Tools to Diagnose Windows System Issues

Hardware problems can be a huge pain in the neck.

HWiNFO

HWiNFO is the most comprehensive system summary tool by a long shot.

It displays all information about your computerfrom the CPU temperatures to fan voltages.

Open desktop PC with components on table next to it

Stenko Vlad/Shutterstock

Download:HWiNFO(Free)

2.

Performance Monitor

As with older versions of the operating system, Windows 10 and 11 have a Performance Monitor.

However, unlike the older versions, this is now a standalone PC diagnostic tool.

A screenshot of HWiNFO

Check outhow to initiate the Performance Monitorif you’re not familiar with it.

Reliability Monitor

The Reliability Monitor is a lesser-known utility that’s been around since Windows Vista.

you’re free to find it by opening Windows Search and typing “view reliability history.”

Performance Monitor summary

Despite the differing name, doing this will still launch the Reliability Monitor.

Fortunately, there are plenty of Windows diagnostics tools that make troubleshooting your internet connection a breeze.

After the analysis, it will recommend a channel setting for you.

The Reliability Monitor on Windows 10

It’s not perfect, especially in crowded apartments and dense cities.

However, it can boost your Wi-Fi speed and reliability significantly, so it’s worth trying.

Download:WiFi Analyzer(Free, in-app purchases available)

5.

wifi-analyzer-screenshot

This utility supports both IPv4 and IPv6 discovery.

It allows you to initiate remote shutdowns as well.

CrystalDiskInfo

Ever wondered if your hard disk drive or solid-state drive was in good condition?

SoftPerfect Network Scanner device list

CrystalDiskInfo is the best PC diagnostic software for your storage drives.

All these factor into an overall “health score” that lets you know how your drive is doing.

Download:CrystalDiskInfo(Free)

7.

CrystalDiskInfo home screen

WinDirStat

WinDirStat is a must-have program for anyone wanting a visual guide to their storage.

WinDirStat stands for “Windows Directory Statistics”, and it does exactly what the name promises.

The bigger the file or folder is, the larger the square is on the graph.

WinDirStat Summary screen

Download:WinDirStat(Free)

8.

Windows Disk Management

Windows Disk Management is a built-in disk utility to manage disk partitions.

The tool also allows you the check the health of your SSD or HDD and create new partitions.

Disk utility windows 10

Through this utility, you’re free to also scan any partition for potential errors on your disks.

You’ll need to use an administrator account to do this.

If you’re encountering RAM issues, try these tools to diagnose the problem.

Resource Monitor stats screen.

Resource Monitor

The Resource Monitor is a Windows diagnostic tool that offers a full overview of your system.

Check outhow to resolve memory problems with the Windows Memory Diagnostic toolfor more information.

Utilities to Diagnose Display Issues on Windows

Does something look strange on your screen?

windows memory diagnostics results system log

Fortunately, some apps can help dislodge a saveable dead pixel.

These apps “revive” a dead pixel by flashing different colors extremely quickly.

JScreenFix

Using JScreenFix is a great way tofix a stuck pixel on your monitor.

Jscreen Fix stuck pixel description

It flashes hundreds of different colors every second around the area of the screen containing the stuck pixel.

This should unstick the pixel after about 10 minutes.

Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee it’ll work.

A screenshot of PixelHealer

Sometimes a stuck pixel will be stuck forever due to a physical defect in the screen.

Visit:Jscreen Fix(Free)

12.

The program flashes RGB colors over dead pixels to revive them.

Running a scan with Malwarebytes AdwCleaner

Both applications come with a portable installer that eliminates the need for installing them.

you’re free to simply unzip the file and launch the program.

There are plenty of high-quality malware scanners on the market that are free to use.

A screenshot of Malwarebytes

Scan results are sorted as services, files, DLLs, scheduled tasks, registry entries, and more.

Download:AdwCleaner(Free)

14.

Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes has been the king of malware scanners for many years.

A screenshot of Clamwin

Note that Malwarebytes comes in both Free and Premium versions.

The Free version is great and is more than enough for most home users.

However, the Premium version is worth the money if you fall in love with Malwarebytes.

Download:Malwarebytes(Free, subscription available)

15.

Best of all, ClamWin is open-source, unlike the above-mentioned alternatives.

Download:ClamWin(Free)

We hope you’ll find these Windows diagnostic tools useful.