Windows Maintenance Tips 2023 Edition
Below is a list of things I believe you should do to keep your computer running the best it can This article for all levels of Windows users.
Before we start backup your data in case something happens. This is something you should be doing anyway.
Uninstall any software you do not use. This will get more space on your SSD / Hard Drive, but also help stop the programs from starting up when your PC starts. This step is important to do, because it could speed up your PC’s performance. Before make a list of the software you uninstall in case you need to reinstall any of the software you uninstall.
Uninstall any browser add-ins / extensions you do not use in your browsers. This will make your browser running more reliably, and possible make your experience better.
Make sure your PC is up to date. This includes all of the updates for Windows, system drivers / other software, and all of the software you use on your PC. This also contains all browsers add-ins / extensions. This step is important, because it will make sure your PC is secure is secure, and know bugs are patches.
Move all of the data you do not use any more to another drive like an external drive, and the cloud.
Run a complete disk cleanup with Microsoft’s disk cleanup tool.
Run a chkdsk on your PC. Chek out the article
Run a complete Male ware scan on your PC. For this step I would not only use your Antivirus of choose, but also Microsoft’s built in tool called MRT. I would run one or more of the free virus removal tools listed below
TrendMicro’s Housecall – You can get it at Download Free Tools| Trend Micro
Norton Power Eraser – You can get it at Norton Power Eraser.
Mcafee’s Scanner – You can get it at Stinger (mcafee.com) .
Webroot’s Free AntiVirus Scanner – You can get it at Free Antivirus Scan | Webroot
Esset’s Free Scanner – You can get it Free Virus Scan | Online Virus Scan from ESET | ESET .
Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool – You can get it Free Virus Removal Tool | Free Virus Scanner and Cleaner | Kaspersky.
If Malware is found then remove it with the scanner, and use another scanner to get a second opinion.
If your PC is still having problems then it is time to consider a reinstall of Windows. Check out the articles Recovery options in Windows, and [Windows 11/10] How to reset the PC and keep my personal files for more information. Go through steps 1 – 6 after doing a reinstall of Windows. for best results.
A bonus tips: Consider alternative software that require less requirements then what your PC has. For example use Microsoft’s Windows Defender instead of using a paid antivirus.
I hope this article helps you make your PC run better.