{"id":28228,"date":"2016-10-17T21:01:49","date_gmt":"2016-10-17T13:01:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hongkiat.com\/blog\/?p=28228"},"modified":"2022-07-26T17:50:38","modified_gmt":"2022-07-26T09:50:38","slug":"handy-windows-built-in-tools","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hongkiat.com\/blog\/handy-windows-built-in-tools\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Handy Windows Built-in Tools You Might Not Know About"},"content":{"rendered":"

Windows has hundreds of built-in tools and functions that make everyday tasks easier. However, most of these tools are hard to find and use effectively. In fact, it is quite common for users to opt for alternatives for Windows apps<\/a> when there are plenty of good apps that are hiding inside their Windows OS.<\/p>\n

To help you get the most out of your Windows, here\u2019s a list of 8 lesser-known Windows tools. These tools are very effective and can help immensely if you learn to use them.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\tRead Also:<\/strong>\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\t10+ Free Data Recovery Tools (Windows)<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

1. System Configuration<\/h2>\n

System Configuration<\/strong> (aka msconfig<\/strong>) offers powerful configuration options in a single window.<\/p>\n

To access System Configuration options, press Windows<\/span>+R<\/span> keys and type \u201cmsconfig\u201d in the \u201cRun\u201d dialog. You will see multiple tabs to configure the system, like:<\/p>\n

Boot<\/h3>\n

Here, you can change boot options, like boot into Safe Mode, change the default operating system (if you have multiple ones), and other similar boot options.<\/p>\n

You can also go to \u201cAdvanced options\u201d to control how much processor cores Windows should use<\/strong> or limit total RAM usage<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"msconfig\"<\/figure>\n

Services<\/h3>\n

In Services<\/strong>, you will find a list of background services that are set to work when Windows start.<\/p>\n

Most of them are Microsoft services that you should not mess with<\/strong>, but you can select the \u201cHide all Microsoft services\u201d option to see all third-party background services<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

You should disable background services that you don\u2019t want to use<\/strong> as they are using resources (I have all my third-party services turned off).<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n

Startup<\/h3>\n

In Windows 8\/10, this option has been moved to Windows Task Manager. Click on the link inside this tab to access said option.<\/p>\n

Here, you will see all the programs that are set to start when Windows boots. <\/strong>You should disable programs that you don\u2019t want to start<\/strong> with Windows to speed up Windows startup<\/a> and stop those programs from eating precious resources<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n

Tools<\/h3>\n

This tab lists shortcuts to some important tools that can be handy in many situations. You should not mess around with these tools<\/strong> if you don\u2019t know what you are doing, but they can be extremely powerful if you know how to use them<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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2. Event Viewer<\/h2>\n

Windows keeps a complete record of all the events, which can be accessed in the Windows Event Viewer<\/strong>. It shows Windows services accessed, errors and warnings, logins and other similar data that can be used for detecting problems or activity.<\/p>\n

I personally use it to detect unauthorized access to my PC when I am not around<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

To access the Event Viewer, go to Control Panel > System and Security > Administrative Tools > Event Viewer<\/strong>. You can also simply press Windows<\/span>+R<\/span> keys and type \u201ceventvwr<\/strong>\u201d in the \u201cRun\u201d dialog to open the Event Viewer.<\/p>\n

Although Event Viewer can be used for many purposes, but detecting a problem is one of its core functions<\/strong>. In the main interface, Event Viewer will show all the errors and warnings<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

However, you should not pay attention to them unless you actually face a problem. Windows is very sensitive while creating error logs, so even a slight change in behavior will lead to making an error or warning entry<\/strong> in the Event Viewer.<\/p>\n

If you recently had a problem \u2013 as your PC crashed \u2013 then go to Event Viewer and check the errors that occurred during that specific time<\/strong>. Double-clicking on an event shows more details and solutions.<\/p>\n

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3. Data Usage Tracker<\/h2>\n

If you are using Windows 8.1 or Windows 10, then you can take advantage of the built-in data usage tracker<\/strong> to see how much internet data you have used. If you have a limited internet data plan, then tracking data usage could save you from extra data usage charges.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t9 Best Windows Apps to Monitor Internet Usage<\/span><\/a>\n
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