How to Check Your Device Health on Windows 10

• For assessing the condition of your Windows 10 PC, utilize the “Device performance & health” option found in the “Windows Security” application. Additionally, you can run the “PC Health Check” tool or perform a comprehensive system check using the “Performance Monitor” application.

In Windows 10, the “Windows Security,” “PC Health Check,” and the “Performance Monitor” applications offer insights into your device’s well-being. Typically, signs of trouble can manifest in various forms; for instance, you may notice difficulties during boot-up, a decrease in performance, or unexpected errors, including the infamous Blue Screen of Death.

While various third-party tools exist to evaluate your PC’s health or assess particular components like the hard drive, Windows 10 features the “Windows Security” app, providing an efficient means to verify that your system is functioning optimally, along with access to built-in antivirus and firewall settings, among other security functionalities.

Additionally, consider the utilizing the “PC Health Check” app, which checks the compatibility of your hardware and software for Windows 11 upgrades while providing an overview of your system’s health.

Furthermore, the operating system includes the “Performance Monitor” app that allows you to perform multiple diagnostic evaluations and gather real-time data to swiftly identify if your device has software or hardware issues.

This guide will walk you through straightforward steps to effectively check the health of your device on Windows 10.

Assessing Computer Health on Windows 10

The “Device performance & health” section in the Windows Security app along with the PC Health Check app provides fundamental information regarding your machine’s condition. For a more in-depth analysis, leverage the “Performance Monitor” app.

Using the Windows Security App

To evaluate your device’s performance and health on Windows 10, follow these steps:

1. Click on Start.

2. Type Windows Security in the search bar and select the app from the results.

3. Select Device performance & health from the left-hand navigation menu.

This section provides a summary of your current computer health, highlighting any issues that may need your attention.

Windows Security routinely conducts automatic checks in the background to monitor performance and health, as indicated by the “Last scan” date. The report outlines several key areas, including:

• Windows Time Service: If your PC is displaying an incorrect time due to a disabled time-syncing service, it can be re-enabled to correct the time.
• Storage Capacity: Monitors available storage space and notifies you when your drive is nearing capacity, or if there’s insufficient space for updates.
• Device Driver: Evaluates the drivers on your system and alerts you if any are malfunctioning, providing potential fixes.
• Application and Software: Reports on issues with applications and software. If an install fails, for instance, you’ll receive a notice with possible resolutions.
• Battery Life: Windows Security can also analyze the effects of brightness settings and sleep configurations on your laptop’s battery life, offering suggestions for optimization.

Using the PC Health Check App

To assess your computer’s health with the PC Health Check app, follow these instructions:

1. Click Start.
2. Search for PC Health Check and select it from the top results. Just a heads up: the latest version of Windows 10 should have this app pre-installed, but you can always download it from Microsoft’s direct link.

The app comprises five sections, which includes the left pane displaying basic tech specifications and an option for renaming your computer.

• In the “Backup & sync” section, you can manage file and settings backups to your OneDrive account (if available).
• The “Windows Update” section indicates whether your system is current. If updates are missing, an alert will be presented.
• The “Storage Capacity” section outlines storage usage and includes an option to access the Settings app for freeing up space if needed.
• The “Startup Time” section provides insights into your PC’s boot-up duration and highlights factors affecting it. If everything is functioning properly, no alerts will be shown.
• The “Battery Capacity” section compares the original battery capacity with its current performance, visible only for devices older than three years.

Using the Performance Monitor

To generate a system health report with the Performance Monitor, follow these steps:

1. Open Control Panel.

2. Select System and Security.

3. Click on Administrative Tools.

4. Double-click on the Performance Monitor shortcut.

   

5. Expand the System category.

6. Right-click on the System Diagnostics item.

7. Select the Start option.

   

Upon completing these steps, the Performance Monitor will conduct various tests to evaluate your device’s condition, covering essential system checks for the operating system, disks, security features including User Account Control (UAC), system services, and installed hardware and drivers.

The collected data is accessible in the Reports > System > System Diagnostics section, where you can review the most recent report.

During the diagnostic procedure, you will also receive an overview of system resources including CPU, disk, memory, and network performance, enabling you to identify potential irregularities.

The report offers detailed information, and under “Basic System Checks” and “Resource Overview,” you can easily check the “Result” and “Status” columns to quickly assess your system’s health. A green or yellow indicator suggests that all systems are functioning well; however, a red indicator points to areas requiring investigation. It’s wise to rerun the Performance Monitor one or two additional times for verification, and if red indicators persist, it indicates a confirmed issue.

If your device is currently facing problems, consider reproducing the issue while running the diagnostic tests to help the system log pertinent information for a clearer understanding of the underlying problem.

For devices suffering from performance issues and other complications, reinstalling the operating system or performing a clean installation of Windows 10 can help restore health.

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