01 IT Free Tools Tips and Tricks

Practical IT knowledge

Useful Windows, laptop, internet, security, and PC buying tips in one searchable guide page.

Open any topic below to see a proper step-by-step guide, where to click, where to type the command, what the result means, and when to use it.

This page covers Windows tips and tricks, laptop buying guidance, PC hardware checks, internet and Wi-Fi troubleshooting, CMD and PowerShell help, battery health checks, SSD and RAM guidance, and practical Windows security steps using built-in tools.

Updated June 2026. Most guides use built-in Windows tools, so you usually do not need extra software.

Showing all 60 tips and tricks

01 How to Check Your PC Serial Number 6 steps
  1. Press Start, type Windows Terminal, and open it. You can also use Command Prompt.
  2. At the prompt, type wmic bios get serialnumber and press Enter.
  3. Windows will show a line named SerialNumber. The value under it is the serial number stored by the manufacturer.
  4. If you prefer PowerShell, run Get-CimInstance Win32_BIOS | Select-Object SerialNumber.
  5. Use this number for warranty checks, service requests, registration, or when support asks for the device identifier.
  6. Example: if the result looks like PF3ABC12, copy only that value and not the heading above it.
02 How to Check Your Laptop Model Number 6 steps
  1. Press Start, type System Information, and open the app.
  2. In the main summary page, find the line called System Model.
  3. Also note the System Manufacturer line so you know the exact brand and model combination.
  4. If you want a command instead, open PowerShell and run Get-CimInstance Win32_ComputerSystem | Select-Object Manufacturer,Model.
  5. This helps when searching for the correct charger, battery, RAM, screen, keyboard, or BIOS update.
  6. Example: a result such as HP Laptop 15-fd0xxx is far more useful than a generic name like HP laptop.
03 How to See Full PC Specifications in Windows 6 steps
  1. Press Win + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter.
  2. The System Information window shows your processor, installed RAM, motherboard details, BIOS version, Windows mode, and storage-related entries.
  3. Use the left panel to open Components if you want more detail about display, sound, storage, and network hardware.
  4. For a quick command-based view, open Command Prompt and run systeminfo.
  5. This is useful when comparing your PC with software requirements or before asking for technical support.
  6. If you want to save the output, use systeminfo > %USERPROFILE%\Desktop\pc-specs.txt and Windows will place a text file on your desktop.
04 How to Check Windows Version and Build 6 steps
  1. Press Win + R, type winver, and press Enter.
  2. A small window appears with the Windows edition, version, and OS build number.
  3. If an app or driver says it needs a specific build, compare that number with the requirement before installing anything.
  4. You can also go to Settings > System > About and read the Windows specifications section.
  5. For PowerShell, run Get-ComputerInfo | Select-Object WindowsProductName,WindowsVersion,OsBuildNumber.
  6. Example: if a guide says it needs Windows 11 version 24H2, this check tells you whether your PC is already on that release.
05 How to Find Your BIOS Version 6 steps
  1. Open System Information from the Start menu.
  2. Look for the line called BIOS Version/Date.
  3. Write down both the version and the date before checking for an update on your laptop or motherboard brand website.
  4. If you want to use Command Prompt, run wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion.
  5. If you want more detail in PowerShell, run Get-CimInstance Win32_BIOS | Select-Object SMBIOSBIOSVersion,ReleaseDate.
  6. This is important because using the wrong BIOS file can cause serious boot issues, so always match the exact model first.
06 How to Check Motherboard Details 6 steps
  1. Open Windows Terminal or Command Prompt.
  2. Run wmic baseboard get product,manufacturer,version,serialnumber and press Enter.
  3. You will see the motherboard maker, board product name, hardware revision, and serial number if the manufacturer filled it in properly.
  4. In PowerShell, you can run Get-CimInstance Win32_BaseBoard | Select-Object Manufacturer,Product,Version,SerialNumber.
  5. These details are useful when checking BIOS files, RAM compatibility, CPU support, or the correct chipset driver.
  6. Example: if the board shows something like B760M DS3H, search that exact name on the brand website instead of using only the PC brand name.
07 How to Check RAM Type, Speed, and Size 8 steps
  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click Performance, then select Memory.
  3. The panel shows total installed RAM, current speed in MHz, number of slots used, and the form factor in many systems.
  4. For a more detailed view, open PowerShell and run Get-CimInstance Win32_PhysicalMemory | Select-Object Manufacturer,PartNumber,Capacity,Speed.
  5. Capacity is shown in bytes in PowerShell, so large numbers represent the size of each stick. For example, around 8589934592 equals roughly 8 GB.
  6. If you are buying a laptop for heavier work such as editing, gaming, or many browser tabs, do not check only the RAM size. Also check the RAM speed and whether the memory is single-channel or dual-channel.
  7. As a practical guide, older or entry systems may show lower RAM speeds, but many better DDR4 laptops are around 3200 MHz and newer DDR5 systems are usually higher. Faster RAM does not fix everything, but it can noticeably help overall responsiveness on capable systems.
  8. Use this before buying or upgrading memory so you match both the size and the speed properly.
08 How to Check If Your RAM Is DDR4 or DDR5 8 steps
  1. First, check your exact laptop or motherboard model using System Information or the model commands earlier on this page.
  2. Then open the official product page from the manufacturer and read the memory specification section.
  3. Inside Windows, you can also open PowerShell and run Get-CimInstance Win32_PhysicalMemory | Select-Object SMBIOSMemoryType,Speed,PartNumber.
  4. The part number often helps more than the raw memory type code because you can search that part number online and confirm whether it is DDR4 or DDR5.
  5. As a rough guide, older laptops may use DDR3, many mainstream systems use DDR4, and newer models increasingly use DDR5. DDR4 and DDR5 are the more modern choices, but the right answer depends on the platform generation.
  6. DDR generation matters for more than just size. A laptop with 16 GB can still feel weaker if the memory is older or slower, especially when compared with a newer platform that has faster RAM.
  7. Many solid DDR4 laptops are around 3200 MHz, while DDR5 commonly starts higher, but do not rely on speed alone because the laptop and motherboard still decide what is supported.
  8. If you are buying an upgrade, always confirm the motherboard or laptop manual because DDR4 and DDR5 are not interchangeable.
09 How to Check CPU Generation and Model Properly 6 steps
  1. Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc, then go to Performance > CPU.
  2. The processor name appears at the top right. Example: Intel Core i7-13620H or AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS.
  3. With Intel chips, the first numbers after the dash often indicate the generation family. With newer branding, check the full model on the official Intel page.
  4. With AMD chips, the model number tells you the product family, but the official spec page is still the safest source.
  5. For a command, run wmic cpu get name or Get-CimInstance Win32_Processor | Select-Object Name.
  6. Use the full model name when comparing laptops because the suffix can change the performance a lot.
10 How to Understand CPU Suffix Meanings 7 steps
  1. Read the full processor model first. Example: i5-13420H, i7-1360P, or Ryzen 7 8845HS.
  2. The ending letters usually describe the power class or product type. Common examples include U for efficiency-focused laptops, P for balanced thin-and-light systems, and H, HK, or HX for higher-performance machines.
  3. A simple buying rule is this: for students, office work, browsing, and normal study tasks, U-series and many P-series systems can be enough. If you plan to do gaming, video editing, coding with heavy workloads, or larger creative work, H-class processors are usually the safer target.
  4. On AMD laptops, suffixes such as U, HS, and HX also point to different power levels and cooling requirements.
  5. Search the exact CPU model on the official Intel or AMD website instead of guessing from the brand name alone.
  6. This matters because two laptops with the same Core i7 or Ryzen 7 label can perform very differently if the suffix is different.
  7. When buying, compare the full model name, not just the marketing tier.
11 How to Check GPU Name and Graphics Memory 8 steps
  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc and open Task Manager.
  2. Go to Performance and click each GPU listed on the left side.
  3. Windows shows the GPU name, current usage, and memory details such as dedicated GPU memory and shared memory.
  4. For another built-in method, press Win + R, type dxdiag, and open the Display tab.
  5. If you need a command, run Get-CimInstance Win32_VideoController | Select-Object Name,AdapterRAM in PowerShell.
  6. Use the exact GPU model when checking game, editing, or AI tool requirements because Intel Iris Xe and NVIDIA RTX 4060 are very different classes of graphics.
  7. If you are comparing laptops for gaming or creative work, also pay attention to VRAM. In general, more dedicated VRAM gives the GPU more room for heavier textures, larger timelines, and higher graphics settings.
  8. For laptop GPUs, also search the exact model together with TGP or Total Graphics Power on the laptop brand website. Two laptops can both say RTX 4060, but the higher-TGP version can perform much better than the lower-power version.
12 How to Check If Your Storage Is SSD or HDD 6 steps
  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Go to Performance and click the disk entries on the left.
  3. Windows usually labels the drive type as SSD or HDD beside the disk information.
  4. You can also open Defragment and Optimize Drives from Start and check the Media type column.
  5. In PowerShell, run Get-PhysicalDisk | Select-Object FriendlyName,MediaType,Size.
  6. This is useful because an SSD gives much faster startup and app loading than a traditional HDD.
13 How to Check If Your SSD Is SATA or NVMe 7 steps
  1. Open Device Manager and expand Disk drives to note the exact model name of your SSD.
  2. Search that model on the brand website. The specification will normally state whether it is SATA or NVMe PCIe.
  3. You can also open PowerShell and run Get-PhysicalDisk | Select-Object FriendlyName,BusType,MediaType.
  4. If the BusType shows NVMe, you have an NVMe drive. If it shows SATA, it is a SATA SSD.
  5. This matters when upgrading because an NVMe slot and a SATA bay do not use the same connection method.
  6. Also check the PCIe generation if you are buying a new machine or replacement drive. Newer SSD generations are generally faster, so a Gen4 NVMe drive usually performs far ahead of a basic SATA SSD, and Gen5 is newer again where supported.
  7. Example: a drive labelled PCIe Gen4 NVMe is normally much faster than a standard 2.5-inch SATA SSD, especially for large transfers, game loading, and heavier creative work.
14 How to Check Disk Health in Windows 6 steps
  1. Open Windows Terminal with administrator rights if possible.
  2. Run wmic diskdrive get model,status for a quick health signal.
  3. If the status shows OK, the drive is not reporting an immediate SMART problem, but that does not always mean it is perfect.
  4. In PowerShell, you can try Get-PhysicalDisk | Select-Object FriendlyName,HealthStatus,OperationalStatus for another quick check.
  5. Windows Security and backup habits still matter because any drive can fail without much warning.
  6. If you see errors, slow file access, or clicking sounds from an HDD, back up important data immediately before deeper testing.
15 How to Generate a Battery Report in Windows 6 steps
  1. Open Command Prompt or Windows Terminal as an administrator.
  2. Type powercfg /batteryreport and press Enter.
  3. Windows creates an HTML battery report and tells you the save location, usually under your user folder.
  4. Open the report in your browser and compare Design Capacity with Full Charge Capacity.
  5. If the full charge number is much lower than the design number, the battery has worn down over time.
  6. Example: if the design capacity is 50,000 mWh and the full charge capacity is 31,000 mWh, the battery has lost a large part of its original health.
16 How to Check Laptop Battery Health 6 steps
  1. First generate the battery report with powercfg /batteryreport in Windows Terminal or Command Prompt.
  2. Open the report and find Design Capacity and Full Charge Capacity.
  3. A battery close to its design capacity is still in better shape. A much lower full charge value means reduced health and shorter runtime.
  4. Also check the Battery usage and Usage history sections if you want to understand how the laptop has been draining over time.
  5. If the laptop shuts down suddenly or the battery percentage jumps, the report can support what you are already seeing in real use.
  6. This is one of the best checks to run before buying a used laptop.
17 How to Check Display Resolution and Refresh Rate 6 steps
  1. Right-click the desktop and open Display settings.
  2. Scroll to see the current display resolution. This tells you whether the screen is using Full HD, QHD, 4K, or another mode.
  3. Then open Advanced display to view the refresh rate.
  4. If you have multiple displays, choose the correct screen from the list before checking the details.
  5. A higher refresh rate can make motion feel smoother, especially on gaming or premium laptops.
  6. Example: if your screen supports 144 Hz but Windows is set to 60 Hz, changing it can improve smoothness immediately.
18 How to Check TPM Version in Windows 6 steps
  1. Press Win + R, type tpm.msc, and press Enter.
  2. The TPM management window opens and shows whether a Trusted Platform Module is available and ready.
  3. Look for the specification version in the details area. Many Windows 11 compatible systems need TPM 2.0.
  4. You can also open Windows Security > Device security to review security processor details.
  5. In PowerShell, run Get-Tpm for a quick status readout.
  6. This check is useful before enabling device encryption, Windows 11 upgrades, or some business security features.
19 How to Check If Secure Boot Is Enabled 6 steps
  1. Press Win + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter.
  2. In System Summary, look for the line named Secure Boot State.
  3. If it says On, Secure Boot is enabled. If it says Off, it is currently disabled.
  4. You can also open PowerShell and run Confirm-SecureBootUEFI.
  5. If the PowerShell command returns True, Secure Boot is on. If it returns False, it is off.
  6. Do not change Secure Boot in BIOS unless you understand why you need to, especially if disk encryption is in use.
20 How to See Windows Activation Status 6 steps
  1. Open Settings > System > Activation.
  2. Windows will show whether the device is activated and what type of activation it uses.
  3. For a command-line view, open Command Prompt and run slmgr /xpr.
  4. A small message will tell you whether Windows is permanently activated or whether the license has an expiry condition.
  5. If you changed major hardware recently, activation may need to be rechecked after the upgrade.
  6. This helps when buying a used PC because you can confirm that Windows is properly activated before relying on the machine.
21 How to Speed Up Windows Startup 6 steps
  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Open the Startup apps section and check which programs launch when Windows starts.
  3. Disable apps you do not need immediately after sign-in, especially heavy cloud tools, launchers, or chat apps you rarely use.
  4. Restart the PC after making changes and compare the startup time and desktop responsiveness.
  5. Keep security software and essential device tools enabled unless you are sure they are unnecessary.
  6. A cleaner startup usually helps more than random registry tweaks or unknown optimizer apps.
22 How to Disable Unnecessary Startup Apps 6 steps
  1. Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
  2. Click Startup apps.
  3. Review the Startup impact column to see which apps slow down sign-in the most.
  4. Select an app you do not need at startup and click Disable.
  5. Common examples include game launchers, chat apps, update helpers, and extra brand utilities that you can open manually later.
  6. If you are unsure about an item, search the exact app name before disabling it.
23 How to Free Up Space Safely in Windows 6 steps
  1. Open Settings > System > Storage.
  2. Check the category breakdown so you know whether apps, temporary files, downloads, or large personal files are taking the most space.
  3. Open Temporary files and review the list carefully before deleting anything.
  4. Emptying old temporary files, delivery optimization files, and recycle bin items is usually safe, but always review the downloads folder before removing it.
  5. You can also use Disk Cleanup from the Start menu for another built-in cleanup path.
  6. Avoid random cleanup tools from the web because they often remove little while adding risk.
24 How to Remove Temporary Files 6 steps
  1. Press Win + R, type %temp%, and press Enter.
  2. A folder opens with temporary files created by apps and Windows processes.
  3. Select the files you want to remove and delete them. Skip anything Windows says is currently in use.
  4. You can also use Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files if you want a safer guided cleanup view.
  5. For another temp folder, press Win + R, type temp, and review that location too.
  6. Removing temporary files can recover space, but it is not a miracle speed fix if the main problem is weak hardware or too many startup apps.
25 How to Improve PC Speed Without Extra Software 6 steps
  1. Start with Task Manager and close apps that are using high CPU, memory, or disk activity without a good reason.
  2. Disable unnecessary startup items so the PC is lighter every time it boots.
  3. Keep Windows updated and make sure you have enough free storage space, especially on the system drive.
  4. If the PC still feels slow, check whether the system is using an HDD instead of an SSD, or whether RAM is very limited.
  5. Open Settings > Power and choose a mode that favors better performance if your laptop is plugged in.
  6. These built-in checks usually help more than installing many so-called booster tools.
26 How to Reduce Background Apps in Windows 6 steps
  1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps and review programs you no longer need.
  2. Uninstall unused software so it cannot keep updating or running background services.
  3. For apps that support it, look inside their own settings for options such as Run in background or Start with Windows and turn those off.
  4. Open Task Manager to see which apps stay active even when you are not using them.
  5. If you are using a laptop, reducing background activity can improve both battery life and responsiveness.
  6. Be careful with driver tools, antivirus software, and touchpad or audio utilities, because some background services are genuinely needed.
27 How to Change Power Mode for Better Performance 6 steps
  1. Open Settings > System > Power.
  2. Look for the power mode section and select a mode such as Best performance when the laptop is plugged in.
  3. If you want better battery life, choose a balanced or efficiency mode instead.
  4. Some brands also provide their own performance profiles inside tools like MyASUS, Lenovo Vantage, Dell Optimizer, or HP Support Assistant.
  5. When testing speed, connect the charger first because many laptops reduce performance on battery power.
  6. This is a simple change that can help a system feel more responsive during heavier work.
28 How to Check What Is Slowing Down Your PC 6 steps
  1. Open Task Manager and stay on the Processes tab for a few minutes while the slowdown is happening.
  2. Sort by CPU, Memory, or Disk to catch the process using the most resources.
  3. If the slowdown is not obvious there, open Performance and then launch Resource Monitor for a deeper live view.
  4. Also check whether Windows Update, antivirus scanning, OneDrive syncing, or a browser with many tabs is active in the background.
  5. If disk usage stays near 100 percent on an HDD, storage performance may be the main bottleneck.
  6. This approach gives you the reason behind the slowdown instead of guessing.
29 How to Use Task Manager Like a Pro 6 steps
  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager directly.
  2. Use the Processes tab to sort apps by CPU, memory, disk, network, or GPU usage.
  3. Use the Performance tab to check whether the PC is limited by CPU, RAM, storage, Wi-Fi, or graphics.
  4. Use the Startup apps tab to control what launches at sign-in.
  5. If an app freezes, right-click it and choose End task, but save your work first whenever possible.
  6. Task Manager is one of the fastest ways to understand whether the system is actually overloaded or just feels slow.
30 How to Use Resource Monitor to Find Heavy Apps 6 steps
  1. Press Start, type Resource Monitor, and open it.
  2. Check the CPU, Memory, Disk, and Network tabs one by one.
  3. This tool is more detailed than Task Manager and helps you see exactly which process is reading the disk, using the network, or causing memory pressure.
  4. Use the checkboxes beside a process name to filter related activity below.
  5. If a certain app keeps using the disk heavily, this tool will make that much easier to spot.
  6. It is especially useful when the PC feels slow but Task Manager looks normal at first glance.
31 How to Make the Internet Feel Faster 6 steps
  1. Restart the router first if browsing, streaming, or app downloads suddenly feel much slower than usual.
  2. Move closer to the Wi-Fi router or switch from a weak 2.4 GHz signal to a stronger 5 GHz or 6 GHz network if your hardware supports it.
  3. Close heavy downloads, cloud sync jobs, and many active video streams on the same connection.
  4. Try a better DNS provider if websites are slow to start loading, even though the speed test itself looks decent.
  5. Also test the same network on another phone or laptop. If everything is slow, the issue is likely the router or internet line rather than your PC alone.
  6. This kind of comparison is faster and more reliable than changing many settings blindly.
32 How to Check Wi-Fi Speed and Signal Strength 6 steps
  1. Open Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi and select your current network if you want quick connection details.
  2. For more technical information, open Command Prompt and run netsh wlan show interfaces.
  3. Look at the Signal percentage, the radio type, and the receive and transmit rates.
  4. A strong signal with low rates can point to router settings, interference, or adapter limits.
  5. If the signal is weak, try moving closer to the router or testing another room to compare the result.
  6. Example: a signal around 90 percent is much healthier than one around 30 percent.
33 How to Find Saved Wi-Fi Passwords 6 steps
  1. Open Command Prompt as a normal user or administrator.
  2. Run netsh wlan show profiles to list the Wi-Fi profiles saved on the PC.
  3. Then run netsh wlan show profile name="YourWiFiName" key=clear, replacing YourWiFiName with the real network name.
  4. In the output, look for the line called Key Content. That is the saved Wi-Fi password in plain text.
  5. Use this only for networks you own or have permission to manage.
  6. This is helpful when connecting a new phone, smart TV, or another laptop to the same Wi-Fi.
34 How to View IP Address, DNS, and Gateway 6 steps
  1. Open Command Prompt or Windows Terminal.
  2. Run ipconfig /all and press Enter.
  3. Find your active adapter and read the IPv4 Address, Default Gateway, and DNS Servers lines.
  4. If you prefer PowerShell, run Get-NetIPConfiguration for a cleaner layout.
  5. These details help when troubleshooting internet problems, DNS problems, or router access issues.
  6. Example: the default gateway is usually your router address, often something like 192.168.1.1.
35 How to Flush DNS Cache 6 steps
  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator if possible.
  2. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
  3. Windows will confirm that the DNS resolver cache has been successfully flushed.
  4. This can help if a website changed servers recently or if your PC is remembering outdated address information.
  5. After the flush, reopen the browser and test the website again.
  6. This does not reset your whole internet connection, so it is safe as a quick troubleshooting step.
36 How to Reset Network Settings in Windows 6 steps
  1. Open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings.
  2. Choose Network reset and read the message carefully before continuing.
  3. Windows will remove and reinstall your network adapters and may restart the PC.
  4. You may need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks afterward, so make sure you know the password first.
  5. If you only want a lighter reset, try simple commands such as ipconfig /release, ipconfig /renew, and ipconfig /flushdns before doing the full reset.
  6. Use the full reset when normal reconnection steps are not solving the problem.
37 How to Change DNS for Better Browsing 6 steps
  1. Open Settings > Network & internet, then select your current Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.
  2. Find the DNS server assignment area and click Edit.
  3. Switch from automatic to manual and enter the DNS servers you want to use.
  4. Common public choices include Cloudflare at 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1, or Google at 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
  5. Save the change and test how quickly websites start resolving.
  6. DNS changes usually affect site lookup speed and reliability more than raw download speed.
38 How to Check If Internet Issue Is From PC or Router 6 steps
  1. First test the same Wi-Fi on another phone, tablet, or laptop.
  2. If every device is slow or offline, the router or internet provider is the more likely cause.
  3. If only your PC has the issue, restart its network adapter, forget and reconnect the Wi-Fi, or test with Ethernet if available.
  4. Run ping 8.8.8.8 in Command Prompt. If this works but websites still fail, the problem may be DNS rather than the whole internet line.
  5. Then run ping google.com. If the address ping works but the name does not, that again points to DNS or name resolution trouble.
  6. This comparison saves time because it tells you whether to work on the PC or the router first.
39 How to Use Windows Update from Command Line 6 steps
  1. Open PowerShell or Windows Terminal with administrator rights.
  2. For simple control, you can restart update-related services with commands such as net stop wuauserv and later net start wuauserv.
  3. You can also trigger the settings page directly with start ms-settings:windowsupdate.
  4. On many systems, the command usoclient StartScan can request an update scan, although Windows behavior may vary by version.
  5. If you only need the safest path, the Settings page is still the best normal-user option for installing updates.
  6. Use command-line methods mainly when troubleshooting an update service that is not behaving normally.
40 How to Check for Driver Problems in Windows 6 steps
  1. Press Start, type Device Manager, and open it.
  2. Look for any item with a yellow warning icon. That usually means a driver problem or a device not configured correctly.
  3. Right-click the device and open Properties to read the device status message.
  4. For a broader system overview, run msinfo32 and check Problem Devices if it appears in your system information tree.
  5. If a driver issue started after an update, the device properties window may also offer Roll Back Driver.
  6. Always download replacement drivers from the official PC brand or hardware brand website when possible.
41 How to List Installed Drivers 6 steps
  1. Open Command Prompt.
  2. Run driverquery for a plain list of installed drivers.
  3. If you want more detail, run driverquery /v for a verbose view.
  4. To save the output for later review, use driverquery /v > %USERPROFILE%\Desktop\drivers.txt.
  5. In PowerShell, you can also use Get-CimInstance Win32_PnPSignedDriver | Select-Object DeviceName,DriverVersion,Manufacturer.
  6. This helps when you need to compare old and new driver versions or provide driver details to support.
42 How to Get Full System Information with One Command 6 steps
  1. Open Command Prompt.
  2. Run systeminfo and wait for Windows to finish collecting the data.
  3. The output includes the PC name, Windows edition, install date, BIOS info, RAM, processor, domain or workgroup, and update-related details.
  4. To save the result, use systeminfo > %USERPROFILE%\Desktop\systeminfo.txt.
  5. If you prefer PowerShell, run Get-ComputerInfo, which gives a broader but longer report.
  6. This is one of the most useful built-in commands when you need a quick full-picture snapshot of the system.
43 How to Check Running Processes from Command Line 6 steps
  1. Open Command Prompt.
  2. Run tasklist to see the active processes currently running on the PC.
  3. If you want to narrow the list, you can use a filter such as tasklist | findstr chrome in Command Prompt.
  4. In PowerShell, use Get-Process to see running processes in a more script-friendly format.
  5. You can sort the PowerShell output with Get-Process | Sort-Object CPU -Descending | Select-Object -First 10 if you want to see heavy processes first.
  6. This is useful when you want a quick text-based check without opening Task Manager.
44 How to Use sfc /scannow to Repair Windows 6 steps
  1. Press Start, type Windows Terminal, right-click it, and choose Run as administrator.
  2. In the terminal, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  3. System File Checker will scan protected Windows files and try to repair damaged or missing versions automatically.
  4. Wait for the scan to complete fully, even if it seems slow.
  5. When it finishes, read the final message carefully. It may say it found and repaired issues, found issues it could not fix, or found no integrity violations.
  6. If it cannot repair files, run DISM next and then repeat sfc /scannow afterward.
45 How to Use DISM to Repair Windows Image 6 steps
  1. Open Windows Terminal as an administrator.
  2. Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and let it complete.
  3. DISM checks the Windows component store and repairs issues that can stop normal system repair from working properly.
  4. The process can take time, so do not close the window early.
  5. After DISM finishes, it is a good idea to run sfc /scannow again so Windows can recheck system files with a healthier repair source.
  6. Use this when Windows updates fail, built-in apps behave strangely, or SFC says it could not fix everything.
46 How to Scan for Malware with MRT 6 steps
  1. Press Win + R, type mrt, and press Enter.
  2. The Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool will open.
  3. Choose a quick, full, or custom scan based on how serious the problem feels. A full scan takes longer but checks more thoroughly.
  4. Follow the prompts until the scan completes and review the final result.
  5. This tool is a useful extra built into Windows, but it does not replace a full security strategy.
  6. If you suspect active malware, also run a Microsoft Defender scan from Windows Security.
47 How to Run Microsoft Defender Quick Scan 6 steps
  1. Open Windows Security from the Start menu.
  2. Select Virus & threat protection.
  3. Click Quick scan to start a fast check of the most common risk areas.
  4. Wait for the result and read whether Defender found any threats or suspicious files.
  5. A quick scan is useful for routine checks when the PC seems normal but you want reassurance.
  6. If the quick scan finds something or the PC still behaves suspiciously, run a full scan next.
48 How to Run a Full Virus Scan in Windows 6 steps
  1. Open Windows Security and go to Virus & threat protection.
  2. Click Scan options.
  3. Choose Full scan and then click Scan now.
  4. A full scan checks more files and locations than a quick scan, so it takes longer but is more thorough.
  5. Leave the PC plugged in if you are using a laptop, especially for a large drive.
  6. Review the results after the scan and follow Defender's recommendations if anything is found.
49 How to Check Firewall Status 6 steps
  1. Press Start, type Windows Security, and open it.
  2. Click Firewall & network protection.
  3. Windows shows whether the firewall is active for domain, private, and public network profiles.
  4. If you prefer PowerShell, run Get-NetFirewallProfile | Select-Object Name,Enabled.
  5. Normally the firewall should remain enabled unless you are doing a very specific test and understand the risk.
  6. If an app is being blocked, add a proper firewall exception instead of turning the whole firewall off.
50 How to Turn On Ransomware Protection 6 steps
  1. Open Windows Security.
  2. Go to Virus & threat protection and scroll down to the ransomware protection section.
  3. Open Manage ransomware protection.
  4. Turn on Controlled folder access if it is available and appropriate for your setup.
  5. This can help protect important folders from unauthorized changes by suspicious apps.
  6. After enabling it, review blocked-app notifications carefully because some legitimate apps may need manual permission.
51 How to Use Reliability Monitor to Find Problems 6 steps
  1. Press Start, type Reliability Monitor, and open View reliability history.
  2. The graph shows days with warnings, app crashes, hardware issues, Windows failures, and update events.
  3. Click a day with a red X or warning icon to see what failed.
  4. Open the details for an item if you want the problem report name or event summary.
  5. This tool is extremely useful when the PC has random crashes and you want a timeline instead of guessing.
  6. If a crash started after a driver, app, or Windows update, the timing usually becomes much clearer here.
52 How to Use Event Viewer for Error Checking 6 steps
  1. Press Start, type Event Viewer, and open it.
  2. Expand Windows Logs and start with System or Application.
  3. Look for entries marked Error or Critical around the time the problem happened.
  4. Click an event to read the description and note the event ID if you need to research it later.
  5. Event Viewer can look technical, so use it to confirm timing and error patterns rather than worrying about every single warning.
  6. Pairing Event Viewer with Reliability Monitor often makes troubleshooting much easier.
53 How to Run Check Disk on a Drive 6 steps
  1. Open Windows Terminal as an administrator.
  2. Type chkdsk C: /f and press Enter, replacing C: if you want to check another drive.
  3. If the drive is currently in use, Windows may ask to schedule the check for the next restart.
  4. Type Y if you want to schedule it, then restart the PC.
  5. Check Disk can repair file-system errors and look for logical problems on the drive.
  6. If the PC is showing disk-related errors or bad shutdown behavior, this is a useful built-in repair step.
54 How to Create a Restore Point 6 steps
  1. Press Start, type Create a restore point, and open it.
  2. In the System Protection tab, make sure protection is turned on for your system drive.
  3. Click Create, type a clear name such as Before driver update, and confirm.
  4. Windows will save a restore point that you can use later if a bad update, driver, or app causes problems.
  5. A restore point is not the same as a full backup, so still keep your important files backed up separately.
  6. This is a smart step before major changes such as driver installs or advanced troubleshooting.
55 How to Use Quick Assist for Remote Help 6 steps
  1. Press Start, type Quick Assist, and open it.
  2. If you are receiving help, choose the option to get assistance and enter the code shared by the trusted helper.
  3. If you are helping someone else, sign in and generate the assistance code from your side.
  4. Read the permission prompts carefully before allowing screen sharing or remote control.
  5. Only use Quick Assist with someone you trust because they may be able to see or control your screen during the session.
  6. It is a useful built-in tool for family support and simple remote troubleshooting.
56 How to Use Useful Run Commands in Windows 6 steps
  1. Press Win + R to open the Run box.
  2. Type a command and press Enter to open the related Windows tool quickly.
  3. Useful examples include msinfo32 for system information, appwiz.cpl for installed programs, control for Control Panel, and ncpa.cpl for network adapters.
  4. You can also use cleanmgr for Disk Cleanup and devmgmt.msc for Device Manager.
  5. The Run box is one of the fastest ways to open built-in tools without searching through many menus.
  6. If a guide tells you a Run command, enter it exactly as written.
57 How to Enable God Mode in Windows 6 steps
  1. Right-click the desktop or any folder location where you want the shortcut.
  2. Create a new folder and rename it exactly to GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}.
  3. The folder icon will change and open into a large control panel view with many advanced settings shortcuts in one place.
  4. This does not unlock secret power. It simply gathers many administrative and settings links together.
  5. It is useful if you often open classic settings pages and want them in one central place.
  6. If you do not like it, you can delete the folder later like any normal shortcut folder.
58 How to Choose the Best PC Beyond RAM and CPU 9 steps
  1. Do not stop at the processor name and RAM amount. Check the screen quality, storage type, battery size, port selection, weight, cooling, and build quality too.
  2. When checking the CPU, look at the full model and its series, not just whether it is i3, i5, i7, or i9. A weaker series can change the experience a lot even when the marketing label looks good.
  3. As a simple rule, U-series and many P-series laptops can be fine for study, office work, and everyday browsing, but H, HK, HS, or HX class systems are usually better choices for gaming, editing, or heavier workloads.
  4. Confirm whether the storage is SSD or HDD, and if it is SSD, whether it is SATA or NVMe. Then check the SSD generation as well, because newer PCIe generations can deliver much higher speed.
  5. Check whether the RAM is upgradeable or soldered, especially on slim laptops.
  6. Check the RAM generation and speed too. A laptop with DDR4 or DDR5 and healthy RAM speed is usually a better long-term buy than a system with only a big capacity number but weaker memory specs.
  7. Look up the exact CPU suffix, the real GPU model, GPU VRAM, and if relevant the laptop GPU TGP, plus the display brightness or color coverage if those matter to your work.
  8. Also compare warranty terms, repairability, and the availability of spare parts in your region.
  9. A balanced system with a good screen, SSD, and solid battery is often a better buy than a machine that only looks strong on paper.
59 How to Understand SSD Types Before Buying 8 steps
  1. Learn the difference between 2.5-inch SATA SSD, M.2 SATA SSD, and M.2 NVMe SSD before buying.
  2. SATA drives are still much faster than HDDs, but NVMe drives are generally faster again, especially for large file work and modern systems.
  3. Do not stop at the word SSD alone. Two laptops can both advertise SSD storage while one uses a slower SATA design and the other uses a faster NVMe drive.
  4. Also check whether the NVMe drive is running on PCIe Gen3, Gen4, or Gen5 support. Newer generations usually deliver better top speed when the laptop and SSD both support them.
  5. Check the laptop or motherboard manual to see which slot type and size it supports, such as M.2 2280.
  6. Do not assume every M.2 slot is NVMe because some older devices support only SATA in that shape.
  7. If the device supports PCIe Gen4 or Gen5, the official manual will usually say so.
  8. Buying the correct interface matters more than buying the highest advertised speed on the box.
60 How to Buy a Good Used Laptop or PC Safely 9 steps
  1. Ask for the exact model number, CPU model, RAM amount, storage type, battery health, and Windows activation status before meeting or paying.
  2. Do not judge a used laptop only by whether it says Core i5 or Core i7. Ask for the full processor model so you can check the generation and the series.
  3. For laptops, confirm whether the CPU is U, P, H, HS, HK, or HX class, whether the SSD is SATA or NVMe, and whether the RAM is older DDR3 or newer DDR4 or DDR5.
  4. If the machine has dedicated graphics, ask for the exact GPU model, the VRAM amount, and if possible the laptop GPU power level or TGP from the original specification page.
  5. Check the body condition, hinges, ports, keyboard, webcam, and charger in person if possible.
  6. Run a battery report with powercfg /batteryreport on a used laptop so you can compare design capacity with full charge capacity.
  7. Use msinfo32, winver, and dxdiag to verify core hardware details quickly.
  8. Make sure the machine boots normally, connects to Wi-Fi, and shows no major warning icons in Device Manager.
  9. A used PC is only a good deal if the condition, battery health, and upgrade path still make sense for the price.