How to Check Laptop Uptime in Windows 11 In 2 Ways

This post will walk you through how to check laptop uptime in Windows 11 in 2 different ways. The methods that we’re going to explore are; Task Manager and Windows PowerShell.

In the meantime, you might not find yourself needing this information frequently, it can actually be quite handy to know how long your computer has been running. This knowledge can come in handy when you’re trying to figure out why your computer might be restarting on its own or if it’s not performing as it should. It’s like having a little detective tool to help you decide if it’s time to give your computer a break by rebooting it to fix any common issues.

Why is it Important to Check your Computer’s Uptime?

System uptime refers to how long your computer has been running smoothly as part of your network and IT setup. A higher uptime number indicates that your machine has been working without interruptions for a longer period. This metric is valuable because it allows you to keep an eye on your computer environment and investigate the reasons behind problems such as security issues, sluggish applications, or decreased productivity.

It’s essential not to confuse Windows system uptime with the broader business application uptime. In the business world, uptime standards are incredibly high, as any downtime for applications or websites can lead to direct financial losses, customer frustration, and disruption to regular operations. This is why you often hear about companies guaranteeing 99.9% or even 99.99% uptime in their Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Keep in mind that even 99.99% uptime still allows for about 52 minutes of downtime per year.

When it comes to Windows system uptime, it’s a different story. For Windows 10 or 11, system uptime indicates how long a specific computer has been running since its last restart. Running your computer continuously for more than a week can lead to issues like slowdowns. There are times when you’ll need to reboot your computer, for example, to complete security updates or ensure that patches are installed correctly. Tracking this metric can be a helpful first step in troubleshooting issues that might be resolved with a simple restart.

On the flip side, if your system uptime metric shows that a machine is shutting down unexpectedly or frequently requires restarts for performance reasons, it may be a sign that you need to consider investing in new equipment or conducting a deeper troubleshooting analysis.

Method 1. Use Task Manager to Check Laptop Uptime in Windows 11

To check how long your computer has been up and running the simplest way is to use the Task Manager that comes built into your PC. It presents this information in a user-friendly and straightforward interface.

1. Right-click on the taskbar and select “Task Manager.”

Task Manager

2. Navigate to the “Performance” tab. Under the Performance tab, select CPU.

3. Here, look for a section labeled “Up Time.” This section displays the length of time your computer has been running. It essentially tells you how long it’s been since you powered on your computer.

Use Task Manager to Check Laptop Uptime in Windows 11

Method 2. Windows PowerShell Command-Line to Find Your Windows Uptime

If you enjoy using commands, there’s one available in your PowerShell tool that can help you find out how long your computer has been running. This method is applicable to both Windows 11 and Windows 10, and we’ll guide you through the process of using it.

Here’s how to view your computer’s uptime in Windows 11 using a Windows PowerShell command line:

Open Windows PowerShell.

On the PowerShell window, enter the following command and press enter:

(get-date) - (gcim Win32_OperatingSystem).LastBootUpTime

Windows PowerShell Command-Line to Find Your Windows Uptime

After you run the command, your screen will display different values that indicate the duration for which you’ve been actively using your computer. Essentially, it shows you how much time has passed since you started your computer.

That’s all. These were the 2 methods to check your laptop uptime in Windows 11. 

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