Windows offers a variety of built-in system tools that can be customized to improve performance, usability, and productivity. From Task Manager adjustments to personalized maintenance routines, understanding how to configure these tools properly can make your PC faster and more efficient. This guide explores ten proven methods for customizing Windows system tools, with clear instructions and practical examples for both beginners and advanced users.
1. Customizing Task Manager for Better Performance Monitoring
Beginner Level:
Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc. Click on “More details” if it’s not already expanded. Under the “Processes” tab, right-click the column header and select additional fields such as “GPU Usage” or “Command Line” to view more system details. This customization helps you easily spot resource-hungry applications.
Advanced Level:
Go to the “Details” tab, right-click a process, and choose “Set Priority” to manage how Windows allocates CPU resources. For system monitoring, use the “Performance” tab and click “Open Resource Monitor” for deeper insights into disk and network usage.
2. Configuring Disk Cleanup and Storage Sense
Beginner Level:
Search for “Disk Cleanup” in the Start menu. Select the drive you want to clean and check categories like “Temporary files” and “System error memory dump files.” Click “OK” to remove unnecessary data.
Advanced Level:
Turn on Storage Sense under Settings > System > Storage. Enable “Clean up temporary files automatically” to ensure your system remains clutter-free. Glary Utilities enhances this capability by scanning deeper into system cache and browser residues that Disk Cleanup might miss.
3. Personalizing File Explorer Options
Beginner Level:
Open File Explorer, click “View,” then “Options.” In the Folder Options window, you can choose to open folders in the same window or new window, and show hidden files if necessary.
Advanced Level:
Under the “View” tab in Folder Options, uncheck “Hide extensions for known file types.” This provides better control when managing file formats, especially useful for system administrators and power users.
4. Managing Startup Programs
Beginner Level:
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, then go to the “Startup” tab. Disable unnecessary programs that launch at startup by right-clicking and selecting “Disable.”
Advanced Level:
Use Glary Utilities’ “Startup Manager” for a more comprehensive view, including hidden startup entries and scheduled tasks. This allows fine-tuned control over what runs when Windows starts, improving boot times significantly.
5. Customizing Power Options for Performance or Efficiency
Beginner Level:
Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options. Choose “Balanced” for general use or “High Performance” for gaming or heavy workloads.
Advanced Level:
Click “Change plan settings” and then “Change advanced power settings.” Adjust CPU minimum and maximum states, USB selective suspend, and hard disk sleep timers for optimal performance tuning.
6. Adjusting System Restore Settings
Beginner Level:
Open Control Panel > System and Security > System > System Protection. Select your system drive and click “Configure.” Ensure that “Turn on system protection” is enabled so you can restore your PC if needed.
Advanced Level:
Use the “Create” button to manually make restore points before large software installations or updates. Advanced users may also allocate more disk space to restore points for longer history retention.
7. Customizing Windows Defender and Security Tools
Beginner Level:
Open Windows Security from the Start menu. Under “Virus & threat protection,” ensure real-time protection is turned on.
Advanced Level:
Use the “Protection history” and “Exclusions” options to customize scans and performance impact. Pairing Windows Defender with Glary Utilities’ “Malware Removal” module provides layered security and deeper scanning.
8. Fine-Tuning Performance Options
Beginner Level:
Search for “Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.” In the Performance Options window, select “Adjust for best performance” to disable visual effects that slow down older systems.
Advanced Level:
Manually enable key effects like “Smooth edges of screen fonts” while disabling others. This creates a balance between visual appeal and efficiency.
9. Customizing System Maintenance Tasks
Beginner Level:
Go to Control Panel > Security and Maintenance > Maintenance. Click “Start maintenance” to let Windows perform automatic updates, shortcuts fixes, and disk checks.
Advanced Level:
Glary Utilities offers a “1-Click Maintenance” tool that combines registry cleaning, shortcuts repair, and startup optimization in one process, simplifying routine upkeep for users seeking deeper automation.
10. Using Task Scheduler for Automated System Tasks
Beginner Level:
Search for “Task Scheduler” in the Start menu. Click “Create Basic Task” and follow the wizard to automate tasks such as launching Disk Cleanup weekly.
Advanced Level:
Use “Create Task” instead of “Create Basic Task” for more control. You can define triggers, conditions, and actions, such as running a Glary Utilities optimization script every Sunday night.
Conclusion
Customizing Windows system tools allows users to take full control of their PC’s performance and reliability. Beginners can achieve noticeable improvements through built-in utilities like Task Manager and Disk Cleanup, while advanced users can automate processes, adjust deeper configurations, and enhance system maintenance using Glary Utilities. By applying these proven methods, every Windows user can maintain a faster, cleaner, and more efficient system.