Checking your Windows 11 PC performance is easy. This article introduces different system diagnostic methods, including hardware checks, command line tools, and memory tests to ensure your computer runs smoothly.
Yes, you should run system diagnostics in Windows 11. While it’s not mandatory, it’s a smart way to monitor and maintain your PC’s health. Microsoft automatically collects basic diagnostic data to detect and fix issues, but running your own checks helps you find problems earlier and keep your system running smoothly.
Built-in tools like Windows Memory Diagnostic, Performance Monitor, or Command Prompt (sfc /scannow) can identify hardware errors, driver conflicts, and performance bottlenecks. They also help maintain system security and prevent data loss by spotting disk errors or outdated software.
In short, running diagnostics in Windows 11 helps detect issues before they become serious, improves performance, enhances security, and makes troubleshooting much easier.
The System File Checker is a Windows system scan command-line utility that scans for and replaces corrupted or missing Windows system files. If your system is experiencing instability or strange errors that seem related to core Windows functions, SFC is the first tool you should try.
Here's how to run an SFC Windows scan using the command prompt:
Step 1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Click the Start button, type "cmd", right-click on "Command Prompt" in the search results, and select "Run as administrator". You might need to confirm the User Account Control prompt.
Step 2. Enter the SFC Command: In the administrator Command Prompt window, type the following Windows system scan command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
Step 3. Wait for the Scan to Complete: The SFC utility will now scan all protected system files and replace corrupted files with cached copies. This process can take some time, usually between 10 to 30 minutes depending on your system speed and the number of files checked. Do not close the Command Prompt window until the verification is 100% complete.
Step 4. Review Results: Once the scan is finished, you will see one of the following messages:
Restart your computer after the scan, especially if errors were found and repaired.
CHKDSK (Check Disk) is a utility that can scan disk on Windows 11 for logical file system errors and bad sectors. It's essential for maintaining the health of your hard drives and SSDs. You can run CHKDSK from the Command Prompt or through a graphical interface in File Explorer. Using the Windows system scan command allows for more control over the scan parameters.
Here's how to run CHKDSK using the Command Prompt:
Step 1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Follow the steps above to open an administrator Command Prompt.
Step 2. Enter the CHKDSK Command: The basic command is chkdsk [drive_letter]:.
To check and automatically fix file system errors, use the /f parameter. To scan for bad sectors and recover readable information, use the /r parameter (which also includes /f). The /r parameter takes much longer but is more thorough.
For example, to scan disk on Windows 10 for your C: drive and fix errors:
chkdsk C: /f
To scan for bad sectors and fix errors on C:
chkdsk C: /r
Step 3. Handle Locked Drive: If you are scanning the drive where Windows is installed (usually C:), you will likely receive a message stating that CHKDSK cannot run because the volume is in use. It will ask if you want to schedule the scan for the next time the system restarts. Type Y and press Enter to schedule it.
Step 4. If you scheduled the scan, restart your computer. CHKDSK will run before Windows loads, which can take a significant amount of time depending on the size and speed of the drive and the parameters used (especially /r). Do not interrupt the scan.
Once the scan is complete, your computer will boot into Windows. You can find the CHKDSK results in the Windows Event Viewer (under Windows Logs > Application, look for Wininit or Chkdsk entries).
Finding it complicated to perform Windows diagnostics with the command lines in Windows 11? If you want a simpler and more effective way, using AOMEI Partition Assistant is a great choice.
This powerful disk management tool helps you test and repair hard drive health by detecting errors, corruption, and bad sectors to improve performance. Unlike command-line tools, AOMEI PA offers a clear graphical interface, making it easy for anyone to use.
Besides managing partitions, it also works as an advanced disk scan and test tool. It can perform deep diagnostics, check file system errors, test bad sectors, and even run scans from a bootable environment when Windows won’t start. With AOMEI Partition Assistant, you can easily ensure your drive stays healthy and your system runs smoothly.
The Best Windows Disk Partition Manager and PC Optimizer
Step 1. Run AOMEI Partition Assistant on your Windows 11. Right-click the drive you want to check and go to Advanced > Check Partition. In the pop-out window, you have three options available, check the error only, check and fix the error, and find bad sectors. Choose the one that suit you.
Step 2. It will pop up a small window where you can select the way of checking errors to perform. Choose one according to your needs and click OK. It will proceed immediately.
To check a disk, you can click the target disk and select Test > Disk Surface Test.
Running system diagnostics in Windows 11 is a simple but effective way to keep your computer healthy and stable. Whether you use built-in tools like SFC and CHKDSK or a professional program like AOMEI Partition Assistant, regular checks can help you detect and fix system or disk errors before they cause serious problems.
By taking a few minutes to run these diagnostics, you can improve performance, prevent data loss, and ensure your Windows 11 system stays secure and reliable in the long run.
The Best Windows Disk Partition Manager and PC Optimizer