Understanding how to monitor and use Windows diagnostic utilities is essential for keeping your computer running smoothly. Windows 11 offers a range of built-in tools that help detect, diagnose, and resolve common issues. For beginners, learning to use these system tools can seem daunting, but with step-by-step guidance and practical examples, you’ll gain confidence in maintaining your PC’s health. Here are the top 10 ways you can monitor and utilize Windows diagnostic utilities, along with tips on making the process easier with Glary Utilities.
1. How Can You Access and Use Task Manager?
Task Manager is a core tool for monitoring system performance and identifying unresponsive applications. To open it, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc or right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager.
– In the Processes tab, you can see running programs and their impact on CPU, memory, and disk usage.
– The Performance tab displays real-time graphs of your CPU, memory, disk, network, and GPU usage.
– To end a problematic process, select it and click End Task.
Tip: Use Task Manager when your computer seems slow or an application is not responding.
2. What Does Resource Monitor Show You?
Resource Monitor provides a deeper look into how your system resources are being used. Open it by searching for “Resource Monitor” in the Start menu.
– In the Overview tab, you can watch CPU, memory, disk, and network activity in real-time.
– Under the Memory tab, see which programs use the most RAM.
– The Disk tab reveals which files and programs are reading or writing to your drives.
This helps you pinpoint performance bottlenecks, such as a program using excessive memory.
3. How Do You Use Reliability Monitor for Troubleshooting?
Reliability Monitor gives you a timeline of system events, crashes, and warnings.
– Search for “Reliability Monitor” in the Start menu or open it via Control Panel > Security and Maintenance > Reliability Monitor.
– Review the graph for red X’s (critical events) and yellow warning triangles.
– Click on events for details and possible solutions.
This tool is especially handy for finding the cause of recurring crashes or errors.
4. What is Windows Memory Diagnostic and How to Run It?
If your PC is experiencing random freezes or crashes, checking for memory problems is a good step.
– In the Start menu, type “Windows Memory Diagnostic” and open it.
– Choose “Restart now and check for problems.”
– Your PC will reboot and scan your memory for errors.
After the test, results will appear after logging back into Windows.
5. How Can Performance Monitor Help You Analyze PC Health?
Performance Monitor is a more advanced utility that tracks system performance over time.
– Search for “Performance Monitor” in the Start menu.
– Add counters (such as processor time, disk activity, or network usage) to monitor specific resources.
– Use Reports to view recorded performance data and spot trends.
While it may seem complex, beginners can start by using the built-in reports.
6. How Do You Check for Disk Errors with Error Checking?
Faulty hard drives can cause significant problems. Error Checking scans your drives for errors.
– Open File Explorer, right-click a drive (e.g., C:\), select Properties.
– Go to the Tools tab and click “Check” under Error Checking.
– Follow the prompts to scan and fix errors.
Regularly running this tool can prevent data loss and improve performance.
7. How Can Glary Utilities Simplify System Monitoring and Maintenance?
Glary Utilities is a comprehensive third-party suite that consolidates many diagnostic and repair tools in one place.
– Download and install Glary Utilities from the official website.
– Use “1-Click Maintenance” to automatically scan for registry errors, junk files, and broken shortcuts.
– The “System Information” tool gives you an overview of your hardware and software.
– Use “Startup Manager” to control which programs launch at boot, improving startup speed.
Glary Utilities is particularly beginner-friendly, offering clear descriptions and one-click fixes for common problems.
8. What Does the Windows Event Viewer Show?
Event Viewer logs detailed information about system events, errors, and warnings.
– Search for “Event Viewer” in the Start menu.
– Navigate to Windows Logs > System or Application to review critical errors.
– Double-click an event for more information and troubleshooting advice.
While advanced, this tool can help you find the cause of mysterious issues.
9. How Do You Use System File Checker (SFC) for Corrupted Files?
Corrupted system files can cause strange issues. Use SFC to repair them.
– Open Command Prompt as administrator (search “cmd,” right-click, select “Run as administrator”).
– Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
– Wait for the scan to complete and follow any on-screen instructions.
This can resolve problems with Windows apps or system features failing to work.
10. How Can You Monitor Updates and System Health via Windows Security?
Keeping Windows up to date is vital for security and stability.
– Go to Settings > Windows Update to check for and install updates.
– Open Windows Security from the Start menu to review device health and security status.
Address any recommendations or alerts for a safer, smoother experience.
Conclusion
Monitoring and using Windows diagnostic utilities in Windows 11 doesn’t have to be overwhelming, even for beginners. By learning the purpose and steps for each tool, you can quickly identify and solve many common PC problems. For a more streamlined experience, Glary Utilities brings together many of these essential maintenance tasks, making system care accessible and effective for all users. Regularly checking your system with these utilities will keep your computer running its best.