Three Useful Utilities You’ll Find on Your Windows 10 PC
Windows 10 has some built-in utilities that are just as good or better than many of the freeware utilities available from numerous download sites on the Web. And today, we’re featuring three of these built-in Windows 10 utilities we think you’ll find useful
1. The Windows Configuration Utility
That’s right, even on Windows 10 you can still run good old MSCONFIG – the Windows Configuration utility. It’s been on every version of Windows going all the way back to Windows 95.
Back in the Windows 7 era, the Windows Configuration utility was a great way to control the number of programs starting with Windows. As most of you know, every program that starts with Windows runs with Windows – each using up precious RAM and CPU cycles. When it comes to startups, less is better.
In Windows 10, the startup manager has been moved to Task Manager. And they can also be managed from Settings -> Apps -> Startup.
In Windows 10 you can use the Windows Configuration utility for changing boot options, such as booting into Safe Mode. You can change the default operating system (if you’re running a dual-boot or multi-boot system), and more. But we recommend that you only use these settings if you’re sure of what you’re doing. You can also use the Advanced options for RAM and processor settings, but again, don’t mess with these if you are not sure of what you’re doing.
You’ll also find a comprehensive list of Windows tools in the Configuration utility. Just click on the Tools tab at the top and you’ll see a list of Windows tools and more. And did you know that this is the only place in Windows 10 where you’ll find all these tools listed in one place?
Above: The Tools Tab in Windows Configuration utility.
2. The System Information utility
The System Information Utility will tell you everything you need to know about your computer and a whole lot more. Many people download tools that do the same thing as System Information utility, but now you know better, and you can use what’s already at your fingertips.
The System Information utility will show you information about the hardware and software on your PC.
You can access the System Information utility this way:
Type MSINFO32 in the taskbar search and press Enter when you see “System information” appear in the search results.
The system summary will list all the essential information about your computer, including processor, RAM, Virtual RAM, display type, problem devices, hardware, operating system version and type (32-bit or 64-bit), and much more. Andwe’ve only scratched the surface – you can dig even deeper into the inner sanctum of your PC using the System Information utility. So, why not check it out?
Above: Windows System Information utility.
3. Windows Memory Diagnostic
WARNING: THIS TIP WILL RESTART YOUR PC. PLEASE SAVE ANY OPEN FILES BEFORE PROCEEDING!
You don’t need no stinkin’ 3rd-party utility to check your PC’s RAM! Windows has a built-in diagnostic tool that will scan your PC for memory issues and even let you know if your RAM is in decent shape.
To run Windows Memory Diagnostic:
- Hold down the Windows Key and tap the R key
- Type MDSCHED.EXE in the run box and press enter
- The Windows Memory Diagnostic utility will start.
Whoa! Hold on there, partner! The Memory Diagnostic scan will cause your PC to restart, and you won’t be able to stop it. So, before you run it, make sure you’ve saved anything you’re working on or you’ll lose it.
The scan will take between 5 and 10 minutes. After your computer reboots, you’ll see a diagnostic report giving you the results of the scan.
Now you know all about these three useful utilities that are included on your Windows 10 PC.
I use Bel Arc Advisor in addition to or in place of the System Information Utility. Free, no hassle, no malware, and a ton of additional information not included in System Information Utility. Suggest you do a review of Bel Arc Advisor if you have not done so already.
I respectfully disagree. We did not show much of what MSINFO (System Information) can do in the article. We just introduced it.
Belarc is not new, it’s been around for years. I’m quite sure that you didn’t take the time to explore MSINFO32. If you really took the time to expand all the tabs, you’ll find it covers dozens and dozens of hardware and software items. It has more information than any ordinary Windows user would need. If you open and expand all the tabs, you’ll find a tone of information. Belarc Advisor may be free and free from malware, but it’s superfluous. As always, why install something you don’t really need? Simple is best. With all due respect, we don’t want your comment inspiring a bunch of unnecessary installations of Belarc.