Windows includes several built-in system information tools that help users monitor, analyze, and optimize their computers. For beginners, these tools may seem complex, but once you understand how to use and fine-tune them, you can significantly improve your PC’s performance and longevity. This guide takes you step by step through 15 proven methods to optimize Windows system information tools for better performance and reliability.
1. How to Access System Information Quickly
The System Information tool (msinfo32) provides a detailed overview of your computer’s hardware, software environment, and components.
Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type msinfo32 and press Enter.
Step 3: To speed up loading, select File > Save and export the information as an .NFO file. This helps Windows cache the data for faster future access.
2. How to Manage Startup Programs Using Task Manager
Startup programs can slow down your system and affect performance.
Step 1: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Step 2: Click the Startup tab.
Step 3: Right-click any unnecessary app and choose Disable.
This reduces load time and improves response when using information tools like System Information or Resource Monitor.
3. How to Use Resource Monitor to Track System Performance
Resource Monitor shows detailed information about CPU, memory, disk, and network usage.
Step 1: Type Resource Monitor in the Start menu search box.
Step 2: Open it and choose the CPU tab to see which processes are consuming resources.
Step 3: Right-click any high-usage process and select End Process if it’s unnecessary.
4. How to Optimize with Glary Utilities
Glary Utilities is an all-in-one system maintenance tool that complements Windows’ built-ins.
Step 1: Install and open Glary Utilities.
Step 2: Use the 1-Click Maintenance feature to clean junk files, fix registry errors, and manage startup items.
Step 3: Open Advanced Tools for deeper analysis of system health, disk usage, and memory optimization. This improves the performance of built-in information tools.
5. How to Use the Performance Monitor for Detailed Tracking
Performance Monitor provides real-time performance data of your PC.
Step 1: Type perfmon in the Windows search box and open it.
Step 2: Add counters for CPU, memory, and disk to monitor specific areas.
Step 3: Save your custom view for ongoing analysis.
6. How to Scan for System File Errors
Corrupted system files can slow down system tools.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Step 2: Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Step 3: Wait for the scan to complete and follow on-screen instructions to repair any detected issues.
7. How to Clean Up Temporary Files
Too many temporary files can affect system performance.
Step 1: Press Windows + R, type cleanmgr, and press Enter.
Step 2: Select your main drive, then check Temporary files, Recycle Bin, and other unnecessary items.
Step 3: Click OK to delete selected files.
Alternatively, Glary Utilities’ Disk Cleaner performs this automatically and more thoroughly.
8. How to Check Disk Health Using CHKDSK
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Step 2: Type chkdsk /f /r and press Enter.
Step 3: Restart your computer to allow the utility to scan and fix disk errors.
This ensures smoother operation of system data tools.
9. How to Use Device Manager to Verify Drivers
Outdated or faulty drivers can cause inaccurate system reports.
Step 1: Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
Step 2: Expand each category and look for any yellow exclamation marks.
Step 3: Right-click the problem device and select Update driver.
10. How to Control Background Services
Too many background services can slow down performance monitoring tools.
Step 1: Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
Step 2: Locate unnecessary services, right-click, and select Properties.
Step 3: Set Startup type to Manual for non-essential services.
11. How to Manage Memory Usage
Step 1: Open Task Manager and navigate to the Processes tab.
Step 2: Sort by Memory usage to identify apps consuming excessive RAM.
Step 3: Close unneeded programs.
Glary Utilities also provides a Memory Optimizer under Advanced Tools for automatic management.
12. How to Monitor Network Performance
Step 1: Open Resource Monitor and go to the Network tab.
Step 2: View which processes are using your network bandwidth.
Step 3: End tasks that are consuming data unnecessarily to improve performance reporting.
13. How to Review Reliability History
Reliability Monitor shows a timeline of system stability.
Step 1: Type Reliability Monitor in the Start menu and open View reliability history.
Step 2: Check for critical errors or warnings.
Step 3: Double-click events for details and apply the recommended fixes.
14. How to Keep Windows Updated
Step 1: Open Settings > Windows Update.
Step 2: Click Check for updates.
Step 3: Install all available updates to enhance system tool accuracy and stability.
15. How to Create a System Restore Point
Creating a restore point ensures you can revert changes if an optimization causes issues.
Step 1: Type Create a restore point in the Start menu.
Step 2: Select your main drive and click Create.
Step 3: Name the restore point and save it for future recovery.
By following these methods, even a beginner can effectively manage and optimize Windows System Information tools. Regular maintenance using built-in utilities and Glary Utilities ensures your Windows environment stays clean, fast, and reliable.