Windows 10 and 11 include a range of system information tools designed to help users monitor hardware, software, and system health. However, both beginners and advanced users often find the built-in options lacking in depth or user-friendliness. By enhancing your approach to these tools, you can make system monitoring more effective, troubleshoot issues faster, and ensure overall PC health—whether you’re a newcomer or an experienced power user. Here are the top 10 ways to improve your experience with Windows system information tools.
1. Know Your Built-In Tools
For Beginners:
Start by familiarizing yourself with built-in utilities like System Information (msinfo32), Task Manager, and Resource Monitor. To access System Information:
– Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter.
– Explore sections like System Summary, Hardware Resources, and Components.
For Advanced Users:
Use PowerShell cmdlets like Get-ComputerInfo or system utilities such as Performance Monitor (perfmon) for granular data. These tools allow you to automate data collection and even export system information for further analysis.
2. Customize Task Manager for Better Insights
For Beginners:
Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc). Use the ‘More details’ view to see running processes, app history, and startup programs. Right-click column headers to add useful columns like GPU usage or disk activity.
For Advanced Users:
Create custom views with Task Manager by grouping processes or filtering by resource usage. Use the “Startup” tab to manage which applications launch with Windows, reducing boot times.
3. Leverage Resource Monitor for Real-Time Analysis
Both beginners and advanced users benefit from Resource Monitor (type resmon in the Start menu). This tool offers detailed, real-time data on CPU, memory, disk, and network activity. Beginners can watch graphs for spikes in usage, while advanced users can investigate which processes are causing bottlenecks or network issues.
4. Integrate Third-Party Tools for In-Depth Information
Glary Utilities is highly recommended for users wanting more than what’s built-in. Its System Information module provides a comprehensive overview, including details about hardware, software, and resource usage. Glary Utilities also lets you generate easy-to-read system reports and identify outdated drivers.
Example for Beginners:
Use Glary Utilities‘ “System Information” feature to get a complete summary without digging through multiple Windows menus.
For Advanced Users:
Export reports for troubleshooting, compare system snapshots over time, or use the “Drivers” tool to keep critical hardware drivers up-to-date.
5. Automate System Information Collection
Advanced Users:
Set up scripts using PowerShell or third-party utilities like Glary Utilities to automatically gather system data daily or weekly. This is invaluable for diagnosing intermittent issues or monitoring changes after updates.
6. Visualize Hardware Health
For Beginners:
Look for easy-to-read dashboards in Glary Utilities or tools like Speccy, which show temperatures, hardware status, and drive health in a single window. This helps catch overheating or failing components early.
For Advanced Users:
Use built-in Windows Event Viewer to check for hardware-related warnings or errors. Combine this with third-party monitoring for a more complete picture.
7. Centralize System Logs and Reports
For Beginners:
Use Glary Utilities’ reporting features to store all your system snapshots and logs in one place. This is helpful if you need support or wish to track performance history.
For Advanced Users:
Automate log aggregation using scripts or set up shared locations in a network environment for centralized monitoring.
8. Create Custom Alerts
Advanced Users:
Configure Windows Performance Monitor to alert you when certain thresholds (like CPU temperature or disk usage) are crossed. You can also use Glary Utilities to schedule regular scans and health checks.
9. Ensure Accurate and Up-to-Date Information
For Beginners:
Update Windows and all drivers regularly. Glary Utilities’ driver updater feature can help automate this task, ensuring that the information you see matches your actual hardware capabilities.
For Advanced Users:
Use Device Manager or third-party tools to check for and install the latest firmware or BIOS updates, which can impact system stability and reporting accuracy.
10. Simplify Access with Shortcuts and Favorites
For Beginners:
Pin tools like System Information, Task Manager, or Glary Utilities to your Start menu or taskbar for easy access.
For Advanced Users:
Create custom batch scripts or PowerShell shortcuts that open multiple system tool windows at once, or use Glary Utilities’ “1-Click Maintenance” to streamline routine health checks.
Conclusion
Improving your use of Windows system information tools not only helps you keep your PC running smoothly but also equips you to troubleshoot issues quickly and confidently. Beginners can benefit from user-friendly alternatives like Glary Utilities, which centralizes and simplifies many essential tasks. Advanced users, meanwhile, can leverage automation, scripting, and detailed monitoring for deeper insights. By applying these tips, you’ll get the most accurate and actionable information about your Windows 10 or 11 system, every time.