Checking your hardware on Windows 11 is pretty much like taking your car to the mechanic, but without the massive bill. It’s a handy way to catch potential dramas — those weird lag spikes, random crashes, or just feeling like your PC isn’t as quick as it used to be. These built-in tools help you suss out issues with your RAM, disk, and other components before they turn into proper headaches. Of course, Windows can be a bit fiddly about where things are hidden, so you might need to do a bit of digging. In this guide, I’ll show you how to run these diagnostics without faffing around with third-party software, but I’ve got some extra tips if you want to go further.
How to Run Hardware Diagnostics on Windows 11
Open the Control Panel
If you’re like most Aussies, finding the Control Panel can be a bit of a mission. Just click on the search bar on the taskbar and type Control Panel. Once it pops up, give it a click. It’s a bit old-school, but still the go-to place for system tools. On some setups, the Control Panel icon can be tricky to find, so it’s easier just to start typing. Expect the usual Windows loads, and you’ll be well on your way to running diagnostics.
Navigate to System and Security
Once inside the Control Panel, look for System and Security. Yeah, it’s a big chunk, but this is where Windows keeps its security and maintenance options. Think of it as the control room for your PC’s health. On some machines, you might need to switch the view to “Large icons” or “Small icons” to see everything clearly. No worries — just click around without stressing too much.
Access Security and Maintenance
Now, in that “System and Security” section, click on Security and Maintenance. This is where Windows lets you know if anything needs your attention. Scroll down a bit, and you’ll see a section called Maintenance. Here, Windows bundles most troubleshooting tools — it’s pretty much the dashboard for system health checks. Sometimes, it’ll flag issues automatically; other times, you’ll need to click “Start maintenance” for a quick scan.
Start the Troubleshooters
Inside Maintenance, look for the Troubleshooting link or section. This is where the magic happens, because here Windows can run specific hardware tests. Click on Troubleshoot common problems, and a list of options should pop up. For hardware-related issues, check for options like audio, graphics, or network — these can all impact performance. Sometimes, you might need to hit “View all” to see all troubleshooters. They’re not perfect, but they usually catch the obvious stuff.
Using Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool
This one’s a bit underrated but super handy if your PC’s feeling a bit jittery or keeps crashing. Just type Windows Memory Diagnostic into the search bar (same as Control Panel), and click on the app that comes up. It’ll ask if you want to restart immediately or check during the next boot — choose “Restart now and check for problems,” and your PC will reboot into a memory test. No idea why it works, but sometimes it spots RAM problems that aren’t obvious otherwise. Expect a blue screen or a progress bar — don’t touch the keyboard while it’s running. When it’s done, Windows will reboot and give you the results in the System Tray or Action Center.
Fun fact — on some setups, the memory test might fail at first or show minor errors. Running it a couple of times can help clear false alarms or catch flaky issues. It’s not foolproof, but it’s better than nothing.
After the test, Windows will flag any memory or hardware issues. It’ll either fix things automatically or recommend what to do next. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of updating drivers or checking drives with tools like Winhance.
Tips for Running Hardware Diagnostics on Windows 11
- Run diagnostics every few months, or if your PC starts acting up.
- Keep Windows up to date — updates often improve these tools.
- If you want a deeper dive, consider third-party tools like CrystalDiskInfo for your drives or HWMonitor for temps and voltages.
- Back up your important stuff first — sometimes diagnostics can cause issues, just to be safe.
- Familiarise yourself with your hardware specs (like RAM type, model numbers) so you know what to expect in the results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the point of all these hardware scans?
They’re great for catching problems early — before they turn into crashes or data loss. Basically, it’s preventative maintenance for your PC’s guts.
No third-party software needed? Seriously?
Yep — Windows has plenty built-in. The troubleshooters, Memory Diagnostic, and performance reports are all ready to go without downloading anything extra.
How often should I do this?
Every few months, or if your PC feels sluggish. Also run them if your machine starts restarting randomly, freezing, or throwing up error messages.
I ran diagnostics and it flagged a problem — what’s next?
Follow the suggestions — sometimes it’s as simple as updating a driver or running a disk check. If it recommends hardware replacements or more serious fixes, you might want to chat to a pro or do some more in-depth testing.
Any risks in running these tools?
Mostly no, but Windows can be a bit dramatic sometimes. It’s a good idea to back up your important stuff just in case. Diagnostics are safe, but better safe than sorry.
Summary
- Open Control Panel
- Go to System and Security
- Click on Security and Maintenance
- Run the Troubleshooters
- Use the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool
Wrap-up
Checking your hardware on Windows 11 might seem a bit of a chore, but honestly, once you have a crack at it, it’s not too bad. It’s a handy little tool that can spot issues early, saving you from bigger hassle later on. Some tests work better than others, and sometimes a quick restart sorts things out, but having the tools ready to roll is never a bad shout. Keep an eye on your system’s health, and don’t wait for things to go pear-shaped before doing a bit of troubleshooting.