Windows 10 and 11 come packed with powerful diagnostic utilities and system tools that can help keep your PC running smoothly, troubleshoot issues, and optimize performance. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to use these built-in utilities, along with practical tips and real-world examples. Whether you’re a beginner looking for simple maintenance advice or an advanced user keen on deep system analysis, you’ll find actionable information here. For those seeking an all-in-one solution, we’ll also highlight how Glary Utilities can make these tasks even easier.
What Are Windows Diagnostic Utilities?
Windows diagnostic utilities are built-in tools designed to analyze, troubleshoot, and fix common PC problems. These system tools help identify failing hardware, clean up unnecessary files, optimize startup processes, and improve overall system health.
Beginner Section: Essential Diagnostic and Optimization Tools
If you’re new to maintaining your Windows PC, start with these basic but powerful utilities.
How to Use Windows Security for Health Reports
1. Click on the Start menu and open Settings.
2. Go to Update & Security, then Windows Security.
3. Open Device performance & health.
Here you’ll see reports on storage, battery life (for laptops), and Windows Time service. If issues are detected, follow the on-screen suggestions to resolve them.
Running Windows Troubleshooter
1. Open Settings.
2. Choose System, then Troubleshoot.
3. Click Other troubleshooters.
4. Select a troubleshooter such as Internet Connections or Windows Update and click Run.
The troubleshooter will scan for problems and attempt to fix them automatically.
Disk Cleanup for Quick Optimization
1. Type Disk Cleanup in the Start menu and open the tool.
2. Choose the drive you want to clean (usually C:).
3. Select the types of files you want to remove, like Temporary files or Recycle Bin contents.
4. Click OK, then Delete Files.
How Glary Utilities Simplifies These Tasks
For beginners who prefer an easier and more comprehensive approach, Glary Utilities offers:
– One-click maintenance: Scan and fix multiple issues at once.
– Automatic cleanup: Schedule regular cleanup tasks.
– Simple interface: User-friendly design for stress-free optimization.
Intermediate Section: Monitoring and Analyzing System Performance
For those comfortable with basic tools, these utilities provide deeper insights and optimization opportunities.
How to Use Performance Monitor
1. Press Windows + R, type perfmon, and press Enter.
2. In the left pane, choose Performance Monitor.
Here, you can view real-time system activity (CPU, memory, disk, network). To track a specific resource:
– Click the green plus sign (+).
– Select a counter (e.g., Processor, Memory).
– Click Add, then OK.
Use these insights to spot resource-hungry applications or potential bottlenecks.
Task Manager for Startup Optimization
1. Right-click the Taskbar and select Task Manager.
2. Go to the Startup tab.
Disable unnecessary startup applications to speed up boot time:
– Right-click an unwanted program and select Disable.
How Glary Utilities Enhances This Process
– Startup Manager: Lets you manage and optimize startup items with recommendations.
– System Monitor: Provides easy-to-read stats and alerts.
Advanced Section: Deep Diagnostics and Custom Optimization
For experienced users, Windows offers advanced utilities to diagnose complex issues and fine-tune performance.
Using Event Viewer to Identify Issues
1. Press Windows + X and select Event Viewer.
2. Navigate to Windows Logs > System or Application.
Look for red error icons or warnings that might indicate hardware failures or software conflicts. Double-click events for detailed information.
System File Checker (SFC) and DISM for Repairing Corrupted Files
1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (right-click Start, select Windows Terminal (Admin)).
2. Run sfc /scannow and let the tool scan and repair system files.
3. For deeper repairs, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
These tools can fix corruption that may cause crashes or performance drops.
How Glary Utilities Supports Advanced Tasks
– Registry Cleaner: Safely fixes registry errors that can be hard to identify manually.
– Disk Repair: Checks for and repairs disk errors.
– Advanced tools: Offers modules for memory optimization, process management, and system information.
Practical Example: Diagnosing Slow Boot Times
Beginner: Use Task Manager’s Startup tab to disable unnecessary startup apps.
Intermediate: Use Performance Monitor to log boot performance and spot delays.
Advanced: Check Event Viewer for boot-related errors, and run SFC to repair system files.
Or, simply launch Glary Utilities and use its 1-Click Maintenance to address these issues in a single operation.
When Should You Use a Third-Party Tool Like Glary Utilities?
While Windows built-in tools are powerful, they often require running multiple separate utilities and interpreting technical information. Glary Utilities brings together dozens of optimization and diagnostic tools in one place, making it easier—especially for less technical users—to maintain peak system health.
Key features include:
– One-Click Maintenance for comprehensive, routine optimization.
– Registry, disk, and shortcut cleaners.
– Advanced startup, memory, and process management.
Final Thoughts
Optimizing and diagnosing your Windows 10 or 11 PC doesn’t have to be complicated. Beginners can stick with built-in tools like Disk Cleanup and Windows Troubleshooter for basic maintenance. Intermediate and advanced users can dig deeper with Performance Monitor, Event Viewer, and command-line diagnostics. For those who value simplicity and convenience, Glary Utilities offers a comprehensive suite to manage all these tasks efficiently. Whatever your skill level, regular use of these tools ensures a faster, healthier, and more reliable Windows experience.