How to open the tool and list of terms
Here we introduce how to open tools frequently used on this site and the terminology used.
Please refer to this when operating your PC.
Start button
It's the four square icon at the bottom of the screen.
In Windows 10, it's usually located in the bottom left corner of the screen.
In Windows 11, it is usually located at the bottom center of the screen.
Windows key
The four square keys at the bottom left of the keyboard.
Run
You can enter commands into Run to open files, folders, and various system configuration tools.
Press Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run window.
コ ン ト ロ ー ル パ ネ ル
The Control Panel allows you to access various settings for your computer.
Press Windows key + R to open Run, type "control" and press Enter to open the Control Panel.
Task manager
The Task Manager allows you to view the running status of processes (applications, programs), memory and CPU usage, startup items, and more.
Three ways to open Task Manager
- under the screenStart buttonRight-click > Task Manager.
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc on your keyboard.
- Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete on your keyboard and click Task Manager.
How to fix Windows 11 Task Manager issues
Task Manager navigation shows only icons
Device manager
Device Manager allows you to check, update, or remove installed drivers.
Two ways to open Device Manager
- Press Windows Key + R to open Run, type "devmgmt.msc" and press Enter.
- Right-click the Start button in the bottom left (center) of the screen > Click Device Manager.
レジストリエディター
The registry stores information about your system and software.
Various settings can be changed in the registry, but if you make a mistake, the system will not start or software will not work properly.
Beginners, especially those without extensive knowledge, should not make changes to the registry.
Even if you have some knowledge,System restoreWe recommend that you make a backup before making any changes.
Windows 11/10 Registry Basics: Concept, How to Open, and Internal Structure
How to open the Registry Editor
Press Windows Key + R to open Run, type "regedit" and press Enter.
How to back up and restore the registry
- The file name extension (.reg) is hidden by default, but we recommend that you display it.
- I recommend you read the next page.
Right-click on the key you want to back up and click "Export."
Select a location to save it, enter a name of your choice and click Save.
This will create a registry file called "Your Name.reg" in the specified location.
If you want to revert the registry after making changes, simply double-click "Your Name.reg" to restore it.
A warning about User Account Control and adding a registry value will appear, click "Yes" to both.
Or restore it by importing a registry file.
Open Registry Editor, click File in the top menu, and then click Import.
Select the registry file you want to import and click Open.
You will then see the message "Registry added successfully."
Pochip
Services
Services include programs that run in the background while Windows is running, such as Windows Update.
Press Windows key + R to open "Run", type "services.msc" and press Enter to open it.
ローカルグループポリシーエディター
The Local Group Policy Editor can only be opened in Windows 10 or 11 Pro edition or higher.
The Local Group Policy Editor allows you to change system and security settings.
Press Windows key + R to open "Run", type "gpedit.msc" and press Enter to open it.
How to enable Local Group Policy Editor in Windows 10 and Windows 11 Home editions
To enable the Local Group Policy Editor on Home editions, you need to create and run a batch file.
We have confirmed that enabling the Local Group Policy Editor definitely causes problems when you have installed the update KB5046740 (OS Build 26100.2454) released on November 21, 2024 or later on the Home edition of Windows 11. Therefore, we have deleted the contents of the batch file.
Specifically, after enabling the Local Group Policy Editor, updates downloaded from Windows Update and the Microsoft Update Catalog cannot be installed.
Also, even if you enable the Local Group Policy Editor in the Home edition of Windows, it is not a function that is originally available, so it is not guaranteed that all settings for each item will be reflected.
command prompt
You can execute various commands at the command prompt.
Learn how to open a command prompt
1. Press Windows key + R to open Run.
2. Type "cmd".
3.Shift + Ctrl + Enter Please press.
4. When the "User Account Control" message appears, click "Yes".
Batch file
System configuration
In the system configuration, you set boot options and other settings.
Press Windows key + R to open "Run", type "msconfig" and press Enter to open it.
コンピュータの管理
Manages various aspects of the computer.
If you have a problem with your computer, this is where you look for the cause.
Right-click the Windows icon in the bottom left of the screen and click Computer Management to open it.
System Properties
Press Windows key + R to open Run, type "sysdm.cpl" and press Enter to open it.
System Properties allows you to configure settings for Windows appearance and performance, create system restore points, and more.
Network connection (network adapter)
In Network Connections, you can see the status of your network adapters.
Press Windows key + R to open Run, then type the following command and press Enter to open it:
::{7007ACC7-3202-11D1-AAD2-00805FC1270E}
User account
In User Accounts, you can create, delete, rename, etc.
Press Windows Key + R to open Run, type the following command and press Enter:
CONTROL.EXE nusrmgr.cpl
Security and maintenance
Security and Maintenance allows you to change security and maintenance related settings.
You can also create a recovery drive or open System Restore from here.
Press Windows key + R to open "Run", type "wscui.cpl" and press Enter to open it.
DirectX Diagnostic Tool
The DirectX Diagnostic Tool allows you to view system information.
Also, if you have any problems with the display, sound, or input devices related to DirectX, they may be displayed here, making this an essential tool for troubleshooting.
Press Windows key + R to open Run, type "dxdiag" and press Enter to open it.
The following screen may appear, so click "Yes".
*Depending on your environment, it may take a little time to open, and it may appear unresponsive, but please wait for a while (approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute).
extension
An extension identifies the file type and is the alphanumeric characters that appear after the "." (period) at the end of the file name.
If file extensions are not displayed by default, we recommend that you enable them.
How to display in Windows 10
Press Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
Click "View" in the menu at the top.
Next, look to the right and you will see three checkboxes. Check "File name extensions."
This will make the file extension visible.
How to display in Windows 11
Press Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
Click "View" at the top, then move the mouse cursor to "View" at the bottom. A menu will appear, so click "File name extensions."
This will make the file extension visible.
Windows PowerShell (Terminal)
Three ways to open it in Windows 10
1. Right-click the Start button in the lower left corner of the screen and click "Windows PowerShell (Admin)".
The User Account Control screen will appear. Click "Yes" to run "Windows PowerShell" as an administrator.
2. Right-click the Start button at the bottom left of the screen and click Search.
Enter "powershell" in the search box at the bottom and it will appear at the top, so click "Run as administrator" on the right.
The User Account Control screen will appear. Click "Yes" to run "Windows PowerShell" as an administrator.
3. Press Windows key + R to open Run, type "powershell" and press Enter.
To run as administrator, hold down the Ctrl and Shift keys on your keyboard and press Enter.
The User Account Control screen will appear. Click "Yes" to run "Windows PowerShell" as an administrator.
How to open it in Windows 11
Either "Windows Terminal" or "Windows PowerShell" is fine.
Terminal
Right-click the Start button and click "Terminal" or "Terminal (Admin)."
Windows PowerShell
Click the folder icon on the taskbar to open File Explorer.
In the address bar, type Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Windows Tools and press Enter.
This will open "Windows Tools," from which you can open Windows PowerShell.
*To open it as an administrator, right-click Windows PowerShell and click "Open as administrator."
Windows Security
Windows Security is built into Windows and includes an antivirus program called Microsoft Defender (Windows Defender).
How to open it in Windows 10
1. Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
2. Click "Update & Security".
3.Click "Windows Security" in the menu on the left.
4. Click the "Open Windows Security" button on the right.
How to open it in Windows 11
1. Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
2. Click "Privacy and Security" in the left menu.
3. Click "Windows Security" on the right.
4. Click the "Open Windows Security" button on the right.
電源オプション
Power Options allows you to change power plans, specify what the power button does, and specify when to turn off your display.
Press Windows key + R to open Run, type "powercfg.cpl" and press Enter.
隠しファイル
Normally, hidden files are not displayed.
Some filesフォルダーオプションYou will not be able to see them unless you uncheck "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)" on the "View" tab.
View Folder Options Images
How to show and hide in Windows 10
Press Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
Click the View tab in the upper left and check "Hidden files" on the right to display hidden files.
How to show and hide in Windows 11
Press Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
Click "View" at the top, then move the mouse cursor to "View" at the bottom. A menu will appear, so click "Hidden files."
This will allow you to see hidden files.
To undo, simply repeat the same operation.
アクティブとは
Active means that, for example, "a window is active," the window is at the forefront and can be edited and operated immediately.
"PC is active" means that the computer is turned on and running, not in sleep or hibernation mode.
Based on user "operations"
in this case,Idle = Inactive A lot of software, especially chat apps, use this term.
- active: The user uses the keyboard and mouseOperatingsituation.
- Inactive (Idle): The PC is powered on but the userNot operatingsituation.
Based on the PC's "power state"
This term is often used to refer to the PC system itself, such as Windows settings. In this case, the PC itself is considered "active" even when it is idle.
- active: The PC is turned onon(including idle state).
- Inactive: PCSleep or hibernationIt has become.
For example, in the Windows power saving settings, you can set the "Power saving time" setting to "How many minutes"If there is no operationThere is a setting called "Put the PC to sleep (when idle)." This determines what happens if the PC is in an "active (powered on)" state and then continues to be "idle (no operation)."
Repairing system files in Win10/Win11 with "System File Checker"
Repairing system files in Win10/Win11 with "System File Checker"
Compression and decompression (extract all)
compression
Compression means that, for example, the homemade software distributed on this site is in "zip format (extension It is compressed in the .zip format.
To give an example of compression, just like compressing a futon in a compression bag, you can put large (multiple) files into a small folder and treat that folder as a single file.
Compression is used when you want to reduce the file size or combine multiple files into one file.
To compress files, select one or more files, right-click on the files, and the "Send to" option will appear. Hover your mouse cursor over the file to display a submenu.
Clicking "Compressed (zipped) folder" will create a compressed file on the spot.
The name of the file that is created will be the name of the file you right-clicked, whether that be one or multiple files.
Unzip (Extract all)
Decompression means to unzip (extract) a compressed file.
You can unzip Zip files on Windows.
If you right-click on the zip file, you will see an option to "Extract All".
When you click "Extract All", the "Extract Compressed (ZIP format) Folder" screen will appear as shown below, so click "Extract".
The files will then be unzipped (extracted) into the folder specified in the image above.
What is a device (hardware)?
All devices required for a PC to function properly, such as displays (PC monitors), printers, mice, keyboards, peripheral devices such as USB memory, and the PC's basic components such as the motherboard, memory, and CPU, are called devices (hardware).
To explain in a little more detail, hardware is the computer itself, including everything needed to run it (CPU, GPU, motherboard, memory, hard disk, power supply).
Devices include not only the things necessary to run a computer, but also all peripheral devices connected to a computer, such as monitors, printers, keyboards, mice, cameras, scanners, etc. (including the computer itself).
What are competitors?
A conflict occurs when two or more programs access the same data at the same time.
If multiple programs access the same data at the same time, the system will become unstable and various problems will occur.
"Programs and Features" and "Installed Apps (Apps and Features)"
You can uninstall, repair, or reset currently installed applications from "Programs and Features" or "Installed Apps."
Programs and features
Press Windows Key + R to open Run, type the following command and press Enter:
rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL appwiz.cpl,,0Once "Programs and Features" opens, right-click on the application you want to uninstall and click "Uninstall."
Installed apps (Windows 10: "Apps and Features")
Press Windows Key + R to open Run, type the following command and press Enter:
ms-settings:appsfeatures-appThe installed app will open, and clicking on the "..." to the right of the application will open a submenu.
Click "Uninstall" to uninstall the application.
Click on "Advanced options" and from here you can repair or reset the application.
Event viewer
Event Viewer allows you to check for errors in Windows and applications.
Press Windows key + R to open Run, type "eventvwr.msc" and press Enter to open the Event Viewer.
The items I often use in the Event Viewer are "Application" and "System" in the Windows logs.
If there is an error, it will be logged and the cause of the error will be displayed as follows:
Of course, you can check for errors yourself, but if you ask a specialist to look at it, you can tell them something like "Error event ID: 7031 is appearing," which will make it easier for them to find and solve the root cause of the problem.
Bad sector
Simply put, a sector is a location on a hard disk (HDD) or SSD where data is stored, and there are many of them.
It might be easier to understand if you think of it as a small room with a door.
Each small room (sector) can store a certain amount of data (files and folders), and a group of these small rooms (sectors) is called a cluster (large room).
PCs read and write data in cluster (large room) units.
What if a small room (sector) were to collapse or the door were to break? You would not be able to retrieve or save the data.
This broken little room,Bad sector"
The hard disk error check function built into Windows 11 can repair bad sectors unless the problem is severe.
By performing error checking, you can ensure that the data is read correctly.
Check your HDD and SSD for errors regularly in Windows 10/Win11
Taskbar and task tray (notification area)
The taskbar is the long, thin bar at the bottom of the screen that displays the Windows logo, pinned icons, widgets, and the task tray (notification area).
The task tray (notification area) is the area on the far right of the taskbar where icons and the time are displayed.
Windows Update
The updates that Windows Update installs automatically on a regular basis include system repair programs and new features, allowing you to continue using your system safely.
If there is too little free space on the C drive, Windows Update will often fail. Please refer to the following page to check the free space.
If you want to manually run Windows Update or configure various settings, please refer to the link below to open the Windows Update screen using a command or from Settings.
How to open Windows Update 1
Compatible with both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Press Windows Key + R to open Run, type the following command and press Enter:
ms-settings:windowsupdate?winsettingshomeWhen the Windows Update screen opens, click "Check for updates" to begin checking for updates. Some updates will be performed automatically, while others require you to download and install them yourself.
How to open Windows Update 2
Right-click the Start button > Click Settings.
For Windows 11, click "Windows Update" in the bottom left.
For Windows 10, click "Update & Security" below.
What are drives and partitions?
A drive is a physical storage device.
For example, one HDD, one SSD, and one DVD drive are all considered one drive.
ディスクの管理In the image below, there are three drives.
A partition is an area into which a single HDD or SSD is divided.
In the image below there are four partitions.
ディスクの管理
Press Windows Key + R to open Run, type the following command and press Enter:
diskmgmt.mscor sending us a message onStart buttonRight-click and click Disk Management.
Disk Management allows you to:
- Create, delete, extend, and shrink partitions
- Assigning and changing drive letters
- format
- Disk verification and repair
Folder Options (File Explorer Options)
Folder Options allows you to configure settings related to folders and Explorer.
1. Press Windows Key + R to open Run, type the following command and press Enter:
rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Options_RunDLL 0
This will open Folder Options (File Explorer Options).
Safeguard Hold
What is a safeguard hold:
Simply put, it means blocking newly released updates (new versions) from being offered to environments where applying the updates would cause problems.
信頼性モニター
Windows' Reliability Monitor is a very useful tool that provides a visual display of your system's stability and software failure history.
To launch Reliability Monitor, press Windows key + R to open Run, type the following command, and press Enter:
perfmon /rel