Understanding what’s happening under the hood of your Windows system is essential for performance, troubleshooting, and long-term stability. Windows 10 and 11 include several built-in tools that reveal detailed system information, and when combined with reliable third-party utilities, you gain full visibility and control. Whether you’re a casual user curious about what runs on your system or an advanced user fine-tuning performance, mastering these tools ensures you always know your PC’s condition.
What is System Information in Windows?
System information refers to the complete set of details about your computer’s hardware, operating system, drivers, and installed components. This includes CPU type, memory capacity, motherboard specifications, Windows version, and even advanced diagnostic reports. Having access to these details helps when upgrading hardware, troubleshooting issues, or optimizing performance.
How Can You Access Windows System Information Quickly?
Windows offers a native tool called “System Information” (msinfo32). To open it:
1. Press Windows Key + R.
2. Type msinfo32 and hit Enter.
3. A window will open showing categories like System Summary, Hardware Resources, Components, and Software Environment.
For example, if you’re trying to check whether your PC supports virtualization, open System Summary and look for “Virtualization Enabled in Firmware.” This avoids guesswork and gives direct confirmation.
What Other Native Tools Provide System Insights?
Windows includes several additional utilities beyond msinfo32.
1. Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) – Displays real-time CPU, memory, disk, and network usage. This is perfect for spotting processes that slow down your machine.
2. Device Manager – Found by right-clicking the Start button, this tool lists all installed hardware and highlights driver issues with yellow warning icons.
3. DirectX Diagnostic Tool (dxdiag) – Run it via Windows Key + R, type dxdiag, and press Enter. It provides detailed graphics, sound, and input device information. Gamers often use this to confirm DirectX version compatibility.
4. Performance Monitor – Type perfmon in the Run dialog. It creates detailed reports on performance counters, helping advanced users analyze long-term trends in resource usage.
Why Add Glary Utilities for a Complete View?
While Windows tools provide raw system data, they lack an all-in-one dashboard for optimization and cleanup. This is where Glary Utilities stands out. It not only shows detailed system information but also integrates maintenance tools to keep your PC running smoothly.
For example:
– The System Information module in Glary Utilities outlines CPU, memory, and storage details in a more user-friendly format compared to msinfo32.
– The Startup Manager lets you view and control auto-start programs, making it easier than sifting through Task Manager or registry entries.
– The Disk Cleaner and Registry Repair tools remove unnecessary files and invalid registry entries that Windows does not automatically handle. This results in faster boot times and smoother everyday performance.
– The 1-Click Maintenance feature runs multiple optimization tasks in one step, ideal for users who want professional-level tuning without manually running different utilities.
What’s the Best Way to Combine Windows Tools and Glary Utilities?
A practical approach is to use Windows native tools for diagnostics and Glary Utilities for optimization. For example, if you notice high memory usage in Task Manager, check Startup Manager in Glary Utilities to disable heavy programs. If Device Manager reports driver issues, resolve them and then use Glary Utilities to clean up leftover temporary files that accumulate during troubleshooting.
Another scenario: after running dxdiag to confirm your graphics card, use Glary Utilities’ Disk Cleaner to free up system space, giving your GPU and overall system more breathing room during intensive tasks.
Final Thoughts
Mastering system information tools in Windows 10 and 11 ensures you always know the health and performance of your PC. The native tools excel in diagnostics, while Glary Utilities provides a streamlined way to optimize and maintain your machine. Together, they form a complete toolkit for users at any level, from casual PC owners to advanced troubleshooters. By regularly checking your system information and using professional-grade maintenance, your Windows computer remains fast, stable, and ready for anything.