Jordan Storey and Ched Evans found the net either side of half-time, with North End keeping another clean sheet - a fourth on the spin.
Victory in their final home game of the season moved the Lilywhites up to 13th place in the table.
Here are the player ratings from the game, with centre-back Storey the starman.
9. Alan Browne 7
Good midfield display from the PNE skipper, quite a lot of that involving breaking-up Barnsley's play in the second half. Photo: Camerasport
10. Tom Barkhuizen 7
Played up front after his appearance at left wing-back the week before. His long throw led to the second goal. Photo: Camerasport
11. Ched Evans 8
Another work horse performance up front, leading the line impressively. Scored North End's second goal from the six-yard box where all strikers like to be. Photo: Camerasport
12. Emil Riis 6
The Dane came off the bench to replace Barkhuizen with 20 minutes left. Came at a time when PNE were in the main defending. Photo: Camerasport