Even after using laptops for years, many users don’t even touch the most important tool: the built-in hardware diagnostics. These tests are preinstalled on every Windows laptop and Mac. Since they are tucked deep inside the startup menus or triggered with some key combinations, most users don’t even know that they exist. Also, some people don’t understand its importance or feel they are just for technicians. I’ve used these tests more times than I can count. Each time, they reveal something that I wouldn’t be able to spot on my own, like a failing battery or prematurely dying SSD. It’s supremely handy for anyone who is facing any issue or just wants their laptop to fail less often and last longer.
Hardware tests built into laptops
Every laptop offers built-in hardware diagnostics
Windows doesn’t offer a single diagnostics tool. Rather, most manufacturers like Dell, HP, and ASUS offer dedicated hardware tests built right into the software. These test your PC for any failing hardware, and you can run them even before Windows loads. That means these tools can test your hardware without the interference of software and drivers.
Dell Pre-boot Diagnostics
Dell laptops offer the Pre-boot System Assessment diagnostics that can help you identify hardware issues before the system loads. It can help you determine CPU and GPU response, SSD or HDD errors, motherboard issues, battery performance, RAM integrity and more.
Here’s how to run a hardware test on Dell laptops:
- Turn on your laptop.
- When the Dell logo appears, press the F12 key repeatedly until you see the One Time Boot Menu.
- Select Diagnostics to start a quick diagnostics test.
- Once the test completes, you will either see a message saying all tests passed successfully or possible hardware issues along with error codes and troubleshooting steps.
- You can also run Advanced Tests for deeper scans.
HP PC Hardware Diagnostics
You can access the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics through the UEFI menu or the dedicated app. Once the test completes, you will see results along with error codes indicating failures.
- Turn off your computer by holding the power button for at least five seconds.
- Immediately press the Esc key several times until you see the Start Menu.
- When you see the menu, press F2.
- On the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics screen, select System Tests.
- Then click Fast Test and select Run once.
HP also offers an Extension Test that runs for about two hours. You can also run these tests by installing the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Windows app.
MyASUS System Diagnostics
ASUS laptop offers a one-click System Diagnostics test that can help you uncover and troubleshoot any underlying hardware problems. It will check components like hard drives, fans, and memory. In case of any issues, this test will display a QR and diagnosis codes to help you with repair services. You can access this test via the MyASUS app or follow the steps below:
- Turn on or restart your laptop.
- Press the F2 key repeatedly to enter the BIOS Utility.
- Press F7 to enter the Advanced mode.
- Select ASUS System Diagnostics.
Mac Apple Diagnostics
Macs have Apple Diagnostics, which can check if there’s any issue with the hardware components, like problems with RAM, display, processor, graphics, fans, and logic board.
Here’s how to run Apple Diagnostics on your Mac:
- Before you begin, make sure your Mac is running the latest macOS version.
- Disconnect any external accessories except the mouse, keyboard, display, Ethernet, or power cable.
- Shut down your Mac.
- On Apple Silicon Macs, press and hold the Power button.
- Release the Power button only when you see Options.
- Hold down Command + D until your machine restarts.
Just follow the on-screen instructions, and you will see the results when the test completes.
What these built-in hardware tests can tell you
This is why you should run them
Many users might wonder why there’s a need to run these built-in hardware tests when their laptop is working completely fine. Well, you must understand the importance of diagnostic tools. It’s very rare that a laptop fails all at once. Sometimes, the problem starts with slight glitches and issues here and there, and then it gets huge over time. Your laptop’s built-in diagnostics tools can reveal the actual issue and its cause long before you start noticing evident symptoms.
Here’s what these built-in hardware tests can tell you:
- SSD or hard drive errors: The main function of the hardware test is to check if the core components of your laptop are working properly or not. Modern SSDs have a S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology) feature, which monitors the temperature, health, and overall lifespan of the drive. The built-in diagnostics tool can interact with SMART data to give you a detailed health report of your storage drive.
- RAM issues: Your laptop’s built-in hardware test performs a detailed analysis of your system’s memory for any potential errors. It can detect faulty or corrupted memory modules, which can result in instability, random system shutdowns, app crashes, black screen of death, and other problems.
- Battery health problems: You can also see a detailed battery analysis, which shows the overall health, charge cycles, charge capacity, failure prediction, and more. It will help you determine if your laptop is due for a battery replacement.
- Motherboard or sensor problems: These tests can also tell you about any underlying motherboard issues. This usually happens through beep codes, diagnostics LEDs or codes, and on-screen error messages.
- System information: Besides checking for hardware issues or component failures, these tests give you deeper insights into system information. You can know more about the health status, firmware versions, and configuration details.
- Isolation of issues: When a hardware test runs before the main operating system is loaded, it can help you determine the root cause of an issue. You can figure out if it’s a hardware failure or a software issue.
Besides, these tests also help you understand why your laptop is slowing down or freezing under load. Furthermore, it can diagnose any issues with the temperature sensors and cooling fans. You would never figure out such issues on your own. So, you must run these hardware tests to get clarity.
Is It Hardware or Software? How I Diagnose My Computer Issues Easily
If your computer doesn’t work, there are a few ways to figure out if it’s the software or hardware causing the issue.
Run these tests before your laptop surprises you
Most users run these tests only when something is already wrong with their laptops. It’s important to understand that these tools can help you catch issues early, before your laptop refuses to load, gets super slow, corrupts important files, or crashes completely. The built-in tests can give you a clear snapshot of your laptop’s health and early warnings about any failing components. This gives you a chance to back up your data before a drive fails or fix small issues before they cost you a fortune. Also, since every laptop offers these tests for free, you must take full advantage of them.