Diagnosing problems on a Windows computer can be a complex task, but with the right set of system tools and utilities, you can quickly identify and resolve most hardware and software issues. This article is designed for intermediate Windows users who want practical, step-by-step guidance on using diagnostic utilities to keep their systems running smoothly. We’ll cover native Windows tools, third-party options like Glary Utilities, and provide real-world examples so you can apply these techniques confidently.
What Are the Essential Diagnostic Tools Built into Windows?
Windows includes several built-in utilities that help diagnose and fix common issues:
1. Reliability Monitor
Press the Windows key and type “Reliability Monitor,” then select “View reliability history.”
This tool provides a timeline of system events, errors, warnings, and critical failures.
Look for red X symbols to identify days with crashes or failures, and double-click entries for more details.
2. Windows Memory Diagnostic
If you suspect faulty RAM, press Windows+R, type “mdsched.exe,” and hit Enter.
Choose “Restart now and check for problems.” The computer will reboot and check your memory for errors.
After the check, review results in the Event Viewer under “Windows Logs” > “System,” and look for MemoryDiagnostics results.
3. Performance Monitor
Launch by typing “perfmon” in the search box.
Use the built-in reports under “Reports” > “System” > “System Diagnostics” to review hardware and software performance.
Add counters to monitor disk, CPU, or network activity in real-time.
How Can You Use Glary Utilities for Advanced Diagnostics and Maintenance?
While Windows’ built-in tools are powerful, they can be scattered and sometimes hard to interpret. Glary Utilities brings these functions together in a single, user-friendly interface, making it a must-have for any diagnostic toolkit.
1. One-Click Maintenance
Open Glary Utilities and select “1-Click Maintenance.”
This scans for registry errors, shortcuts issues, spyware, temporary files, and startup items.
Click “Repair Problems” to fix all detected issues automatically.
2. Advanced Tools for Deep Diagnostics
Navigate to the “Advanced Tools” tab for more specific maintenance options:
Disk Repair – Scan and fix disk errors, similar to Windows’ chkdsk but with additional reporting and logging.
System Information – Get a comprehensive overview of your hardware and software configuration, great for troubleshooting hardware compatibility or driver issues.
Startup Manager – Review and manage programs that launch at boot. Disable unnecessary entries to improve boot times and stability.
3. Real-World Example
Suppose your computer becomes sluggish after a Windows update.
Use Glary Utilities’ “Startup Manager” to check if new software is launching at boot.
Run “Disk Cleanup” and “Registry Cleaner” to remove unnecessary files and optimize registry entries.
Finally, use the “Track Eraser” to clear browser and system histories, further improving privacy and speed.
Which Third-Party Utilities Complement Your Toolkit?
In addition to Glary Utilities, consider adding these free tools:
CrystalDiskInfo – Monitors hard drive health and temperature.
HWMonitor – Tracks real-time temperatures and voltages for CPU, GPU, and other components.
BlueScreenView – Analyzes minidump files created by Windows after a crash, helping you identify the cause of BSODs.
How Do You Combine These Tools for Effective Diagnostics?
When facing an unknown problem:
Start with Reliability Monitor to identify when the issue began.
Check hardware health using Windows Memory Diagnostic and CrystalDiskInfo.
Use Glary Utilities’ “1-Click Maintenance” and “Advanced Tools” to address possible software-related causes.
Review startup items and installed programs for recent changes.
If crashes persist, analyze BSODs with BlueScreenView for detailed error codes.
What Are the Best Practices for Ongoing System Health?
Schedule regular scans with Glary Utilities to catch and fix problems early.
Keep your diagnostic utilities updated to ensure compatibility with new Windows versions.
Document recurring issues and solutions for future reference.
Conclusion
A robust Windows diagnostic toolkit empowers you to solve problems efficiently and prevent future issues. By combining native Windows tools with comprehensive solutions like Glary Utilities and a few specialized third-party programs, you can maintain your computer’s performance and stability with confidence. Use the step-by-step methods outlined here as your guide whenever you face new challenges on your Windows PC.