- Windows 11 offers several ways to consult There ignition, from the Task Manager to the use of external tools.
- Monitoring operating hours helps improve performance, detect problems, and prevent component wear.
- There are advanced solutions such as analysis of the SSD, event logging and smart devices to obtain historical and accurate data.
Have you ever wondered how long your computer has been on with Windows 11This is one of those technological curiosities that, far from being trivial, can become crucial information for equipment maintenance, energy consumption management, or even when detecting performance issues. Many people leave their PCs on for long periods, sometimes for convenience or due to pending tasks., but they are unaware of the impact this may have or the data they can obtain from this use.
Know the exact time your computer has been active It is very useful for both home and professional users. Windows 11, like its predecessors, offers several ways to view this data.Additionally, there are alternative methods and external resources that provide even more details about your PC's actual usage. Throughout this article, we'll show you all the available options, their advantages, limitations, and how you can make the most of this information, always in simple and accessible language.
Why is it important to know the boot time in Windows 11?
The question of how long a PC stays on It often goes unnoticed until problems arise: slowdowns, errors, overheating, or the typical question of whether you should restart your computer. Monitoring your computer's uptime can help you not only improve its performance, but also keep it in good condition..
Some of the main reasons to know this data are:
- Supports Preventive Maintenance:: If your computer is on for many days in a row, it is possible that the processes and Temporary files consume resources and end up slowing it down. Knowing when to restart or shut it down can prevent this unnecessary wear and tear..
- Problem solvingMany recurring Windows errors are resolved with a simple restart. Know the exact time since the last Boot helps you decide if it's time to do it.
- Management of electrical consumptionIf you're concerned about energy costs, controlling your power-on hours can help you reduce your electric bill or optimize the use of your equipment.
- Equipment sales and second-handKnowing the actual hours of use is essential to assess the health of key components such as the SSD or power supply.
Method 1: Check the startup time from Task Manager
The simplest and most direct way to know the time your PC has been on in Windows 11 It's done through Task Manager. This built-in tool makes it easy to access the exact data and is valid for both Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers, although the interface may vary slightly.
To view the information, simply follow these steps:
- Open Task Manager: You can do this by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc at the same time or by right-clicking the Start button and selecting the corresponding option.
- Navigate to the Performance tab: In Windows 11, this option appears in the left pane; in Windows 10, you'll find it in the top bar.
- Select CPU: Within the Performance tab, click on CPU to view the activity graph. Just below the graph, you'll find the "Active time", which shows how much time has passed since the computer was last turned on.
This counter It restarts every time you turn off or restart the PCIf your computer goes into sleep or hibernation, uptime pauses temporarily and continues when you return to use it.
Advantages and limitations: This method is ideal for obtaining data at a moment's notice, but it doesn't offer a historical or cumulative record; that is, you'll only see the time since the last startup.
Method 2: Find out the on time using Terminal or PowerShell
If you want to go a step further, you can Check Windows 11 uptime using the Bus Terminal o PowerShell, very powerful tools for users looking for more advanced data.
For that:
- Open PowerShell: You can find it by searching for it in the Start menu or by right-clicking Start and selecting Terminal (Windows 11).
- Enter this command and press Enter:
(get-date) - (gcim Win32_OperatingSystem).LastBootUpTime
It will instantly show you the difference between the current date and the last system boot, telling you exactly how long your PC has been on during that cycle.
Method 3: Check actual usage hours via SSD
You want to know the actual hours your PC has been on over time and not just since the last boot? The secret is in your SSD drive (or HDD, in older models). This component accurately records the number of hours it has been in operation since it was installed.
The process usually requires an external program such as Crystal Disk Info, free and very easy to use:
- Install and run CrystalDisk Info.
- Select your SSD or primary hard drive.
- Look for the "Power-On Hours" section. There you'll see the cumulative total (for example, 11.040 hours, which is equivalent to hundreds of days of use).
Important: This data will only be reliable if the disk has been installed since the computer was purchased and has not been changed or reused as a secondary disk.
Advantages: It's the most accurate method for determining actual and cumulative usage. Ideal if you're buying or selling a used PC.
Method 4: Use Windows Event Viewer
Windows 11 Records all important events (startups, shutdowns, reboots) in an internal viewerIt's a very useful option if you want to investigate usage patterns, security, or troubleshoot issues.
To access the history of power on and off:
- Open Event Viewer from the Start menu (search for "Event Viewer" or run eventvwr.msc Win + R).
- Navigate to “Windows Logs” → “System”.
- Filter the current log by searching for events with ID 6005 (start of event log service, i.e., power on) and 6006 (off).
So you can see the dates and times of each power cycle: When your computer was turned on and off. If you're curious, you can even analyze patterns like peak hours, unexpected restarts, or check if someone else used your computer while you were away.
Method 5: Other control and monitoring alternatives
In addition to the native Windows methods, there are third-party tools and smart devices that can help you keep more complete control.
External applications like TurnedOnTimesView
TurnedOnTimesView It's a small, free utility that analyzes the system event log and presents a summary of the complete list of startups, shutdowns, and the duration of each session. It allows you to export the results and easily analyze the history, even on other computers on the local network (ideal for businesses or IT environments).
Its main advantage is the convenience and clear display of all information, without the need to manually navigate through the Windows Event Viewer.
Smart plugs and IoT devices
An increasingly popular option is Use smart plugs to monitor your PC's time and power consumptionThese devices, available on platforms like Amazon, allow you to accurately track how many hours your equipment has been running, set alerts, schedule automatic shutdowns, and view usage graphs from your mobile device.
It is especially useful for:
- Users who want to start monitoring usage now.
- Shared equipment in offices or homes with multiple users.
- Network devices, NAS, and servers that run without interruption.
They also offer information on energy consumption, which is a great help for those looking to save money or improve the efficiency of their digital home.
Useful add-ons: installation date, advanced events, and security
Although they won't give you the exact number of hours of use, some Add-ons can help you contextualize your team's age and history:
- Windows installation date: Run the command
systeminfo | find /i "fecha de instalación"at the Symbol of the system To find out when the operating system was installed. Useful for knowing if it's been a while since you last formatted your computer or if you bought a used one. - Events 6013 and 6009 In Event Viewer: Event 6013 shows the uptime since the last Windows startup. Event 6009 indicates processor information detected during startup, while 6008 reports abnormal system shutdowns (hangs or unexpected shutdowns).
Knowing all this will allow you to have almost total control over the status and use of your computer.
Which components suffer the most from being on for long periods of time?
Know which computer parts are most affected by continuous use will help you make better maintenance and purchasing decisions.
- Fuente de alimentación: It is one of the components that degrades the most with constant use, accumulating wear due to heat and continuous load.
- Thermal paste: Between the processor and the heatsink, it dries out over time and reduces its effectiveness, causing higher temperatures and the risk of safety shutdowns.
- SSD or hard driveSSDs accumulate write cycles, especially during intensive tasks. However, they are reliable, and the hour meter is an excellent indicator of actual usage.
- Graphic card: If it has been used a lot for demanding tasks (such as mining), it may have suffered more than other components.
Monitoring the ignition hours helps you anticipate possible breakdowns and justify replacing or cleaning these components.
How much should you trust Windows methods?
It is worth clarifying that None of the native Windows methods provide the exact total number of operating hours from day one, except for the SSD (as long as you haven't changed it). The other options only show the current session time or recent cycle logs.
This means that if you are looking for the absolute historical data, The best reference will be the "On Hours" section of your unit. storage secondaryFor all other needs (maintenance, one-off issues, daily management), the methods mentioned above are more than sufficient.
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