Windows system information tools help you monitor, diagnose, and manage your PC’s hardware and software health. For intermediate users, keeping these tools organized not only streamlines troubleshooting but also speeds up maintenance tasks. But with so many built-in and third-party utilities available, what’s the most effective way to arrange and access them? This guide takes you through the best practices for organizing these vital system tools for maximum efficiency and ease of use.
Why Bother Organizing System Information Tools?
You might ask: Isn’t it enough just to know where the tools are? Not quite. The more systematic your approach, the faster you can react to issues, prevent problems, and optimize your workflow. For example, if your PC starts running slowly, being able to launch Task Manager, Reliability Monitor, and Resource Monitor from a single location saves precious time.
Which Built-in Tools Should You Prioritize?
First, identify the core Windows tools you use most:
– Task Manager: For monitoring system performance and closing unresponsive applications.
– System Information (msinfo32): Details on hardware resources and system components.
– Resource Monitor: In-depth view of CPU, memory, disk, and network usage.
– Event Viewer: For analyzing error logs and system events.
– Device Manager: To check and manage hardware drivers.
– Performance Monitor: For custom tracking of system metrics.
Organize these based on how frequently you use them. For example, you might use Task Manager daily but only check System Information monthly. Prioritize their placement accordingly.
How Can You Create Quick Access Points?
Windows offers several ways to centralize your system information tools:
1. Pin to Start Menu or Taskbar
Right-click each tool’s shortcut (or the executable, such as msinfo32.exe), then choose Pin to Start or Pin to Taskbar. This ensures one-click access.
2. Create a “System Tools” Folder
a. Right-click your Desktop or within your Documents folder.
b. Select New > Folder and name it “System Tools”.
c. Drag and drop shortcuts to your chosen tools here.
d. For even quicker access, right-click the folder and select Pin to Quick Access.
3. Use Windows Search Shortcuts
If you’re comfortable with typing, press Windows Key + S and enter the tool’s name (like “Resource Monitor”). Make a habit of using these shortcuts for speed.
4. Build a Custom Administrative Tools Menu
a. Right-click Start and select Run, then enter shell:admin tools
b. Here, you can add shortcuts to your favorite system utilities, both built-in and third-party.
How Do Third-party Tools Like Glary Utilities Fit Into Your Organization?
While Windows provides powerful built-in tools, third-party utilities like Glary Utilities offer a unified interface for many maintenance features. Glary Utilities consolidates disk cleanup, registry repair, system information, and startup manager tools — all within a single dashboard. Here’s how to integrate it effectively:
– Install Glary Utilities and pin its shortcut to your Start Menu or Taskbar.
– Use Glary Utilities as your go-to for routine maintenance: run the 1-Click Maintenance, check the System Information tab for a complete overview, and use its integrated tools (like Disk Cleaner and Duplicate Finder) to supplement Windows’ own utilities.
– Add a shortcut to Glary Utilities in your custom “System Tools” folder to keep it alongside your Windows tools for easy comparison and access.
What About Grouping Tools by Task?
Another best practice is grouping tools by the problems they solve:
– For performance troubleshooting: Task Manager, Resource Monitor, Glary Utilities.
– For hardware checks: Device Manager, System Information, Glary Utilities’ System Information.
– For event analysis: Event Viewer, Reliability Monitor.
– For cleanup and optimization: Disk Cleanup, Storage Sense, Glary Utilities’ cleanup features.
You can create subfolders inside your “System Tools” folder (e.g., “Performance”, “Cleanup”) or simply organize shortcuts with clear labels.
How Can You Keep Tools Up-to-date?
Regular updates are essential, especially for third-party utilities. With Glary Utilities, updates are straightforward: the program notifies you automatically. For Windows tools, ensure your system is up-to-date via Windows Update, as many improvements arrive through official patches.
What Should You Avoid?
– Don’t clutter your desktop with too many shortcuts; use folders for organization.
– Avoid redundant tools — if Glary Utilities handles a task well, you may not need multiple standalone programs.
– Don’t neglect less-used tools. Even if you rarely use Event Viewer, keep its shortcut handy for emergencies.
Practical Example: Your Optimized “System Tools” Folder
A well-organized folder might look like this:
System Tools
– Performance
– Task Manager
– Resource Monitor
– Glary Utilities
– Hardware
– Device Manager
– System Information
– Maintenance
– Disk Cleanup
– Glary Utilities (for 1-Click Maintenance)
– Logs
– Event Viewer
– Reliability Monitor
Final Thoughts
Organizing your Windows system information tools pays dividends in speed, clarity, and effectiveness. By leveraging a combination of built-in features, custom folders, and comprehensive solutions like Glary Utilities, you’ll ensure you’re always ready to diagnose, clean, or optimize your PC with minimal hassle. Start small: create your first folder or pin your most-used tools today, and experience smoother Windows management tomorrow.