How to check Windows server uptime

It is possible to go through various approaches to determine the Windows Server uptime and collect the required data. Uptime herein depicts the periods that the server has been in operation without being shut down. In this case, different approaches will be described, namely working with Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Task Manager and learning about the importance of uptime measurement.

Understanding Uptime

The amount of time the server is operational greatly affects server performance and reliability. It proves the physical and virtual dependability of the server and is useful in flagging problems that pertain to physical or faulty software. Therefore, administrators should always monitor availability since it determines the system's up-time and plans for service maintenance or content updates.

Method 1: Using Command Prompt

A straightforward method to monitor the Windows Server's uptime is by using the Command Prompt. This is the way to accomplish it:

• Open Command Prompt: To open the command prompt, one can search for cmd in the Start Menu or use the Windows + R shortcut, type cmd and press enter.

• Enter the Uptime Command: Type the command given right after it and then press the Enter button on the keyboard.

system info | find "System Boot Time"

This command first collects system information and then filters this information to show the recent boot time.

• Calculate Uptime: The next one is to find out the uptime where it will required to subtract the boot time from the current time. This can be done either by having it done by hand or by having more additional scripts run.

Method 2: Using PowerShell

PowerShell offers a more rigid and flexible way of checking server uptime as compared to the dashboard approach. This is how it's done: This is how it's done:

• Open PowerShell: Access the Local Users and Groups window by following these steps: press Win + R and type in lusrmgr. msc, and then hit Enter.

• To view all user accounts, select the "Users" folder on the left side of the window.

• To turn off password expiration for a user account, click the account with the right mouse button and choose "Properties".

• On the "General" tab, tick the box for "Password never expires" and then press "OK".

• Enter the Uptime Command: Utilize the specified command to obtain the uptime instantly:

(Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_OperatingSystem).LastBootUpTime

This operation fetches the most recent system startup time.

• Calculate Uptime: With reference to the two formats below, it is easier to assert the uptime in a simplified manner Below are the two format:

(Get-Date) - (Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_OperatingSystem).LastBootUpTime

This will suitably show the span in days, hours, minutes, and even seconds.

Method 3: Using Task Manager

To visually monitor uptime, you can also verify it with the Task Manager:

• Open Task Manager: Any way to start Task Manager, you can right-click on the taskbar and then click on "Task Manager", or you can click the key combination Ctrl + Shift + Esc.

• Go to the Performance Tab: Next, go to the second icon marked with the "Performance" label.

• View Uptime: In the section marked "CPU ", you will get the "Uptime" over the top right corner. This provides instant information as to how long the server has been on.

Method 4: Using System Event Logs

Another way to verify uptime is by utilizing the Event Viewer, which records all system events, including boot durations.

1. Open Event Viewer: Access Event Viewer by looking up "Event Viewer" in the Start menu.

2. Navigate to System Logs: Expand "Windows Logs" in the left pane and select "System".

3. Filter for Boot Events: Use the "Filter Current Log" option in the right pane to search for Boot Events with Event IDs 6005 (for starting the Event Log service) and 6006 (for stopping the Event Log service).

4. Check Boot Time: The time stamps from these occurrences will assist in identifying the most recent boot time and computing uptime.

Importance of Monitoring Uptime

Keeping track of uptime is important for various reasons:

1. Availability of service: Guarantees that essential services are functioning and accessible to users.

2. Analysis of performance: Assists in evaluating server performance trends and recognizing patterns indicating possible problems.

3. Maintenance Planning involves using uptime data to schedule maintenance windows in order to reduce disturbances.

4. Compliance and Reporting: Most organizations have SLAs that they need to report on the site's and app's uptime or even regulatory compliance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, to track the uptime of a Windows Server, one can use the Windows command prompt, PowerShell, the task manager or the Event Viewer. All three methods have their merits, and the case can indeed be influenced by personal preferences or the demands of the present situation. Consistently overseeing uptime is crucial for keeping servers performing at their best and is also essential for effective IT management and service delivery.

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