Running a hardware diagnostic on Windows 11 is a great way to ensure your computer is in tip-top shape. To do this, open the ‘Windows Security’ app, navigate to ‘Device performance & health’, and click ‘Additional info’. From here, you can access the Device Health report, which will provide insights about your hardware’s condition. This process helps identify potential issues before they become bigger problems, ensuring your computer continues to run smoothly.
How to Run a Hardware Diagnostic on Windows 11
Running a hardware diagnostic on Windows 11 is like giving your computer a check-up. By following these steps, you can identify any hardware issues that might be lurking under the hood.
Step 1: Open Windows Security
Begin by launching the ‘Windows Security’ app through the Start menu.
Once you open the Start menu, type ‘Windows Security’ and click on it. This app houses several useful tools for keeping your computer safe and healthy.
Step 2: Navigate to Device Performance & Health
Within Windows Security, click on ‘Device performance & health’.
This section will give you an overview of your device’s health. It’s a handy spot to check for any immediate concerns.
Step 3: Click Additional Info
Select ‘Additional info’ to dive deeper into your device’s status.
This will lead you to more detailed information about your system’s hardware status, such as storage and battery life.
Step 4: Review the Device Health Report
Check the Device Health report for any alerts or issues.
The report will highlight anything that needs your attention, such as low storage space or outdated drivers.
Step 5: Take Action Based on the Report
Follow any recommendations provided in the Device Health report.
If the report lists any problems, it’s wise to address them promptly. This might involve freeing up storage or updating drivers to keep your machine running efficiently.
After completing these steps, you’ll have a clear picture of your computer’s hardware condition. The report may reveal issues like low disk space or battery health concerns and provide recommendations on how to fix them.
Tips for Running a Hardware Diagnostic on Windows 11
- Regularly check your device’s health to catch issues early.
- Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date, as updates often include fixes for known hardware issues.
- Keep unnecessary files cleaned out to maintain optimal storage health.
- Use reliable third-party diagnostic tools if you want deeper insights.
- Always back up important data before running diagnostics that might require changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of running a hardware diagnostic?
Running a hardware diagnostic helps identify potential issues with your computer’s physical components before they become serious problems.
Can I run diagnostics on Windows 11 without third-party software?
Yes, Windows 11 has built-in tools like the Windows Security app that allow you to run hardware diagnostics without additional software.
How often should I run a hardware diagnostic on my PC?
Running a diagnostic every few months or when you notice performance issues is recommended to keep your computer in good health.
What should I do if the diagnostic finds an issue?
Address the issues by following the report’s recommendations, such as freeing up disk space or updating drivers, to improve your computer’s performance.
Will running diagnostics affect my computer’s performance?
Running diagnostics is typically a light process and should not affect your computer’s performance. However, it’s best to close other applications to avoid potential slowdowns.
Summary
- Open Windows Security.
- Navigate to Device performance & health.
- Click Additional info.
- Review the Device Health report.
- Take action based on the report.
Conclusion
Running a hardware diagnostic on Windows 11 is an essential task for any computer user. Think of it as a regular check-up for your computer, ensuring all its parts are functioning well. By using the built-in tools in Windows 11, you can quickly and efficiently get insights into your machine’s health. These diagnostics are particularly useful for identifying issues before they escalate into major problems.
If you find any issues, following the recommendations in the Device Health report can significantly improve your computer’s performance. Addressing these issues promptly can save you time and money in the long run, avoiding the need for costly repairs or replacements.
For those who are curious, there are also third-party tools available that can provide even more in-depth information. However, for most users, the Windows 11 built-in tools are more than adequate. As you become more familiar with these diagnostics, you’ll gain a better understanding of your computer’s needs, helping you maintain peak performance. So, don’t wait for a problem to arise—run a hardware diagnostic today and keep your computer running like a well-oiled machine!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.