Understanding what’s inside your computer is crucial for troubleshooting, upgrading, or simply keeping things running smoothly. Windows 10 comes with various built-in system information tools that help you view details about your hardware, software, and other components. This guide will walk beginners through how to access, configure, and make the most of these tools, along with tips for using third-party utilities like Glary Utilities for an even deeper look.
What Are Windows System Information Tools?
System information tools are built-in and external utilities that display details about your PC. These tools show you information such as processor type, memory size, device drivers, network settings, and more. Knowing how to use these tools helps you:
– Diagnose hardware or software problems
– Check compatibility for software or hardware upgrades
– Find out if drivers are missing or outdated
Which Built-in Tools Should You Know About?
The main built-in Windows 10 system information tools include:
– System Information (msinfo32)
– Task Manager
– Device Manager
– Settings App (About section)
– DirectX Diagnostic Tool (dxdiag)
Let’s cover each tool, how to access it, and how to use it effectively.
How Do You Open and Use System Information (msinfo32)?
1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard or click the Start menu.
2. Type “System Information” and select the app from the results.
3. The System Information window opens. You’ll see a summary of your system’s hardware, software, and components.
Practical Example:
If you want to check how much RAM is installed, look at the “Installed Physical Memory (RAM)” entry under System Summary.
Tips for Beginners:
– To export details, go to File > Export and save the report as a text file for sharing or record-keeping.
– Use the search box at the bottom to quickly find items like “BIOS Version” or “Boot Device”.
How Can You Use Task Manager for System Information?
1. Right-click the taskbar at the bottom of your screen.
2. Click Task Manager.
3. Click the “Performance” tab.
Here, you can see details about CPU, Memory, Disk, Network, and GPU usage.
Practical Example:
To monitor which applications are using the most memory, look in the “Processes” tab and sort by “Memory”.
How Do You Access Device Manager?
1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. The Device Manager window lists all installed hardware components.
Practical Example:
If your printer isn’t working, expand the “Printers” section to check for errors (yellow triangles).
How to Check System Information in the Settings App?
1. Click the Start menu and select Settings (the gear icon).
2. Go to System > About.
3. Here you’ll find basic PC specs like device name, processor, installed RAM, device ID, product ID, and Windows edition/version.
How Do You Run the DirectX Diagnostic Tool (dxdiag)?
1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type dxdiag and press Enter.
3. The DirectX Diagnostic Tool will open, showing system, display, sound, and input information.
Practical Example:
If you’re troubleshooting graphics issues or want to know your DirectX version, check the “Display” tab.
Why Should You Use Third-Party Tools Like Glary Utilities?
While Windows built-in tools are helpful, third-party utilities like Glary Utilities provide a one-stop solution with more in-depth information and additional system maintenance features.
How Can You Use Glary Utilities for System Information?
1. Download and install Glary Utilities from the official website.
2. Launch Glary Utilities and go to the “Advanced Tools” tab.
3. Click on “System Information”.
Benefits for Beginners:
– Glary Utilities presents information in a simple, user-friendly format.
– You can generate detailed reports and see hardware/software summaries at a glance.
– It also includes tools for cleaning junk files, repairing the registry, and optimizing startup programs, all of which help keep your system running smoothly.
What Are Some Real-World Scenarios Where These Tools Help?
– Upgrading RAM: Check current memory using System Information or Glary Utilities.
– Installing New Software: Verify system requirements in the Settings About section.
– Troubleshooting: Use Device Manager to find devices with problems. Use Task Manager to see if an app is using too many resources.
– Sharing System Details: Export a report in System Information or Glary Utilities to send to a tech support agent.
What Are the Best Practices for Beginners?
– Familiarize yourself with each tool’s layout and options.
– Regularly check your PC’s health and specs before making changes or seeking support.
– Use Glary Utilities’ automated maintenance features to keep your PC running smoothly, especially if you’re not comfortable with manual cleanup.
– Export and save reports before seeking help, so you have all the information handy.
Conclusion
Windows 10 offers several easy-to-use system information tools that every beginner should know. By combining these built-in utilities with a comprehensive third-party tool like Glary Utilities, you’ll have everything you need to understand, monitor, and maintain your computer with confidence. Start exploring these tools today, and you’ll be ready for any troubleshooting or upgrade scenario that comes your way.