Overview
In this section, we will look at the permissions needed to run Performance Monitor as well as the different ways you can launch the Perfmon application.
Explanation
Access to Windows Performance Monitor features
As with most features in Windows, access to the Performance Monitor tool is granted through groups. There are 3 groups in Windows relevant to accessing the application, two of which are specific just to Performance Monitor. An overview of each group’s access is outlined below.
- Local Administrators – Can use all performance monitors features.
- Performance Monitor Users – Can monitor and access performance counter data.
- Performance Log Users – Can manage all performance counter data, logs, and alerts, including creating and scheduling data collector sets.
Launching the Perfmon Application
Depending on the version of Windows you are running, the exact steps to launch the Performance Monitor tool might be slightly different. Luckily, there are many different ways to launch Perfmon, and all of them will take you to the same main screen shown below.
The first way to start the tool and one that will work exactly as shown below is by simply typing “perfmon” at a command prompt.
Also available in almost all versions is the “Run” command window. Using the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut will open the following window in which you can type “perfmon” and click OK.
In later versions of Windows (a Windows 10 example is shown below), you can also start the tool by typing “perfmon” in the Windows search box located in the taskbar and clicking on the correct entry in the search results.
Finally, you could use the Windows key + X keyboard shortcut to open the Power User menu (first image) and then select Computer Management. Once open (second image), select the Performance item from the menu on the left.
Additional Information
- Using Perfmon for SQL Server Reporting Services Performance Management
- Viewing VMWare Counters in Perfmon for SQL Server
- Perfmon Counters for the Integration Services Data Flow Engine
Ben Snaidero has been a Database Administrator for just over 10 years. Starting out working mainly with Oracle he got into SQL Server in 2005 and has worked primarily with SQL Server for the last 3 years. His main focus with both Oracle and SQL Server is in the area of performance tuning.
- MSSQLTips Awards: Achiever (75+ tips) – 2018 | Author of the Year Contender – 2016-2017
