Windows has a good amount of hidden programs, which give you even more control over your computer. For example, to check the quality of the memory, monitor the performance of the computer and perform health checks. Which one should you not miss? You can optimize Windows 10 with these tools that are already present in Windows.
Windows Memory Check
Problems with your computer’s internal memory can be persistent and above all unpredictable. Unfortunately, a memory problem can also be caused by faulty hardware, but it’s worth checking for known software issues first. This is possible with the hidden program Windows Memory Control. Open the Start menu and type Memory control. Choose Windows Memory Check.
There are two options: Restart now and look for problems (recommended) and Look for problems when I restart my computer. We choose the first option. Windows 10 shuts down and the computer restarts. If the program finds a cause for the problem, report it.
Source control
Curious about what is happening on the computer and how the available resources of the system are distributed among programs and processes? With Source Control you have a good overview of this. You can think of the program as the big brother of Task Manager, which you read about further on. In the Start menu you type Source control. The program consists of four tabs. On the first tab – Overview – you can see at a glance how the processor, disk and network and memory are used. The column on the right also shows the performance in handy graphs. Click on a tab – for example Processor – to show the details for that part.
Handy is the function with which you can force a process to end. For example, if you see that a process takes up a disproportionate amount of system resource, such as memory, and you don’t know how to end this process by closing the associated program, right-click it and choose End the process.
Performance meter
Are you a somewhat more advanced user and do you need insight into computer performance? With Performance Monitor you can take a closer look at different areas. In the left part of the window you will find the section Control tools. Expand this section and choose Performance meter. Now is the time to add items you want to check to the chart. Click the plus sign button.
On the left you will find the available items, such as processor, physical disk and network. You will also find the button in the graph window Change chart type. Click to switch between the different views. You can also take a picture of a specific graph, for example if you want to look back later: right click on the graph and choose Save Image As.
Reliability check
No more guessing about the health and stability of your computer: with the help of Reliability Check you can see at a glance how the computer behaves. In the Start menu you type Reliability, then click on View trust history. A window opens with a graph that shows in detail how your computer performs in the areas of Application errors, Windows errors and Other errors. An error is shown as a red circle with a cross, a warning as a yellow traffic sign with an exclamation mark and an informative message as a blue circle with the letter I.
The graph also contains information about when a warning or general notification is displayed. At the bottom of the graph you can see the different days. Click on a day to see the associated notifications. These are shown in the lower part of the window.
For more information about the report, right-click on it and choose Show technical details. You can save the details and consult them later by clicking Copy to the clipboard. To see more details over a longer period, choose at View on in front of Weeks.
If you want to compare a report with another report later in time, you can save it. Choose Save trust history. Enter a suitable name and the location where you want to save the report. The file is saved as an XML report, which you can view in the browser, among others.
Fast at all settings
Although the classic Control Panel becomes less important with every Windows version because the settings mainly move to the new settings window, the settings via the classic settings window still come in handy. With a clever trick, you can summon them all at once.
Right click on the desktop and choose New, Map. Name the folder as follows: Settings. {ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}. Press Enter. The “folder” is created, but is actually a shortcut that allows you to bring up all the settings of the Control Panel at once. Place the shortcut prominently in the Start menu, on the desktop, or on the Windows taskbar.
Local Group Policy Editor
A long and meaningless name: the Local Group Policy Editor (open the Start menu and type Gpedit.msc). Still, this program, which you will only find in the Pro version of Windows 10, is indeed useful. It gives access to most Windows settings from one central environment. It is especially suitable for those who like to have as much freedom as possible in adjusting the behavior of Windows.
For example, there is the Windows components section, where you can adjust all kinds of settings for Windows yourself. The operation is similar to that of the Explorer. On the left you will find the main categories, similar to the main folders of Explorer. Click on a category to display the subcategories. On the right side of the window you will find the corresponding settings. Double-click a setting to adjust it and choose between Enabled and Turned off. The program is powerful and gives access to all kinds of settings. Always read the description of an institution before adjusting it.
System configuration
A good classic, which fortunately is still present in Windows 10: System Configuration. You open the hidden part via the Start menu: type Msconfig. The part is especially useful if you want to adjust the Windows startup behavior. The window consists of five tabs. On the tab General you can change the way Windows starts. That option is especially useful if you have problems starting the computer and, for example, only want to start what is needed and then find problems.
On the tab Services you can see which components are loaded at the start of Windows. If you see parts here that you do not want to be loaded, remove the corresponding check mark and click OK. On the last tab – Utilities – you have access to other hidden programs, much of which we have discussed in this article. Click on a program you want to open and then choose Starting.
System information
Finally, if you want to know exactly which parts the computer consists of, you cannot ignore System Information. This program provides a comprehensive overview of the available hardware. You open it via the Start menu: type System information.
The window is made up of three main categories: Hardware resources, Components and Software environment. On the right side of the window you will find the corresponding settings. click on System overview (top right) for an overview of the main components of the computer. You can also save the values ​​in an external document. Choose File, Export. The information is then saved as a text file, which you can display later.
Dive deeper into Windows 10 and completely customize the operating system using our Tech Academy. Check the Windows 10 Manage online course or go for the Windows 10 Management bundle including technique and practice book.
.