Keeping your Windows PC running smoothly isn’t just about installing antivirus software or updating Windows occasionally. Regular maintenance using the built-in tools Microsoft provides can prevent slowdowns, free up valuable space, and reduce the risk of system errors. As an intermediate Windows user, you already know the basics—now it’s time to level up your routine with these 12 essential system tools and tasks, including how to get the most out of them.
Why Should You Use Built-in Windows System Tools?
Windows is packed with powerful, often overlooked utilities designed for routine maintenance. Mastering these tools not only keeps your computer efficient but can help you avoid common software and hardware headaches. They cost nothing, require no risky third-party installs, and are safe for your system.
1. Disk Cleanup (Cleanmgr)
What does it do?
Removes temporary files, system logs, old Windows updates, and other unnecessary data.
How to use it:
Press Win + S and search for “Disk Cleanup.” Select the drive you want to clean, check the boxes for file types you want to remove, and click OK. For deeper cleaning, select “Clean up system files.”
Expert tip: Run this monthly to prevent gigabytes of junk from accumulating, especially after Windows Updates.
2. Storage Sense
What does it do?
Automatically manages disk space by deleting unused files and managing cloud content with OneDrive.
How to use it:
Go to Settings > System > Storage. Enable Storage Sense and customize how often it runs and what it deletes (temporary files, recycle bin contents, etc.).
Expert tip: Set Storage Sense to run weekly and include Downloads if you don’t store important files there.
3. Windows Update
What does it do?
Keeps your system secure and running smoothly by installing the latest patches, drivers, and feature updates.
How to use it:
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Check for updates regularly and review optional driver updates.
Expert tip: Schedule updates during downtime to avoid interruptions.
4. Task Manager
What does it do?
Monitors system performance, active processes, and startup programs.
How to use it:
Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager. Use the “Performance” tab to spot memory or CPU bottlenecks. The “Startup” tab lets you disable unnecessary programs that slow boot times.
Expert tip: Use Task Manager to identify apps hogging resources and disable them at startup.
5. Resource Monitor
What does it do?
Gives detailed, real-time insight into your system’s CPU, disk, network, and memory usage.
How to use it:
Type “Resource Monitor” in the Start menu. Use it to diagnose slowdowns or spot misbehaving applications.
Expert tip: Useful for troubleshooting unexplained performance drops or high disk usage.
6. System File Checker (SFC)
What does it do?
Scans and repairs corrupted or missing Windows system files.
How to use it:
Open Command Prompt as administrator, type sfc /scannow, and press Enter.
Expert tip: Run SFC if you notice crashes, missing features, or unusual system behavior.
7. Check Disk Utility (CHKDSK)
What does it do?
Scans your hard drive for file system errors and bad sectors.
How to use it:
Open Command Prompt as administrator, type chkdsk /f, and press Enter. Schedule the scan to run at next restart if prompted.
Expert tip: Perform CHKDSK scans quarterly, or if you see disk errors or file corruption warnings.
8. Windows Security (Defender)
What does it do?
Protects against viruses, malware, and other threats.
How to use it:
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security. Run scans and check the dashboard for any issues.
Expert tip: Supplement Windows Security with regular offline scans for deeper malware checks.
9. System Restore
What does it do?
Allows you to roll back your system to a previous state after installing problematic software or updates.
How to use it:
Search for “Create a restore point” > System Properties > System Restore. Create manual restore points before major changes.
Expert tip: Always create a restore point before modifying system settings, registry, or installing new drivers.
10. Backup and Restore (Windows 7)
What does it do?
Provides basic file and system image backup options.
How to use it:
Go to Control Panel > Backup and Restore (Windows 7). Set up scheduled backups to an external drive or network location.
Expert tip: Schedule weekly backups of important files and a system image each month.
11. Reliability Monitor
What does it do?
Offers a timeline of system events and errors for easy troubleshooting.
How to use it:
Type “Reliability Monitor” in the Start menu. Review the graph for critical events and error patterns.
Expert tip: Use this tool to pinpoint the cause of recurring crashes or instability after installing new hardware or software.
12. Windows Event Viewer
What does it do?
Provides detailed logs of system, security, and application events.
How to use it:
Type “Event Viewer” in the Start menu. Review logs under Windows Logs > System and Application for warnings or errors.
Expert tip: Use Event Viewer to investigate persistent issues when other tools don’t give clear answers.
How Can You Simplify Maintenance with Glary Utilities?
While Windows’ built-in tools are robust, running multiple utilities separately can be time-consuming. Glary Utilities is a comprehensive third-party solution that brings many of these tasks together in one dashboard. It offers:
– One-click system cleanup
– Startup manager for faster boot times
– Registry repair
– Disk cleanup and defragmentation
– Privacy protection tools
For intermediate users, Glary Utilities can streamline routine maintenance by scheduling tasks, finding issues Windows tools might miss, and providing clear recommendations. Use Glary Utilities monthly alongside Windows’ built-in tools for the best results.
Conclusion
Mastering these 12 built-in Windows features ensures your system stays fast, secure, and reliable. Combine regular use of these tools with the power of Glary Utilities for efficient, worry-free PC maintenance. With this approach, you’ll prevent problems before they start and keep your Windows PC in top condition year-round.