Keeping Windows system tools well-organized allows you to work more efficiently, avoid clutter, and make system maintenance easier. Windows provides built-in methods for customization, and with the right approach, you can streamline access to the utilities you use most. Below are 10 proven methods to organize and customize system tools step by step, with separate guidance for beginners and advanced users where applicable.
1. Pin System Tools to the Start Menu
Beginner level:
1. Click the Start button.
2. Scroll to find a system tool, such as Task Manager.
3. Right-click on it and select “Pin to Start.”
4. The tool will now appear as a tile in your Start menu for quick access.
This method is ideal for essential tools like Disk Cleanup, Command Prompt, or Control Panel.
2. Group Shortcuts into Start Menu Folders
Beginner level:
1. Open the Start menu.
2. Drag one system tool tile over another to create a folder.
3. Name the folder something descriptive like “System Tools.”
4. Continue adding related tools such as Resource Monitor, Disk Management, and Settings.
Grouping helps reduce clutter and keeps similar utilities in one place.
3. Create a Custom Desktop Toolbar
Advanced level:
1. Right-click on the taskbar and select Toolbars > New Toolbar.
2. Browse to a folder where you will store system tool shortcuts.
3. Add shortcuts for tools like Event Viewer, Device Manager, and Control Panel to that folder.
4. The folder now appears as a customizable toolbar on your taskbar.
This method is efficient for power users who want one-click access to multiple tools.
4. Use the Windows Administrative Tools Folder
Beginner level:
1. Open the Start menu.
2. Search for “Windows Tools” (previously called Administrative Tools).
3. Right-click on the folder and choose “Pin to Start” or “Pin to Taskbar.”
This gives you a central hub of built-in utilities such as Performance Monitor, Services, and Computer Management.
5. Customize Quick Access in File Explorer
Beginner level:
1. Right-click on any frequently used system tool shortcut.
2. Select “Pin to Quick Access.”
3. Open File Explorer, and you will see the tool listed under Quick Access on the left navigation pane.
This is helpful if you spend most of your time inside File Explorer.
6. Create a Custom MMC Console
Advanced level:
1. Press Windows + R, type “mmc,” and press Enter.
2. In the console, go to File > Add/Remove Snap-in.
3. Select tools like Device Manager, Event Viewer, or Disk Management, and click Add.
4. Save the console to your desktop as a custom “System Manager” file.
This allows advanced users to combine multiple management tools into a single, personalized console.
7. Use Taskbar Pinning with Groups
Beginner level:
1. Open a system tool such as Command Prompt.
2. Right-click its icon on the taskbar and select “Pin to taskbar.”
3. Repeat for other tools like Registry Editor or PowerShell.
4. Arrange them in order by dragging their icons.
This method is excellent for tools you use daily.
8. Assign Keyboard Shortcuts to Tools
Advanced level:
1. Right-click on a system tool shortcut and select Properties.
2. Under the Shortcut tab, click in the “Shortcut key” box.
3. Press the key combination you want, such as Ctrl + Alt + T for Task Manager.
4. Click Apply and OK.
This setup allows instant access to tools without navigating menus.
9. Leverage Glary Utilities for Centralized Access
All levels:
Glary Utilities combines many Windows system optimization tools into one interface. Instead of manually pinning or searching for cleanup and maintenance tools, you can open Glary Utilities and access functions like Disk Cleanup, Registry Repair, Startup Manager, and File Shredder from one dashboard.
For example:
1. Open Glary Utilities.
2. Select “1-Click Maintenance” to run routine cleanups.
3. Use “Advanced Tools” to quickly find system utilities such as Process Manager or Disk Defrag.
This approach saves time and reduces the need to manage separate shortcuts.
10. Organize with a Dedicated System Tools Folder on Desktop
Beginner level:
1. Right-click on the desktop and select New > Folder.
2. Name it “System Tools.”
3. Drag and drop shortcuts for utilities like Control Panel, Task Manager, or Glary Utilities into this folder.
4. Keep the folder on your desktop for quick access.
This method is simple yet effective for users who prefer a clear, visible structure.
By applying these methods, you can transform how you work with Windows system tools. Beginners can start with straightforward options like Start menu pinning and desktop folders, while advanced users can take advantage of MMC consoles and custom toolbars. Glary Utilities further enhances this organization by centralizing many maintenance and optimization features into one accessible location, making your workflow smoother and your system maintenance more efficient.