Windows computers are powerful and versatile, but over time, you may notice your system slowing down or behaving unpredictably. While it is tempting to look for third-party solutions right away, many users overlook the robust set of built-in Windows tools designed specifically for performance troubleshooting and repair. This guide explores the capabilities of these native features, best practices for their use, and offers actionable steps for both beginners and advanced users. You’ll also discover how comprehensive utilities like Glary Utilities can further streamline the cleanup and repair process.
Why Does Windows Performance Decline?
Before diving into troubleshooting, it’s important to understand the common causes of performance issues:
– Accumulation of temporary and junk files
– Fragmented or corrupt hard drives
– Unnecessary startup programs
– Outdated drivers and software
– Malware or unwanted software
– Registry errors or bloat
Tackling these issues can restore speed, stability, and reliability to your PC.
Section 1: Performance Troubleshooting for Beginners
What Simple Tools Can Beginners Use?
Windows provides several straightforward utilities that anyone can use without advanced technical knowledge. Here are the key tools and how to use them:
1. Disk Cleanup
This built-in app helps you remove temporary files, system cache, and other unnecessary data.
– How to use: Type ‘Disk Cleanup’ in the Start menu, select your main drive, and follow the prompts to clean up files.
Practical example: Free up several GBs of space by cleaning the ‘Downloads’, ‘Recycle Bin’, and ‘System files’.
2. Task Manager
Task Manager shows what resources are being used and by which programs.
– How to use: Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc, then check the ‘Processes’ and ‘Startup’ tabs.
Practical example: Disable high-impact startup programs to speed up your boot process.
3. Storage Sense
Windows 10 and 11 offer Storage Sense to automate cleaning.
– How to use: Go to Settings > System > Storage and enable Storage Sense.
Practical example: Set Storage Sense to run weekly, keeping your system clutter-free with minimal input.
4. Built-in Troubleshooters
Windows offers troubleshooters for performance and maintenance.
– How to use: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters, and run ‘System Maintenance’ or ‘Performance’ troubleshooters.
These tools can automatically find and fix common problems.
Section 2: Advanced Performance Troubleshooting
What Advanced Tools Are Available for Experienced Users?
For those comfortable with deeper system adjustments, Windows offers more powerful built-in utilities:
1. Performance Monitor
This comprehensive tool tracks system performance in real time.
– How to use: Type ‘perfmon’ in the Start menu and explore ‘Data Collector Sets’ and ‘Reports’.
Practical example: Set up a custom data collector to find bottlenecks in CPU, memory, or disk usage.
2. Resource Monitor
Resource Monitor gives detailed insights into process-level resource consumption.
– How to use: Open Task Manager, go to the ‘Performance’ tab, and click ‘Open Resource Monitor’.
Practical example: Identify a specific application causing high disk activity and address or uninstall it.
3. System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM)
These command-line tools repair corrupted system files.
– How to use SFC: Open Command Prompt as administrator and enter:
sfc /scannow
– How to use DISM: Enter the following in Command Prompt:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Practical example: Use these if Windows features are malfunctioning or you suspect file corruption.
Section 3: Best Practices for Ongoing Maintenance
How Can You Prevent Performance Problems?
– Regularly run Disk Cleanup or Storage Sense.
– Uninstall unused software.
– Keep Windows and drivers up to date.
– Limit startup programs.
– Use Windows Security or a reputable antivirus to check for malware.
Section 4: When to Use Third-Party Tools Like Glary Utilities
What Are the Benefits Over Built-in Tools?
While Windows provides effective troubleshooting solutions, utilities such as Glary Utilities can consolidate and simplify these tasks. Glary Utilities offers:
– One-click maintenance for cleaning junk files, repairing registry errors, and optimizing startup.
– Advanced tools for disk defragmentation, privacy cleaning, and software management.
– A user-friendly interface that brings together features scattered across various Windows menus.
Practical example: Instead of running multiple apps and commands, Glary Utilities’ 1-Click Maintenance can scan for issues like invalid shortcuts, temporary files, and broken registry entries, resolving them in a single step.
Conclusion
Windows’ built-in features are effective for diagnosing and repairing most performance issues, especially when used as part of a regular maintenance routine. Beginners can rely on tools like Disk Cleanup and Storage Sense, while advanced users have access to Performance Monitor and command-line utilities. For those seeking a faster, more comprehensive solution, Glary Utilities brings everything together with a streamlined, intuitive experience. By combining best practices with the right set of tools, you can keep your Windows PC running smoothly and efficiently for years to come.