6 Ways to Maintain Your Computer for Better Performance

Keeping your computer in top shape doesn’t have to be complicated. Regular maintenance can improve speed, extend its lifespan, and prevent costly repairs. Here are 6 simple, effective ways to maintain your computer:

1. Remove Temporary Files: Clear out junk files to free up space and boost speed. Use tools like Windows Storage Sense for automatic cleanup.
2. Control Startup Programs: Disable unnecessary apps that slow down boot times through Task Manager or Settings.
3. Keep Software Updated: Stay secure and improve performance by regularly updating your OS, drivers, and applications.
4. Check for Viruses and Malware: Run weekly scans with trusted antivirus software to keep your system safe and fast.
5. Maintain Your Hard Drive: Use tools like Disk Cleanup and defragmentation (for HDDs) to optimize storage and performance.
6. Upgrade Old Hardware: Consider adding an SSD, more RAM, or a new graphics card for noticeable performance improvements.

Why it matters:

• 30% faster performance with regular care.
• Avoid expensive repairs and extend your computer’s lifespan by years.
• Protect your data and stay secure from increasing cyber threats.

By following these steps, you’ll save time, money, and frustration while keeping your computer running like new.

1. Remove Temporary Files

What Are Temporary Files?

Temporary files are created by your system or apps while performing tasks like installing software, browsing the web, or editing documents. Over time, these files can pile up, taking up space and potentially slowing down your computer ^[2][3].

Deleting Temporary Files on Windows

For Windows 11:

1. Go to Settings > System > Storage.
2. Under Local Disk (C:), click on Temporary files.
3. Choose the files you want to delete and click Remove files. If prompted, confirm by clicking Continue.

For Windows 10:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type %temp% and hit OK.
3. Use Ctrl + A to select all files, then press Delete.
4. For any locked files, click Skip ^[4].

Automate Cleanup with Storage Sense

Windows includes a tool called Storage Sense that can automatically handle temporary files, as well as items in the Recycle Bin or Downloads folder. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Open Start > Settings > System > Storage.
2. Toggle Storage Sense to On.
3. Click Storage Sense to adjust preferences like cleanup frequency (daily, weekly, or monthly) and how long items are kept in the Recycle Bin or Downloads folder.

For regular computer use, setting Storage Sense to run weekly is a good choice. Keep in mind, your device needs to be online and signed in for at least 10 minutes for Storage Sense to complete its tasks ^[5]. This feature can help free up space and maintain system performance.

2. Control Programs That Start Automatically

How They Affect System Performance

Every program that starts automatically uses up some of your computer’s RAM and CPU. Those labeled as "High Impact" in Task Manager can noticeably slow down your startup, especially on systems with older processors or limited memory ^[8].

How to Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs

Here’s how you can manage startup programs on Windows:

For Windows 11 and 10:

• Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
• Go to the Startup tab.
• Select the programs you want to disable.
• Click Disable ^[6][7].

You can also go to Settings > Apps > Startup and turn off programs you don’t need ^[6].

For older versions (Windows 7, Vista, XP):

• Press Windows+R to open the Run dialog.
• Type MSConfig and press Enter.
• Navigate to the Startup tab.
• Uncheck the programs you don’t need ^[6].

Deciding What to Keep or Remove

Use this table to help decide which programs to disable:

Before disabling anything, ask yourself these questions:

• Do you need the program immediately after startup?
• Is it related to security?
• Does it provide essential system functions?

Adjusting these settings can free up resources, making your computer faster and more efficient for tasks that matter.

3. Keep Software Current

Why Regular Updates Matter

Updating software regularly isn’t just about getting the latest features – it’s a critical step for maintaining security and performance. In fact, research shows that neglecting updates can increase the risk of ransomware attacks by over seven times ^[17].

Here are some key advantages of staying updated:

• Improved Performance: Updates help programs run faster and more efficiently ^[10][11].
• Stronger Security: Patches fix vulnerabilities that cybercriminals might exploit ^[13].
• Better Compatibility: Ensures your software works seamlessly with the latest devices and applications ^[13].
• Longer Device Lifespan: Reduces bugs and glitches that can cause wear and tear on your hardware ^[18].

How to Update Windows

Keeping your Windows operating system up to date is one of the easiest ways to protect your computer and boost its performance. Here’s how you can do it:

For Windows 11:

1. Open Settings and go to Windows Update.
2. Click "Check for updates."
3. Download and install any updates available.
4. Restart your computer when prompted ^[14].

For Windows 10:

1. Go to Settings, then select Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click "Check for updates."
3. Install any available updates.
4. Restart your device if required ^[14].

"Updating your OS is essential for maintaining the security and performance of all your devices and applications." – IT Services ^[10]

Updating Drivers and Other Programs

Beyond your operating system, it’s equally important to update your drivers and applications. Here’s a quick guide:

A powerful example of why updates matter: The 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack impacted hundreds of thousands of computers worldwide. The attack exploited a vulnerability that Microsoft had patched months earlier, but many systems hadn’t installed the update ^[16].

For the best results, enable automatic updates whenever possible. If you prefer manual updates, set a regular schedule and always back up your data before installing major updates ^[12][13].

4. Check for Viruses and Malware

How Malware Affects Performance

Malware can wreak havoc on your computer, slowing it down by hogging system resources. This can lead to longer boot times, sluggish app launches, and overall poor performance. On top of that, malware can steal sensitive data and disrupt your work. In the first four months of 2024 alone, over 41.3 million malware infections were reported ^[19]. These infections can cause system crashes, eat up memory and processing power, overload networks, and even corrupt essential files. Running a full system scan is a key step in identifying and removing these threats.

Running a Complete System Scan

Here’s how to run a thorough scan using Windows Security:

1. Open the Windows Security app through the Settings menu and go to "Virus & threat protection."
2. Select your scan type. While "Quick Scan" is the default, choose "Full scan" for a deeper check.
3. Be patient – scan times will vary depending on the size of your drives and the number of files.

Top Antivirus Software Choices

When picking antivirus software, Windows Defender covers the basics but additional software can provide more advanced features. There are many available security products available for consumers and business users, many of which are frankly only available to generate subscription sales without any real meaningful benefit to the end user. There are some antivirus and security software solutions that we recommend very highly, but each technician likely has their own particular recommendation so if you would like some help, we highly recommend that you contact your local approved Computer Repair Man technician for advice on security software.

Tips for Staying Protected

• Run manual scans weekly to catch anything your real-time protection might miss.
• Enable real-time protection for constant monitoring.
• Keep your antivirus software updated to stay ahead of new threats.
• Back up important files regularly to avoid data loss.
• Be cautious with downloads – avoid files from unknown or untrusted sources.

With over 300,000 new malware variants emerging every day ^[21], strong antivirus protection is a must. For the best results, combine Windows’ built-in security with a trusted third-party antivirus tool to keep your system running smoothly and securely.

5. Maintain Your Hard Drive

What is Disk Fragmentation

Fragmentation happens when files are saved, deleted, or modified, leaving bits of data scattered across your hard drive. This slows down performance because your system has to work harder to gather all the pieces of a file. Hard disk drives (HDDs), which rely on spinning disks for data storage, are especially prone to this issue. For example, defragmenting a fragmented drive reduced antivirus scan times from 1 hour 34 minutes to just 52 minutes when dealing with 342,283 fragmented files ^[22].

Using Disk Cleanup Tools

Windows provides built-in tools to keep your hard drive in good shape. Here’s how to make the most of them:

Disk Cleanup:

• Press Windows + S, type "disk cleanup", and select your drive (usually C:).
• Check the file types you want to remove.
• Click "Clean up system files" for a more thorough cleanup.

"Disk Cleanup clears out unnecessary files, giving your computer a performance boost and freeing up space." – Trend Micro Help Center ^[25]

Optimization Schedule:

Keep Your Drive Healthy

Regular maintenance does more than just improve performance – it helps protect your data and extends your drive’s lifespan. Here are some essential habits to adopt:

Space Management:

• Keep at least 10% of your drive space free.
• Move old files to external storage.
• Uninstall programs you no longer use.

Error Prevention:

• Run Windows’ built-in error-checking tool (chkdsk).
• Enable automatic backups to protect your data.
• Avoid shutting down your computer abruptly.

If your HDD shows over 10% fragmentation, it’s a sign performance may be suffering ^[24]. You might notice slower file access times or lagging system performance. To avoid these issues, schedule defragmentation during off-hours to minimize disruptions. For SSDs, defragmentation isn’t necessary and can actually harm their lifespan. Instead, make sure TRIM is enabled through Windows’ optimization settings ^[23][24]. Regular care keeps your system running smoothly and prevents unnecessary wear on your drives.

6. Replace Old Hardware

Signs You Need New Hardware

Hardware doesn’t last forever, even with regular care. Look out for these warning signs that it might be time to upgrade your computer:

• Strange or loud noises
• Overheating often
• Frequent "Blue Screen of Death" (BSOD) errors
• Struggles to handle multiple apps at once

Most computers have a lifespan of about five years. With proper care, they can last longer, but if repair costs creep close to 50% of what a new machine would cost – especially for laptops over 4–5 years old – it often makes more sense to replace them ^[29][30].

Identify Performance Issues

Before jumping to replace your system, take a moment to pinpoint where the problems lie:

• Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and check the Performance tab. If your CPU usage is consistently above 80%, there’s likely an issue.
• Look at your RAM usage in Task Manager. If it’s maxed out often, use the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to confirm problems.

For deeper insights, try tools like CrystalDiskInfo, MemTest86+, or HWiNFO to assess your system’s health.

Best Upgrades for the Money

Sometimes, upgrading specific components can be a smarter move than replacing the entire system. Here are a few upgrades that can give you the most noticeable performance boost:

Desktops are easier to upgrade thanks to their modular design ^[28]. For laptops, keep in mind they lose about 30% of their value each year ^[29]. If several components need replacing, it might be more cost-effective to buy a new system – especially if repair costs exceed half the price of a replacement ^[28].

To make informed decisions, run a System Diagnostics report using Windows Performance Monitor. It’ll help you figure out which upgrades are worth prioritizing.

Fix Your Slow Computer – 5 Easy Steps

Conclusion

Taking care of your computer isn’t just about solving issues – it’s about stopping them before they happen. The six maintenance tips we’ve discussed can make a big difference in how your system performs. In fact, studies show that properly maintained computers can run up to 30% faster ^[31].

Here’s a quick look at what you gain:

Set up a routine for maintenance – whether it’s monthly software updates, weekly disk cleanups, or daily scans. These habits protect your computer and keep it running smoothly.

Each practice complements the others. For example, updating software closes security gaps, while cleaning up your disk and defragmenting it makes your system more responsive. Together, they help deliver a reliable, secure, and efficient experience.

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