Understanding your Windows 10 system’s hardware and software details is crucial for troubleshooting, optimizing performance, and making informed upgrade decisions. Windows includes several built-in system information tools, and third-party utilities like Glary Utilities can provide even deeper insights. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the most useful methods to access, configure, and make the most of Windows system information tools, from basic built-in options to advanced utilities.
Why Should You Use System Information Tools?
System information tools help you:
– Identify hardware specs for upgrades or troubleshooting
– Detect outdated drivers and software
– Monitor system health and performance
– Diagnose compatibility issues for new applications or devices
Section 1: Getting Started with Built-in System Information Tools (Beginners)
What is the System Information Tool (msinfo32)?
Windows 10 comes with a powerful built-in utility called System Information (msinfo32). It displays a summary of your computer’s hardware, software, and system components.
How do you launch the System Information tool?
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type msinfo32 and press Enter.
You will see a window displaying categories like System Summary, Hardware Resources, Components, and Software Environment.
What details can beginners quickly find?
– System Summary: Basic info like OS version, manufacturer, processor, RAM, and BIOS version
– Components: Details about display, storage, network, and peripherals
– Software Environment: Running tasks, drivers, and services
Practical Example: Checking Your RAM and CPU
1. In the System Summary, look for Installed Physical Memory (RAM) and Processor.
2. Use this information to decide if your computer is suitable for tasks like gaming or video editing.
How to export system information for support?
1. In the System Information window, click File, then Export.
2. Save the file and send it to technical support for troubleshooting.
Section 2: Using Device Manager for Hardware Details (Beginners)
How do you open Device Manager?
1. Right-click the Start menu and select Device Manager.
Device Manager lists all installed hardware components. Expand each category (like Display adapters or Network adapters) to see specific device names and statuses.
Practical Example: Checking for Missing Drivers
Look for a yellow triangle icon, which indicates driver issues. Right-click the device and select Update driver to attempt a fix.
Section 3: Advanced Built-in Tools for Experienced Users
What is Windows PowerShell and how can it help?
PowerShell can retrieve detailed system info using commands.
Example: Get-ComputerInfo
1. Press Windows key + X, then select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Type Get-ComputerInfo and press Enter.
This will display comprehensive hardware and OS details, including network configurations, BIOS data, and more.
What is Performance Monitor?
Performance Monitor helps you track system activity in real time.
How to launch Performance Monitor:
1. Press Windows key + R, type perfmon, and press Enter.
2. Use the navigation pane to explore performance metrics.
Section 4: Third-Party Solutions – Why Use Glary Utilities?
While Windows’s built-in tools are powerful, an all-in-one solution like Glary Utilities offers deeper insights and broader features for both beginners and advanced users.
What features does Glary Utilities offer?
– System Information: A single view of all your hardware and software details
– Startup Manager: See which programs run at startup and manage them
– Disk Cleaner: Remove unnecessary files to boost performance
– Driver Backup: Backup and restore device drivers easily
How to check system information in Glary Utilities:
1. Download and install Glary Utilities from the official website.
2. Launch the program and select the “Advanced Tools” tab.
3. Click on “System Information.”
Practical Example: Creating a Hardware and Software Report
Glary Utilities allows you to generate a full report of your system. This is useful for sharing with a technician or for your own records.
Section 5: Tips for Power Users and Advanced Configuration
How to automate system information collection?
Power users can schedule scripts or use tools like Glary Utilities’ scheduler to regularly collect and export system data for monitoring or troubleshooting.
How to compare system snapshots?
Regularly generate system reports using Glary Utilities or msinfo32. Compare older and newer reports to spot hardware failures or unauthorized changes.
How to monitor hardware in real time?
Combine Windows Performance Monitor with third-party monitoring tools for continuous tracking of CPU, RAM, and disk usage.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a beginner looking to check your computer’s memory or an advanced user automating system audits, Windows 10 offers a variety of system information tools. Built-in options like msinfo32 and Device Manager provide quick insights, while advanced users can leverage PowerShell scripts and Performance Monitor for deeper analysis.
For a comprehensive, user-friendly experience, consider all-in-one utilities like Glary Utilities. Its easy-to-use interface, detailed reporting, and system optimization features make it a top choice for maintaining and monitoring your Windows system efficiently. Regular use of these tools helps ensure your PC runs smoothly and is ready for any technical challenge.