The modes are specific to the type of data Process Explorer displays, so if IT wants to see a DLL-version problem, then Process Explorer should be in DLL mode. Handle mode shows integer values used as identifiers, or handles, for the active processes and their threads, while DLL mode shows the DLLs and memory-mapped files that the process has loaded. The bottom window provides a zoomed-in look at the Windows processes, and it changes depending on what mode Process Explorer is in. The tool has an area that shows all dynamic link libraries ( DLLs) and handles, icons, command lines, full image paths, memory statistics, security attributes and more. Process Explorer's top panel has line charts, color codes and symbols IT can customize, as well.

Likewise, IT professionals can organize the rows alphabetically or numerically. IT can customize what information the columns include based on preference. The processes are set up in a hierarchical view with parent processes on top and child processes beneath them. The top window shows a real-time list of active processes, a description of what the processes are doing, the CPU and memory usage, and the software company name. Process Explorer has two windows of colorful information. It is part of the Sysinternals Process Utilities suite, which has a selection of tools to give IT more control and options for better Windows performance. Process Explorer provides more visual, in-depth reports than Windows Task Manager.

Process Explorer is a free Windows task manager and system monitoring tool that details which programs in a user's system have a specific file or directory open.Īnyone can download the utility for free from Microsoft.

Process monitor tool for windows