Understanding how your Windows PC works is the first step toward keeping it running smoothly. System information tools provide you with detailed insights into your computer’s hardware, software, and performance. For beginners, learning to use these tools not only helps solve problems but also prevents future issues. Below, you’ll find 15 essential features and tips for using Windows system information tools effectively, with practical steps and beginner-friendly advice.
What Are System Information Tools in Windows?
System information tools are built-in utilities or third-party programs that collect and display details about your computer’s components and software. These tools help you check hardware specs, monitor system health, and identify issues before they become major problems.
1. System Information (msinfo32)
Why use it? This built-in Windows tool lets you see everything about your computer at a glance—processor, RAM, system model, BIOS version, drivers, and more.
How to access:
– Press Windows Key + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter.
– Browse the categories on the left to view detailed information.
2. Task Manager
Why use it? Task Manager lets you see real-time information about active apps, background processes, and resource usage.
How to access:
– Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager, or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
– Use the Performance tab to check CPU, memory, disk, and network activity.
3. Device Manager
Why use it? Device Manager shows all the hardware devices installed in your PC and lets you update or troubleshoot drivers.
How to access:
– Right-click the Start button, select Device Manager.
– Expand categories to see each device and right-click to update drivers.
4. DirectX Diagnostic Tool (dxdiag)
Why use it? Especially useful for gamers, dxdiag displays information about your graphics card, sound hardware, and DirectX version.
How to access:
– Press Windows Key + R, type dxdiag, and press Enter.
5. Resource Monitor
Why use it? This tool gives you a deeper look at how your hardware resources are being used, including CPU, memory, disk, and network.
How to access:
– Open Task Manager, go to the Performance tab, and click Open Resource Monitor.
6. Reliability Monitor
Why use it? Reliability Monitor tracks system stability and logs any crashes or major events, helping you spot patterns and troubleshoot problems.
How to access:
– Type Reliability Monitor in Windows search and select View reliability history.
7. Performance Monitor
Why use it? Provides advanced users with customizable reports and monitoring tools for tracking system performance over time.
How to access:
– Type Performance Monitor in Windows search and open it.
8. Disk Management
Why use it? Disk Management lets you view and manage physical drives and partitions. This is helpful when adding or troubleshooting hard drives.
How to access:
– Right-click the Start button, choose Disk Management.
9. System Properties
Why use it? Displays basic hardware information and allows you to access advanced system settings, such as virtual memory and system protection.
How to access:
– Right-click This PC on your desktop or File Explorer, select Properties.
10. Windows Event Viewer
Why use it? Event Viewer logs all system events, warnings, and errors. It’s an excellent tool for diagnosing issues.
How to access:
– Type Event Viewer in Windows search and open the app.
11. Command Prompt Systeminfo
Why use it? Systeminfo is a command-line tool that gives you a quick summary of system specifications and Windows updates.
How to access:
– Open Command Prompt and type systeminfo, then press Enter.
12. Windows Update History
Why use it? Viewing your update history helps you identify if recent updates caused issues.
How to access:
– Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history.
13. Storage Sense
Why use it? Storage Sense helps you automatically clean up temporary files and manage disk space.
How to access:
– Settings > System > Storage > Configure Storage Sense or run it now.
14. Windows Security Center
Why use it? Security Center provides information about antivirus, firewall, and device health.
How to access:
– Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security.
15. Glary Utilities System Information
Why use it? Glary Utilities is a third-party tool that brings system information, cleanup, and optimization together in one place. For beginners, it’s straightforward to use and offers easy-to-understand reports about your hardware, software, and overall system health.
How to use Glary Utilities for system information:
– Download and install Glary Utilities from the official website.
– Open the program and select the “Overview” or “System Information” module.
– Review details about your CPU, memory, storage, motherboard, and more at a glance.
– Use the 1-Click Maintenance feature for regular cleaning and optimization—helping maintain peak performance with minimal effort.
Why Should Beginners Use These Tools?
Learning these basic tools means you can:
– Diagnose slow performance and fix simple issues.
– Know your hardware before upgrading software or components.
– Keep your system clean and healthy without needing advanced knowledge.
Real-World Example
Imagine your PC suddenly starts running slower than usual. By opening Task Manager, you notice the memory usage is very high. Resource Monitor shows a particular program is consuming too much RAM. You can close the unnecessary program and immediately see performance improve. For regular checks, using Glary Utilities to monitor and optimize your system ensures your PC remains fast and clean without digging through each tool separately.
Conclusion
For Windows beginners, mastering these 15 system information features helps you understand, maintain, and troubleshoot your PC more effectively. With built-in Windows utilities and comprehensive solutions like Glary Utilities, you’re equipped to keep your computer running smoothly and confidently handle common issues as they arise.