The live desktop readout places changing system information directly on the Windows desktop. Desktop Info can show CPU, memory, and network data, with other metrics arranged and formatted to suit the machine being monitored.
Live desktop readout
Desktop Info attaches its readout to the desktop so current values remain visible while other applications are open. Along with CPU and memory use, it can display network details, traffic, disk activity, and other system metrics. A regular application window and a screen-saver mode are also available, so the information can be presented in different ways.
The display is configurable: choose which items appear, adjust their formatting, and set fonts, colors, transparency, and scaling. Multiple pages can hold different groups of information, and display rules can control which items are shown. Visual alerts can draw attention to selected conditions.
Queries, charts, and alerts
Beyond built-in system readings, Desktop Info can retrieve values through custom Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) queries and Performance Data Helper (PDH) counter queries. Arithmetic expressions can combine data, while external commands—including PowerShell commands—can supply additional results.
- Use charts to visualize selected readings.
- Track memory use for a specific process.
- Watch files, registry keys, event logs, and network activity.
Collection and reporting
Desktop Info includes a Windows service mode and remote-monitoring features for machines that need to be observed from elsewhere. Optional background collection can gather readings for later review, and raw data can be logged to CSV files.
For sharing or further processing, information can be exported as HTML, XML, RTF, plain text, or JSON. The display can also show content from files or CSV data, retrieve web images, and present registry values.
Pros
- Shows changing CPU, memory, and network data on the desktop
- Supports custom WMI and performance-counter queries
- Exports reports in HTML, XML, RTF, text, and JSON
- Offers desktop, application-window, screen-saver, and service modes
System requirements: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows 11 · 32-bit and 64-bit
Can Desktop Info show custom system data?
Yes. It supports custom WMI and PDH queries, arithmetic expressions, and external commands such as PowerShell.
Can Desktop Info save readings for later?
Yes. It can collect data in the background and log raw readings to CSV files. It also exports information in several report formats.
Does Desktop Info have to stay attached to the desktop?
No. It also offers a regular application window, a screen-saver mode, and a Windows service mode.