How to Maintain Your Windows Computer

 

Issue/Question:

How do I maintain proper care of my Windows computer and prolong the machine's life?

Answer:

Regularly Check for Updates

1. Click on the Type here to search bar on the bottom left of your screen
2. Type "check for updates" and hit enter

3. From there, click the Check for updates

4. For driver updates, click on the View optional updates section on the Check for updates page. Alternatively, you can try web searching for the specific drivers you need and download them from their respective manufacturer's web page.

 

Regularly Run Anti-Virus Scans

1. From your Type here to search bar, type "Windows Security" and hit the enter key

2. Click on Virus & threat protection

3. Click on the Quick Scan button and wait for the scan to complete

4. If any viruses are found, Windows Defender will notify you and give you the option to remove them from your machine

 

Regularly Remove Temporary Files

Use Windows 10's built-in Disk Cleanup tool to remove temporary files, system cache, and unnecessary files that can take up disk space and slow down your computer.

1. From your Type here to search bar, type "Disk Cleanup" and hit the enter key

2. Check off Downloaded Program Files, Temporary Internet Files, Temporary Files, and Thumbnails

3. Click OK
4. Click Delete Files

 

Regularly Restart Your Computer

Restarting your computer is important because it clears the system's memory and resources, may resolve software glitches, and allows updates to take effect, ultimately improving overall performance and stability.

 

Reduce Startup Apps

By reducing unnecessary applications launching at startup, your computer will turn on quicker and have more resources available to run desired applications.

1. To turn off unnecessary startup apps, search "Startup Apps" in the Type here to search bar

2. Locate the application you wish to turn off and click on the slider next to it

 

Keep Your Battery Charged Between 20-80%

If you use a laptop, we recommend keeping your battery charged between 20% and 80% and only charge to the maximum when you need the full battery life. This practice helps prolong the battery's overall life. Conveniently, many manufacturers provide software that allows you to limit the maximum amount of charge the battery can hold, even when plugged in constantly. For example, if you have a Dell laptop, you can use Dell Power Manager to help keep your machine within the preferred range.

Environment/Applies To:

Windows 10

Additional Information:

If you are concerned about the longevity of your computer, you should back up your files. We recommend backing up your files to a cloud-based software, such as OneDrive. This precaution will protect your data in case your machine experiences hard drive corruption.