Buying a new PC often feels exciting because it runs faster and can do more than your old one. Hardware constantly evolves, making a new computer a great way to get better performance. But you don’t need to buy a new PC yearly to keep it running well. Here are some tips to help your computer stay fast and efficient over time.
Install Your Windows 11 Updates
First things first, let’s talk about updates. Windows updates can be annoying, but they are essential. These updates protect you from threats, fix bugs, and add new features. To avoid unexpected reboots, plan ahead. Windows updates are released on the second Tuesday of every month. Check for updates on that day or soon after to stay on top of them. To check for updates, open the Settings app and go to the Windows Update section.
Avoid Visiting Shady Websites
A crucial step to keeping your PC smooth is to avoid downloading from unreliable sources. It’s easy to end up on a malicious website, especially if you’re looking for pirated content. Always download apps from official or trusted websites to avoid malware and other security threats.
Uninstall Unnecessary Apps
New computers often come with many pre-installed apps you might never use. It’s a good idea to go through these apps when you first get your PC and remove what you don’t need. Over time, we tend to install many apps, some of which we stop using. Every few months, review your installed apps and uninstall those you no longer need. This helps free up storage and can improve your PC’s performance.
Use an Antivirus
Protecting your PC from viruses and malware is vital. Windows 10 and 11 come with Microsoft Defender, which provides good baseline protection. Ensure all its features are enabled by checking the Windows Security app. Additionally, using a third-party antivirus like MalwareBytes can offer extra protection. While the free version of MalwareBytes doesn’t provide real-time protection, it allows you to run manual scans to catch any threats that may have slipped through.
Delete Unnecessary Files
Just like unused apps, unnecessary files can pile up over time. Documents, images, and other files you no longer need can take up valuable storage space. Keeping your storage tidy can help your PC run more efficiently. Every few months, go through your File Explorer, especially your Downloads folder, and delete files you don’t need.
Back-Up Your Data
Even if you’re careful, sometimes things go wrong. Having a backup of your data is essential. It saves you time and trouble if your PC breaks. Use cloud storage services for automatic backups or tools like SyncBack if you prefer more control and have an external storage device.
Check Your Running Apps
Sometimes, your PC may run slow because you have too many apps open at once. Open Task Manager by right-clicking the taskbar to see which apps are using the most resources. Close apps you don’t need to free up resources and improve performance.
Delete Temporary Files
Temporary files can accumulate and take up space. Windows has a built-in tool to clean these files. Go to Settings, then System, Storage, and Temporary files. Check all the boxes except Downloads and remove the files. Doing this every few months can make a big difference in performance.
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Manage Your Startup Tasks
Some apps automatically start with your PC, which can slow down the startup process. Open Task Manager and go to the Startup apps section to see which apps are set to start automatically. Disable the ones you don’t need to run all the time. This can help your PC start up faster and run more smoothly.
Keep Your Windows 11 Software Updated
Aside from Windows itself, make sure all your other software is up to date. Programs like browsers, drivers, and utilities often receive updates that fix bugs and improve performance. Most software will notify you of updates automatically, but it’s good practice to check for updates regularly. Go to the settings menu in each application to find the update option.
Clean Your Hardware
Physical dust and dirt can affect your PC’s performance. Dust can clog fans and vents, causing your computer to overheat. Overheating can slow down your PC and even damage components. Clean your computer’s exterior regularly with a soft cloth. Every few months, open the case and gently clean the interior with compressed air. Make sure your computer is off and unplugged before doing this.
Monitor Your PC’s Health
Use built-in tools to monitor your PC’s health. Windows has a Performance Monitor and Resource Monitor that give you detailed information about your system’s performance. These tools can help you identify which processes or applications are using too much of your computer’s resources. Keeping an eye on this can help you catch potential issues early.
Use Disk Cleanup Tools
Windows comes with a Disk Cleanup tool that helps you delete unnecessary files. Open the Start menu, search for Disk Cleanup, and run the tool. It will scan your computer for files you can delete, such as temporary files, system cache, and old update files. Running Disk Cleanup every few months can help free up space and keep your computer running smoothly.
Optimize Your Storage
If you have a lot of large files, consider moving them to an external drive or cloud storage. Keeping your main drive less cluttered can improve your computer’s performance. Use tools like Storage Sense in Windows 10 and 11 to automatically free up space. Go to Settings, then System, then Storage, and turn on Storage Sense. This tool will automatically delete unnecessary files and help you manage your storage more effectively.
Adjust Windows 11 Visual Effects
Windows has several visual effects that can slow down your PC. Adjusting these settings can improve performance. Go to Settings, then System, then About, and click on Advanced System Settings. Under the Performance section, click on Settings. You can adjust for best performance, which will turn off most visual effects, or customize which effects to keep.
Extend the Life of Your PC
By following these steps regularly, your PC will run better for a longer time. Occasionally, it might be a good idea to reset your PC to its factory settings for a fresh start. This can help if your computer starts feeling slow despite following all the other tips. Make sure to back up your data before doing this, as it will delete everything on your system.
Summary
Keeping your PC in good shape doesn’t have to be complicated. Regularly installing updates, avoiding shady websites, uninstalling unnecessary apps, using antivirus software, deleting unnecessary files, backing up data, checking running apps, deleting temporary files, managing startup tasks, and keeping software updated can all help keep your computer running smoothly. Cleaning your hardware, monitoring your PC’s health, using disk cleanup tools, optimizing your storage, and adjusting visual effects can further extend the life of your PC. By taking these steps, you can enjoy better performance without needing to buy a new computer every year.
