Managing and optimizing your Windows PC involves more than just running updates and deleting old files. For intermediate users, understanding what’s happening under the hood is essential. Windows comes with its own set of system information tools, but free third-party utilities can significantly expand your knowledge and control over your computer. Here are 10 free software features you should leverage for better Windows system information tools management—each chosen for its practical value and real-world usefulness.
What Are the Most Useful Free Features for System Information on Windows?
1. Comprehensive Hardware Inventory
Knowing your system’s hardware details is vital for troubleshooting and upgrades. Tools like Speccy and HWiNFO deliver in-depth reports on your processor, RAM, motherboard, storage devices, and more. For instance, before upgrading your RAM, use Speccy to check the number of slots and maximum supported memory.
2. Real-Time Temperature and Voltage Monitoring
Overheating can cause slowdowns or even permanent damage. Free tools such as HWMonitor display live temperature, voltage, and fan speed data. If you notice high CPU temperatures while gaming, HWMonitor will help you identify the problem so you can clean your fans or adjust airflow.
3. Storage Health and SMART Status Checks
Keeping tabs on your hard drive’s health helps prevent data loss. CrystalDiskInfo offers free SMART status readings, letting you see if your drive is at risk of failure. Use this tool monthly—if you spot warnings, back up your files immediately and plan for a replacement.
4. Detailed Software and License Audits
Knowing what software is installed and which licenses you own prevents clutter and compliance issues. Belarc Advisor provides a full report on installed software, Windows updates, and product keys. Use it after major updates or before reinstalling Windows to ensure you have all necessary keys and a record of your programs.
5. Startup Program Management
Too many startup programs can slow boot times and overall performance. Glary Utilities stands out here, offering a Startup Manager that lists, enables, disables, or delays startup items. After installing Glary Utilities, open the Startup Manager and review each entry—disable any you don’t recognize or need.
6. System Resource Usage Analysis
Task Manager gives a glimpse, but tools like Process Explorer (from Sysinternals) let you dig deeper into running processes, DLLs, and CPU/memory usage. If you notice slowdowns, open Process Explorer to see which background process is consuming resources, and end or investigate as necessary.
7. Network Information and Connection Monitoring
Understanding your active connections and network usage is crucial. Tools like Networx monitor bandwidth usage, alert you to unusual activity, and help diagnose slow connections. After adding new devices or software, check Networx to ensure your network traffic looks normal.
8. Driver and Device Status Overview
Outdated or malfunctioning drivers cause many Windows problems. Double Driver can scan and back up your drivers, while Device Manager (built into Windows) shows their status. Regularly back up drivers with Double Driver before major OS updates or hardware changes.
9. Comprehensive System Cleanups
System clutter reduces performance and can hide important files. Glary Utilities offers Disk Cleaner and Registry Cleaner tools that safely remove unnecessary files and registry entries. Run these tools monthly to keep your system lean; Glary Utilities’ one-click maintenance makes this especially convenient.
10. System Benchmarking and Performance Testing
Benchmarking helps you measure changes after hardware upgrades or system tweaks. UserBenchmark and Novabench offer free, easy-to-run benchmarks for your CPU, GPU, RAM, and drives. After installing more RAM or updating drivers, use these tools to verify performance improvements.
How Do You Put These Features to Work Together?
Building a system information toolkit with these free features helps you understand, maintain, and optimize your PC. For example, before a major Windows update, use Glary Utilities to clean your system and back up drivers with Double Driver. After upgrading, benchmark with Novabench and check hardware status with Speccy or HWMonitor.
Why Choose Glary Utilities for System Tool Management?
Among the many tools available, Glary Utilities stands out for combining several essential functions—startup management, disk and registry cleaning, and system analysis—into one easy interface. For intermediate users, it provides a one-stop solution for many maintenance tasks, reducing the need to juggle multiple utilities.
Conclusion
Managing your Windows PC doesn’t require expensive software. Leveraging these 10 free software features empowers you with deep system knowledge and practical maintenance capabilities. By regularly monitoring system health, keeping software and drivers organized, and optimizing performance with tools like Glary Utilities, you ensure a fast, reliable, and trouble-free computing experience.