How to Run the System Maintenance Troubleshooter in Windows

This guide aims to help you run the System Maintenance Troubleshooter in Windows, a built-in solution for swift and unobtrusive device optimization.

Periodic system maintenance is integral for lengthening the lifespan of computers and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Let’s go over everything you need to know to utilize the Troubleshooter for optimal performance fully.

How to run the System Maintenance Troubleshooter on Windows

Opening the Troubleshooter

Option 1: Using the Control Panel

To run the System Maintenance Troubleshooter:

1. 1. Open the Control Panel in the icons view and choose the Troubleshooting icon.
   2. On the menu found on the left side, choose View all.
   3. Find the System Maintenance troubleshooter to activate it.

Option 2: Using the Command Prompt

You can also access the System Maintenance Troubleshooter using the Command Prompt. To do that:

1. 1. Press the Win+R keys to open the Run command.
   2. Type msdt.exe -id MaintenanceDiagnostic into the text box. Click OK, which will automatically run the troubleshooter.

Running the Troubleshooter

Option 1: As a Standard User

You can access the System Troubleshooter as a standard user or a system administrator. For standard users, you can do the following:

1. 1. In the System Maintenance window, click Advanced.
   2. Uncheck the Apply repairs automatically box. Then, click Next. This will start the troubleshooting process.
   3. Once the troubleshooting is finished, you can take action to resolve the issues found.
   4. After completing the actions, click on View detailed information to review report details.

Option 2: As an Administrator

You can perform more in-depth maintenance if you are signed in as an administrator. To do this:

1. 1. In the System Maintenance window, click Advanced.
   2. You should find the option to Run as administrator. Click on it, bringing you back to the first window.
   3. Click on Advanced again.
   4. Uncheck the option for Apply repairs automatically, and click Next. This will run the troubleshooter.
   5. After the troubleshooting, check for any found issues and resolve them as needed.
   6. When you finish, click View detailed information for the full report details.

Both standard and admin users should be able to get the full troubleshooting report, but Administrators might get something a bit more detailed.

4 common problems detected by the System Maintenance Troubleshooter

1. Broken shortcuts

The System Maintenance Troubleshooter can check for any invalid shortcuts to programs and other resources. In some instances, multiple broken shortcuts may be deleted entirely.

2. Unused desktop icons

It also removes any icons and shortcuts that have been sitting on your desktop but have not been used in about three months.

3. Incorrect system time

If your system time has been set incorrectly, the troubleshooter should be able to fix it by synchronizing the system clock with the time server. This is particularly helpful as system time impacts certain features, such as browser certificates, product activation, etc.

4. Disk volume errors

System Maintenance can troubleshoot any hard disk volume errors to free up disk space. It resolves errors like cross-linked files, directory errors, bad sectors, and others. Addressing even the smallest volume issues could help you identify areas that occupy unnecessary disk space.

When to seek advanced troubleshooters

Although the System Maintenance Troubleshooter can detect and resolve many basic system issues on your device, there may be instances where you will need a more advanced solution. If you find yourself relating to any of the following, you might want to consider other troubleshooting options:

You only share limited data with Windows

The Troubleshooter mainly relies on Microsoft’s diagnostic data in its database. If the user chooses to share only the required amount of data, it might not be able to detect certain issues.

You want full user control

As mentioned earlier, the Windows Troubleshooter periodically runs automatic checks in the background and resolves issues. It does this without user approval, thus limiting your capacity to control what actions it can take to resolve certain issues.

You are using newer Windows devices

Devices using Windows 11 may have new troubleshooting applications brought on by newer updates. This software can limit the function of older troubleshooting tools, such as running the System Maintenance Troubleshooter.

How to resolve advanced troubleshooting issues

If you encounter any of the above, don’t worry—there are some workarounds for these issues. One way to troubleshoot advanced solutions is to manually check the Windows Event Viewer logs to find more comprehensive system reports.

Data is collected on all hardware and software events of the OS, such as security audits, general occurrences in the system, and even application logs, which will provide more information than the System Maintenance Troubleshooter can provide.

To access the Windows Event Viewer logs, click Win + R to open Run. Input eventvwr in the dialog box, which should open the log menu.

In extreme cases, you can contact Microsoft support and IT professionals to mitigate any advanced issues as quickly as possible. For remote organizations, having a Windows endpoint management system might help you reach out to them in an instant.

Alternative system methods and optimization methods

While the System Maintenance Troubleshooter is one of the best Windows troubleshooting tools built-in, there are alternative system maintenance tools for your system, from both third-party applications and Windows itself.

Built-in Windows Diagnostic tools

Windows has built-in tools, such as CHKDSK and FSUtil, that offer diagnostics specifically for drive and storage-related issues. CHKDSK checks your drive for errors from common drive issues and prevents data corruption and loss, while FSUtil is more concerned with file allocation table (FAT) and NTFS file systems.

You can also run the Windows 10 troubleshooter to address network, audio, and update issues.

SFC and DISM

Windows also has built-in utilities, such as the System File Checker (SFC) and the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM). These tools can scan and detect corrupt system files. Make sure you have administrator privileges before running this tool.

Third-party optimization tools

Plenty of third-party diagnostic tools are available with optimization features if you want to go beyond built-in tools. CCleaner Professional is a popular option, with the capability to fix drivers, registry items, PC tools, and basic device health checks. AVG TuneUp is another worthwhile choice, with an easily navigable interface.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should I run the System Maintenance Troubleshooter?

The Troubleshooter runs automatically once a week. You won’t have to do anything to trigger the process; however, depending on the issues that need to be resolved, it might ask for manual input.

Does it fix registry errors?

The System Maintenance Troubleshooter can fix basic registry issues. However, the SFC or DISM tools may be more effective for advanced problems.

Can I automate system maintenance in Windows?

Beyond the System Maintenance Troubleshooter, you can schedule maintenance activity through the Task Scheduler. This lets you schedule maintenance tasks based on minimal impact to users, PC performance, and energy efficiency. You can do this by activating Windows Automatic Management (WAM).

Will running the troubleshooter delete any files?

The troubleshooter might take certain actions without user permission, such as deleting duplicate or broken files. For example, if it finds three or more broken shortcuts on your Desktop, all of them will be deleted automatically.

Optimizing PC performance with the System Maintenance Troubleshooter

Windows’ System Maintenance Troubleshooter is a great and inexpensive way to conduct routine system maintenance on your devices. It is mostly unobtrusive and can detect and resolve common system issues.

A consistent and proactive system maintenance practice can help prevent any future bottlenecks caused by fixable issues. This is made easier with a Windows endpoint management tool like NinjaOne.

NinjaOne helps you monitor your Windows endpoints in real-time through in-depth device health data collection. This covers everything from disk and volume information to memory, user and event logs, processors, and more. This can complement your system troubleshooters, adding valuable data to reports and diagnostics.