Windows 10 comes with a powerful suite of built-in diagnostic utilities designed to help you troubleshoot and resolve common and advanced system issues. Knowing how to harness these tools can save you time, improve system stability, and prevent small problems from turning into major headaches. This guide covers essential Windows diagnostic utilities, practical strategies for using them, and expert recommendations for both beginners and advanced users. We’ll also explore how third-party solutions like Glary Utilities can complement the built-in tools for deeper analysis and optimization.
Why Should You Use Windows Diagnostic Utilities?
Regular use of diagnostic tools can help you:
– Detect and fix issues before they escalate
– Optimize system performance
– Minimize downtime and data loss
– Get a clearer picture of your system’s health
For Beginners: Getting Started with Built-in Tools
What Are the Most Useful Built-in Diagnostic Utilities in Windows 10?
1. Windows Memory Diagnostic
This tool checks your computer’s RAM for errors. Memory issues can cause crashes, blue screens, or random slowdowns.
How to Run It:
– Type “Windows Memory Diagnostic” in the Start menu search box.
– Select “Restart now and check for problems.”
– Your PC will reboot and test the memory. Results display after Windows restarts.
2. Check Disk Utility (chkdsk)
Chkdsk scans your hard drives for errors and bad sectors, helping to prevent data corruption and loss.
How to Run It:
– Open File Explorer and right-click the drive you want to check.
– Choose Properties > Tools > Check.
– Or, for a more advanced scan, open Command Prompt as administrator and enter: chkdsk /f /r C:
3. System File Checker (sfc)
SFC scans Windows system files for corruption and repairs them automatically.
How to Run It:
– Open Command Prompt as administrator.
– Type: sfc /scannow and press Enter.
– Wait for the scan to complete and follow any prompts.
4. Performance Monitor
This utility provides real-time data on your hardware and system performance.
How to Run It:
– Type “Performance Monitor” in the Start menu.
– Use the tool to monitor CPU, memory, disk, and network usage.
For Advanced Users: Deep-Dive Diagnostics and Customization
How Can You Use Advanced Diagnostic Tools in Windows 10?
1. Reliability Monitor
Reliability Monitor offers a timeline of system events, software installs, and crash reports, helping you identify patterns and root causes.
How to Use It:
– Type “Reliability Monitor” or “View reliability history” in the Start menu.
– Examine the graph for critical events and troubleshoot accordingly.
2. Event Viewer
Event Viewer logs nearly every action and error on the system, from application crashes to hardware failures.
How to Use It:
– Type “Event Viewer” in the Start menu.
– Explore “Windows Logs” under Application, Security, System, etc.
– Look for errors or warnings that coincide with system issues.
3. Resource Monitor
For real-time resource tracking, Resource Monitor provides deeper insights than Task Manager.
How to Use It:
– Type “Resource Monitor” in the Start menu or open from Task Manager’s Performance tab.
– Use Resource Monitor to pinpoint processes hogging memory, disk, or CPU.
4. Windows PowerShell Diagnostics
PowerShell allows you to run advanced scripts for system diagnostics and automation.
Example: To check disk health, use:
Get-PhysicalDisk | Select-Object MediaType, Size, SerialNumber, HealthStatus
Combining Built-in Tools with Glary Utilities for Comprehensive Diagnostics
Why Use Glary Utilities Alongside Windows Tools?
While Windows 10’s diagnostic utilities are robust, Glary Utilities offers a user-friendly suite that brings together system cleaning, optimization, and one-click maintenance. This makes it easier to maintain system health without deep technical knowledge.
Key Features:
– 1-Click Maintenance: Cleans junk files, repairs registry issues, and optimizes startup programs in one go.
– Disk Repair: Complements chkdsk with additional disk scanning and repair options.
– Startup Manager: Helps identify and disable unnecessary startup items, speeding up boot times.
– System Information: Provides detailed hardware and software summaries for diagnostics or support.
– File and Registry Tools: Finds and fixes broken shortcuts, cleans registry errors, and securely deletes files.
How to Use Glary Utilities (Practical Example):
1. Download and install Glary Utilities from the official website.
2. Open the application and select “1-Click Maintenance.”
3. Review the list of detected issues and click “Repair Problems.”
4. To manage startup items, click “Advanced Tools” > “Startup Manager” and disable unneeded programs.
5. For disk issues, use “Disk Repair” under “Advanced Tools” to scan and fix errors.
Expert Tips for Diagnosing and Preventing PC Problems
– Schedule regular scans with both Windows built-in tools (like sfc and chkdsk) and Glary Utilities.
– Keep system and drivers up to date to minimize incompatibility issues.
– Use Reliability Monitor and Event Viewer to investigate recurring problems.
– For suspected hardware issues, always start with the Windows Memory Diagnostic and check the disk with chkdsk or Glary Utilities’ Disk Repair.
Summary
Managing Windows diagnostic utilities effectively is all about knowing which tool to use and when. Beginners can solve most common issues with built-in utilities, while advanced users can dig deeper with tools like Event Viewer and PowerShell. For complete, hassle-free system care, integrating Glary Utilities into your maintenance routine adds an extra layer of protection and optimization. By combining these resources and following the steps outlined above, you’ll be equipped to handle nearly any Windows 10 diagnostic scenario like a pro.