Windows 10 Performance Index: What It Is and How to Check It

The Windows 10 Performance Index is a scoring system that allows users to assess how well their computer performs by evaluating core parameters such as CPU speed, graphics, memory, and other resources. This index helps users identify system bottlenecks and determine which components might benefit from upgrades to enhance performance.

How Does the Performance Index Work?

Windows evaluates five main components:

  • Processor: assessed for data processing speed.
  • RAM (Memory): analyzes memory size and speed, which impacts overall system responsiveness.
  • Graphics: evaluates the graphics adapter's capability to handle 3D rendering, essential for gaming and design applications.
  • Desktop Graphics: measures performance for the user interface and visual elements.
  • Hard Drive: checks read and write speeds on the primary drive.

Each component receives a score, and the lowest one becomes the system's base score, indicating potential performance bottlenecks. Scores range from 1.0 to 9.9, with higher values representing better performance.

How to Check the Windows 10 Performance Index

While Windows 10 no longer shows the performance index directly in the interface, you can still access it via the command line:

  1. Open the Command Prompt (e.g., type cmd in the Windows search bar).
  2. Type the command winsat formal and press Enter. This will start the performance test, which may take a few minutes.
  3. When the test finishes, open File Explorer and navigate to this path: C:\Windows\Performance\WinSAT\DataStore.
  4. Find the file named Formal.Assessment (Recent).WinSAT.xml and open it. Inside, you’ll find the evaluation results for each component.

Reading the Performance Index Results

When you open the XML file, look for the sections related to each component to find their scores. Alternatively, you can use third-party tools like Winaero WEI Tool, which present the performance index in a familiar graphical interface.

Why Is the Performance Index Useful?

The index helps users identify which components may need improvement. For example, if the memory score is low, it could suggest the need for more RAM to handle tasks more efficiently. This index is especially helpful for gamers, graphic designers, and users aiming to boost their system's speed and reliability.