7 Hidden Windows 11 Maintenance Features

 

Windows 11 has several hidden or lesser-known maintenance features that can help keep your system running smoothly. 

Here are some of the key ones:

1. Automatic Maintenance

• Windows runs automatic maintenance tasks like security scanning, software updates, and system diagnostics when your PC is idle.
• How to access:
1. Open Control Panel → Security and Maintenance.
2. Expand Maintenance → Click Start Maintenance (or adjust settings).

 

2. Storage Sense (Automatic Disk Cleanup)

• This feature automatically removes temporary files, empty recycle bin contents, and old updates.
• Enable it:
1. Go to Settings → System → Storage.
2. Toggle Storage Sense on and configure it.

 

3. Hidden Performance & Troubleshooting Tools

• Performance Monitor: Type perfmon in Run (Win + R) to analyze system performance.
• Reliability Monitor: Type perfmon /rel in Run (Win + R) for a detailed system stability report.

 

4. DISM & SFC (Deep System Repair)

• Fix corrupted system files:
• Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run: sfc /scannow
• For deeper repair, run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

 

5. Hidden Startup Apps Manager

• Some startup apps aren't visible in Task Manager.
• Open Task Scheduler (taskschd.msc in Run) → Check Task Scheduler Library for hidden auto-start programs.

 

6. Power Throttling (Hidden Battery Saver)

• Windows 11 can throttle background apps to save battery.
• Manage it in Settings → System → Power & Battery → Adjust Power Mode.

 

7. Windows Package Manager (Winget)

• A hidden command-line tool to install, update, and manage apps.
• Use Command Prompt (Admin) and run: winget upgrade –all to update all installed apps automatically.

 

Is that safe to run these features?

 

Yes, all these features are safe to run as they are built into Windows 11 by Microsoft. However, here are some safety precautions to keep in mind:

Safe Features to Run Anytime

• Automatic Maintenance – Safe, as Windows only runs non-intrusive tasks.
• Storage Sense – Safe, but double-check what it deletes (e.g., Downloads folder).
• Reliability Monitor – Read-only; just provides system stability reports.
• Performance Monitor – Only analyzes data, does not modify anything.
• Task Scheduler – Viewing startup tasks is safe; avoid disabling system-critical tasks.

 

Use With Caution

• SFC & DISM
• Safe, but always back up important data before running.
• If your system is working fine, you don’t need to run these.
• Winget (Windows Package Manager)
• winget upgrade --all updates apps, but some apps may lose settings after an update.
• Avoid running it if you need to keep an older version of certain software.
• Power Throttling
• Adjusting power settings is safe but may reduce performance on high-performance tasks like gaming.