How to Check Uptime on Windows 10?

If you’re a Windows 10 user, there may be times when you want to check how long your computer has been running since the last reboot. This information is known as uptime and can be helpful in monitoring system performance, troubleshooting issues, or simply seeing how long your PC has been operational without a restart. Fortunately, Windows 10 makes it easy to check the system uptime.

In this article, we will guide you through different ways to check uptime on Windows 10.

What is Uptime?

Uptime refers to the duration that a system has been continuously running without interruption. In the context of your Windows 10 PC, it represents the amount of time that has passed since the last restart or boot-up. Monitoring uptime can help identify if your system has been running for too long without a reboot, which could cause performance issues or security risks.

How to Check Uptime in Windows 10

There are several ways to check your system’s uptime on Windows 10. Below are a few methods you can try:

Method 1: Using Task Manager

Task Manager in Windows 10 provides detailed system information, including uptime. Here’s how you can check uptime using Task Manager:

1. Open Task Manager:
   • Right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager, or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager directly.
2. Go to the Performance Tab:
   • In the Task Manager window, click on the Performance tab at the top.
3. Find the Uptime:
   • Under the Performance tab, you’ll see information about your CPU, memory, disk, and network usage. In the CPU section, look for the Uptime field.
   • It will show how long your PC has been running since the last restart, in the form of days, hours, minutes, and seconds.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt

If you prefer using the command line, you can quickly check your uptime using Command Prompt. Here’s how:

1. Open Command Prompt:
   • Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
   • Type cmd and press Enter or click OK to open Command Prompt.
2. Enter the Uptime Command:
   • In the Command Prompt window, type the following command: systeminfo | find "System Boot Time"
   • Press Enter.
3. View the Uptime:
   • The system will display the exact date and time when your PC last booted up. From this, you can calculate the uptime by comparing it with the current time.

Method 3: Using PowerShell

PowerShell offers another way to check your system uptime in Windows 10. Follow these steps:

1. Open PowerShell:
   • Press Windows + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the menu.
   • Alternatively, you can search for PowerShell in the Start menu and select Run as administrator.
2. Enter the Uptime Command:
   • In the PowerShell window, type the following command: (get-date) - (gcim Win32_OperatingSystem).LastBootUpTime
   • Press Enter.
3. Check the Uptime:
   • PowerShell will display the uptime in the form of days, hours, minutes, and seconds.

Method 4: Using Resource Monitor

Another way to find the uptime is through Resource Monitor, which provides detailed information about your system’s resource usage.

1. Open Resource Monitor:
   • Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type resmon, and press Enter.
2. Go to the Overview Tab:
   • In the Resource Monitor window, go to the Overview tab.
3. Check System Uptime:
   • Under the CPU section, you will see the Uptime field. This will display how long the system has been running since the last reboot.

Method 5: Using Windows Event Viewer

The Event Viewer logs system events, including boot times, and can be used to check uptime.

1. Open Event Viewer:
   • Press Windows + X and select Event Viewer from the menu.
   • Alternatively, press Windows + R, type eventvwr.msc, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to System Logs:
   • In the left-hand pane, expand Windows Logs and click on System.
3. Filter for Boot Events:
   • In the right-hand pane, click Filter Current Log.
   • In the filter window, enter Event ID: 6005 and 6006 (which represent system startup and shutdown events), and click OK.
4. Check the First Event:
   • Find the Event ID 6005 log entry, which represents when the system started. The time shown here will give you the last boot time, and you can calculate your uptime by comparing it to the current time.

Why Check Uptime?

1. Troubleshooting Performance Issues: If your system is running slow or experiencing issues, checking the uptime can help you determine if the problem is due to an extended period without a reboot.
2. Scheduled Maintenance: Regular reboots can help refresh system resources and improve performance. If your system has been running for too long, you might want to consider restarting it to clear memory and resolve issues.
3. System Monitoring: If you’re monitoring a server or other critical system, knowing the uptime can help you track system stability and uptime requirements.

Conclusion

Checking your computer’s uptime in Windows 10 is a simple task that can be done through multiple methods like Task Manager, Command Prompt, PowerShell, Resource Monitor, or Event Viewer. Uptime can provide valuable insights into system performance, help troubleshoot issues, and ensure that your system is running efficiently. Whether you’re performing routine maintenance or troubleshooting a performance issue, knowing how long your PC has been up can be an important part of your diagnostic toolkit.

Key Takeaways:

• Task Manager shows uptime under the Performance tab.
• Command Prompt and PowerShell provide quick ways to check boot time and uptime.
• Resource Monitor and Event Viewer offer more detailed ways to track uptime.
• Regular reboots can help refresh your system and resolve performance problems.