as an administrator can fix permission-related issues.

  1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard and type Resource Monitor.
  2. Right-click on the Resource Monitor app from the search results.
  3. Select Run as administrator from the context menu.
  4. If a User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears, click Yes to allow.

After this, check if Resource Monitor opens and works correctly. Running as admin ensures it has full access to system resources.

Step 2: Use System File Checker to Repair Corrupted Files

Resource Monitor relies on core system files that can sometimes get corrupted, causing it not to work. The System File Checker (SFC) tool scans and repairs these files.

  1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, then right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
  2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

This scan will check your system files and fix any problems it finds. It may take some time, so please be patient. Once finished, restart your computer and try opening Resource Monitor again.

Step 3: Check and Restart the Diagnostic Policy Service

The Diagnostic Policy Service helps Windows troubleshoot problems automatically. If this service is stopped or malfunctioning, Resource Monitor may not work.

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
  2. Scroll down and find Diagnostic Policy Service.
  3. Right-click it and select Properties.
  4. Make sure the Startup type is set to Automatic.
  5. If the service is not running, click Start. If it is running, click Restart.
  6. Click OK to close the window.

Try opening Resource Monitor again after this. Ensuring this service runs properly helps Windows manage its diagnostic tools.

Step 4: Reset Resource Monitor Using Task Manager

If Resource Monitor is frozen or unresponsive, ending its process and restarting it can help.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Look for Resource Monitor or resmon.exe under the Processes tab.
  3. Select it and click End Task.
  4. Now, press Windows + R, type resmon, and hit Enter to reopen Resource Monitor.

This simple restart can clear temporary glitches or stuck processes.

Step 5: Create a New User Account (Advanced)

Sometimes, user profile corruption can cause built-in tools like Resource Monitor to malfunction. Creating a new user account can help identify if the issue is profile-specific.

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Accounts > Family & other users.
  3. Under Other users, click Add someone else to this PC.
  4. Follow the prompts to create a new local user account.
  5. Log out of your current account and log in with the new account.
  6. Try opening Resource Monitor again.

If Resource Monitor works on the new account, your old profile might be corrupted. You can consider migrating your files and settings to the new account.

Step 6: Use DISM Tool to Repair Windows Image

Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) is a powerful tool that repairs Windows system images. If Resource Monitor issues persist, this step can fix deeper system problems.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (see Step 2).
  2. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

These commands check for corruption and repair the system image if necessary. After completion, restart your PC and try Resource Monitor again.

FAQs

Why won’t Resource Monitor open when I type “resmon”?

This could be due to corrupted system files, disabled services, or permission issues. Running it as administrator and repairing system files usually fixes this.

Is Resource Monitor the same as Task Manager?

No. Task Manager shows basic system info and running apps, while Resource Monitor provides detailed real-time statistics on CPU, memory, disk, and network usage.

Can third-party antivirus software block Resource Monitor?

Yes, some security programs may mistakenly block certain Windows tools. Temporarily disabling antivirus software can help identify if this is the cause.

Will reinstalling Windows fix Resource Monitor?

Reinstalling Windows will fix the tool but is a last resort. Try all other troubleshooting steps first to avoid data loss and time-consuming setups.

How do I open Resource Monitor quickly?

Press Windows + R, type resmon, and press Enter.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and Resource Monitor is still not working, consider the following options:

  • Use the Windows Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot and run the troubleshooter for system maintenance.
  • Check Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support website for the latest fixes and tools.
  • Reset or reinstall Windows: As a last resort, you can reset your PC or perform a clean install of Windows 10 to fix all underlying system issues.

Conclusion

Resource Monitor is an essential tool for monitoring your system’s performance, and it can be frustrating when it stops working. By following simple steps like running it as an administrator, repairing corrupted files, and ensuring necessary services are running, you can usually fix the problem quickly.

More advanced solutions like creating a new user account or using DISM may be needed if basic fixes don’t work. Always remember to keep your system updated and perform regular maintenance to avoid such issues.

With these step-by-step solutions, you should be able to restore Resource Monitor functionality and keep an eye on your system’s health efficiently.

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