Running diagnostics on Windows 11 isn’t just for the tech nerds — it’s pretty straightforward, but a bit of a pain how it’s all spread out. If your PC feels slow, crashes randomly, or just isn’t right, a quick health check can help you suss out what’s going on. Just a heads up, sometimes the built-in tools miss stuff on the first go, so you might need to run a few steps or have a dig around.
How to Run Diagnostics on Windows 11
Alright, here’s the rundown. These steps will help you have a crack at checking your system’s health using Windows’ own tools. In my experience, it’s just a matter of following along — some bits work straight away, others might need a restart or another look.
Step 1: Open Windows Security
Start by clicking Start menu, typing “Windows Security,” and opening the app. It’s basically your centre for virus scans, firewall checks, and system diagnostics. Fair dinkum, Windows can make it a pain to find simple stuff — sometimes it’s in the pinned apps, other times you just need to search. Easy enough.
Step 2: Run a Quick Scan
In Windows Security, head to Virus & Threat Protection. Click on Quick Scan. It’s a speedy malware check, so don’t expect deep hardware analysis here. Sometimes, it spots issues right away; other times, it doesn’t. If it finds something, follow the prompts — usually, it’ll ask you to clean or quarantine.
Step 3: Use Task Manager
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc or right-click the taskbar and choose Task Manager. Go to the Performance tab. Here, you can see how your CPU, RAM, and Disk are acting in real time. If your PC is chugging along, have a squiz here first — high usage all over can mean bottlenecks or dodgy processes. Sometimes, background apps spike unexpectedly, and closing them can give things a boost.
Step 4: Access Performance Monitor
Just search for “Performance Monitor” in the Start menu and open it. This one’s a tad more advanced and can be a bit data-heavy, but it’s worth a look if you think there’s something deeper going on. You can set up counters to keep an eye on over time and get a history of your system’s health. Great for picking up patterns that lead to crashes or lag, especially if issues only pop up at certain times or after certain tasks.
Step 5: Run Memory Diagnostic
Type “Windows Memory Diagnostic” in the search bar, open it, then choose Restart now and check for problems. It’s a bit nerve-wracking because it restarts your PC, but it’s the best way to test your RAM. Faulty memory often causes weird crashes or freezes, and this tool is pretty reliable — though sometimes it throws false alarms.
After the reboot, it runs a quick check and shows the results when you log back in. If there’s a RAM issue, it’ll tell you. Otherwise, you can breathe a bit easier.
Pro tip: Sometimes, you’ll need to run this a couple of times or update your BIOS if errors keep showing but you’re sure the hardware’s fine. Also, on some rigs, the first run can hang or take ages — just restart and try again if needed.
So, yeah, doing these steps puts your PC under the microscope. If issues are flagged, follow the instructions to sort ’em out—could be hardware or software. No flags? Then chances are it’s not hardware, but don’t rule out software or driver hiccups. Still, it’s a fair starting point.
Tips for Running Diagnostics on Windows 11
- Keep your system up to date (Settings > Windows Update), because security patches and bug fixes are crucial.
- Run full scans every now and then — they’re more thorough than quick scans.
- Watch your resource usage if things start to slow down unexpectedly.
- Update your drivers regularly — outdated drivers can cause hardware dramas that diagnostics might not pick up right away.
- Use troubleshooting tools like the Troubleshoot Settings menu for automatic fixes. Sometimes, Windows just knows what’s up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if Windows Security finds a threat?
If it does, just follow the prompts. Usually, quarantining or removing the malware sorts things out, but it’s smart to run a deeper scan afterward or use third-party tools if needed.
How often should I run diagnostics?
Monthly quick checks are fine for most, but if your PC’s acting dodgy, do a full scan or hardware test ASAP. Better to be safe than sorry.
Can I use third-party diagnostic tools?
Sure can, but stick to reputable ones like HWMonitor, CrystalDiskInfo, or MemTest86. Just be aware some apps can be dodgy or give false alarms, so take them with a grain of salt.
What if Task Manager shows high CPU usage?
This could mean some processes are hogging your resources. Close unnecessary apps, check for updates or malware. Sometimes, a reboot helps. If it keeps happening, look into what’s starting up with your PC.
How do I know if my RAM is faulty?
Crashes, freezes, or funny errors? That’s a sign. Using Windows Memory Diagnostic is the go-to, but sometimes RAM issues are sneaky — like weird graphical glitches or slow boots. If you’re stuck, swapping RAM modules or testing one at a time can help figure it out.
Summary of Steps
- Open Windows Security
- Run a Quick Scan
- Monitor resources with Task Manager
- Check deeper with Performance Monitor
- Test your memory with Memory Diagnostic
Conclusion
Doing these diagnostics is like giving your PC a bit of a check-up — keeps everything ticking over smoothly and catches issues early. No magic bullet, but way better than just guessing what’s wrong. Make a habit of it, especially after big Windows updates or if weird stuff starts happening. Honestly, a few clicks can give you peace of mind, and sometimes it’s the only way to tell if your hardware is starting to pack it in. Hopefully, this helps save you a headache or two, mate.