Win + I<\/code>) and click the Windows Update <\/i> button to get started with Windows updates<\/a>. The update client can also help you install drivers and other types of updates when you select Advanced options > Optional updates <\/i>.<\/p>\n\r\n \r\n ![\"Select]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nYou should also turn on the switch next to Get the latest updates as soon as they arrive <\/i>. That way, you don\u2019t always have to enter the Settings app, as the Windows Update client will automatically download and install new updates.<\/p>\n\n- Updating software applications<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
As mentioned, software developers also deploy updates to remove performance problems, vulnerabilities, and errors. Updates are also used to introduce new features and app versions. In most cases, you\u2019ll see prompts asking you to install a new version or update.<\/p>\n
Ensure you always choose the download and install option. In cases where you don\u2019t see prompts, you can check the websites of developers after using apps for a while.<\/p>\n
\n- Updating device drivers<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Device drivers are the software programs that help your operating system send instructions to hardware devices to perform specific tasks. These applications are the reasons your graphics card can render games properly, your USB ports can recognize external devices, and your network card can connect to Wi-Fi networks.<\/p>\n
Outdated drivers are often the cause of issues like reduced performance, loss of function, and blue screen errors <\/a>. Installing the latest updates for every driver ensures you don\u2019t experience such problems.\u00a0 As mentioned, you can update your drivers <\/a> through Windows Update by selecting Advanced options > Optional updates > Driver updates<\/i>.<\/p>\n\r\n \r\n ![\"Select]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nIf you\u2019re on Windows 10, click View all optional updates <\/i> on the Windows Update <\/i> page.<\/p>\n\r\n\tPRO TIP<\/div>\r\n That said, the update client does not always provide every update for your computer. It\u2019s better to use programs like Auslogics Driver Updater<\/a> that help you track and download driver updates automatically.<\/p>\nThe driver updater performs a system-wide scan of every type of driver to identify outdated software components.<\/div>\r\n
\r\n Download for Free<\/a>\r\n Learn More<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\nYou can also use tools provided by device manufacturers. For example, you can update NVIDIA graphics drivers <\/a> and AMD drivers <\/a> using tools developed by each company for its devices.<\/p>\nTip 2: Restart your computer regularly<\/h3>\n
Keeping your computer turned on for weeks and months isn\u2019t a great computer care practice. You need to reboot it once in a while, at least every week, to clear things like cache and temporary files that have built up over time. Rebooting also helps free up your system memory and resolve issues like memory leaks and software conflicts.<\/p>\n
You can easily restart with your keyboard <\/a> or go through the Start menu if you wish.<\/p>\n
\n\ud83d\udccc Also read: <\/b>Laptop Lifespan: Why You Should Definitely Shut Down Your PC Every Night <\/a><\/p>\n
\nTip 3: Create regular backups<\/h3>\n
That said, it is advisable to take precautionary measures, such as creating backups and restore points.<\/a><\/p>\nYou can back up Windows and your files to an external drive by opening the Control Panel, selecting System and Security > Backup and Restore <\/i>, and clicking Set up backup <\/i>. You\u2019ll have to choose your external drive and select the Next <\/i> button.<\/p>\n\r\n\tNote<\/div>\r\n\tOur guide on backing up Windows will help you learn more about the process and different backup configurations. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nA restore point allows you to return to certain system states in case you may have corrupted an application or driver. Follow these steps to create one:<\/p>\n
\n- Open the Start menu and type \u201crestore.\u201d <\/i><\/li>\n
- Select Create a restore point <\/i>.<\/li>\n
- Choose the hard drive where you want to create the restore point and click the Create <\/i> button.<\/li>\n
- Select a name for the restore point and click the Create<\/i> button.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Tip 4: Perform hardware maintenance<\/h3>\n
You have to internalize a series of habits to make this work. These tips will help:<\/p>\n
\n- Be conscious of your computer\u2019s position to optimize airflow to avoid overheating<\/a>. Laptops, especially gaming notebooks, are best placed on flat surfaces, and desktops should be positioned where exhaust fans are not blocked.<\/li>\n
- Physically clean up your computer<\/a> to remove dust from areas, such as your mouse and keyboard, computer screen, air vents, and ports.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\tIf you have pets, consider closing your laptop\u2019s lid or securing your desktop\u2019s keyboard and screen.<\/p>\n
For example, you may have to cat-proof your computer <\/a>, as cats are attracted to keyboards due to the clicky sounds and warmth. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nTip 5: Run regular disk cleanups to clear temporary files<\/h3>\n
Finding and removing temporary files is one of the most effective ways to clean up your computer <\/a>. Windows and third-party applications like browsers, games, and video editors create temporary files for specific tasks and delete them later.<\/p>\nHowever, most of them are not usually cleared and hang around longer than they should.\u00a0 Windows has built-in methods for wiping them manually and automatically.<\/p>\n
You can use the Disk Cleanup tool <\/a> or the storage page in the Settings application to run manual checks and delete temporary files. Here\u2019s how to use Disk Cleanup:<\/p>\n\n- Open the Start menu and type \u201cCleanup.\u201d <\/i><\/li>\n
- Select Disk Cleanup<\/i> and choose your hard drive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n \r\n
![\"Select]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n- Allow the tool to calculate and compile the temporary files you need to delete.<\/li>\n
- Once the dialog window opens, select the files you want to remove and click OK<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n \r\n
![\"Select]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n- You can also click the Clean up system files <\/i> button to find and remove Windows files.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n \r\n
![\"Click]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nYou can follow our guide on removing junk temporary files <\/a> to learn how to boost your computer\u2019s storage space.<\/p>\n\r\n\t\nYou don\u2019t have to clear out temporary files by yourself all the time. Configuring Storage Sense through the Settings app can help you automate the process. Follow these steps:<\/p>\n
\n- Open the Settings application.<\/li>\n
- Go to the System <\/i> tab and select Storage <\/i>.<\/li>\n
- Go to the Storage management <\/i> section and turn on Storage Sense.<\/li>\n
- You can also click Storage Sense<\/i> to apply specific configurations, such as cleanup schedules.<\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Tip 6: Check for malware and viruses<\/h3>\n
Antivirus programs are must-haves for regular maintenance and security. Malware <\/a> and viruses can compromise your computer through email attachments, downloaded files, legitimate-looking websites, and shared or copied files.<\/p>\nMicrosoft\u2019s Windows Security can protect your computer. The tool runs regular scans on its own, but you can run deep scans using its Full scan <\/i> and Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) <\/i> options.<\/p>\n\r\n \r\n ![\"Microsoft\u2019s]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\r\n\tPRO TIP<\/div>\r\n Windows Security offers robust antivirus protection, but you can enhance your defense with Auslogics Anti-Malware<\/a> \u2014 a powerful tool designed to work seamlessly alongside other security suites.<\/p>\nAuslogics Anti-Malware provides an extra layer of defense, detecting hidden threats, scanning for vulnerabilities, and offering real-time protection against sophisticated malware.<\/p>\n
By adding it to your setup, you\u2019ll reduce the risk of viruses and malicious programs bypassing your primary antivirus, ensuring comprehensive security for your system.<\/div>\r\n
\r\n Download for Free<\/a>\r\n Learn More<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\nTip 7: Maintain healthy battery habits<\/h3>\n
Battery life remains one of the biggest issues for people using laptops.<\/p>\n
\r\n\tNote<\/div>\r\n\tThat\u2019s why the new Snapdragon Copilot+ PCs <\/a> are quite popular: they boast the best battery life for Windows computers. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nHowever, every laptop\u2019s battery degrades over time.It\u2019s how you use your system that will determine when you start noticing that degradation.<\/p>\n
One of the most important battery habits to practice is preventing your battery from draining below 20% and limiting charges to 80%. You can use programs provided by your computer\u2019s OEM.<\/p>\n
\r\n\tNote<\/div>\r\n\tFor example, MSI allows you to limit charges to 80% using its Dragon Center <\/a> and MSI Center software applications. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nYou can open the Settings app, select Power & battery <\/i>, and click the Energy recommendations <\/i> option to check which energy-saving policies you can implement.<\/p>\n\r\n \r\n ![\"Select]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\tPRO TIP<\/div>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n\tYou should also avoid extreme temperatures and try your best to keep your laptop cool <\/a>during gaming and other intensive tasks. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\n
\n\ud83d\udccc Also read: <\/b>How to Check Your Laptop Battery Health on Windows 10 and 11? <\/a><\/p>\n
\nTip 8: Optimize your web browser<\/h3>\n
Web browsers can get resource-hungry and reduce overall system performance if they are not well optimized. That\u2019s why you see your browser causing high memory or disk usage sometimes. In extreme cases, browsers can also cause your computer to overheat <\/a> when lots of tabs are running in the background. Here\u2019s a checklist for optimizing your web browsers:<\/p>\n\n- Close unused tabs:<\/b> Loading a lot of browsing tabs at the same time is a surefire way to slow down your computer. You can habitually clean up your browsing tabs to keep things running smoothly.<\/li>\n
- Use your browser\u2019s efficiency mode:<\/b> Microsoft Edge has a dedicated efficiency mode, and Google Chrome has an energy saver feature that helps reduce resource consumption when too many tabs are open. You can turn them on by going to the performance section of the Settings<\/i> page.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n \r\n
![\"Select]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n- Remove or uninstall unused browser apps and extensions:<\/b> Click the browser menu, usually three dots or lines in the top-right corner, select Extensions <\/i>, and then remove the apps and extensions you don\u2019t use.<\/li>\n
- Keep your browser up to date<\/b>: You can check for updates by selecting Menu > Help > About browser <\/i>.<\/li>\n
- Clear cache, cookies, and other internet files:<\/b> The next step is deleting temporary internet files<\/a> and saved cache, cookies, and site data. Press the
Ctrl + Shift + Delete<\/code> keyboard shortcut to open the Delete browsing data<\/i> dialog, choose the type of data you want to remove, and click the Delete data <\/i>button.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n \r\n ![\"Click]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nTip 9: Manage your RAM<\/h3>\n
Your computer will run much smoother if your system memory is managed correctly. Proper RAM management involves the following:<\/p>\n
\n- Avoiding and fixing system memory leaks:<\/b> Memory leaks happen when programs fail to release their allocated memory space after use. Fixing the problem involves closing background applications, updating your system, and removing malware applications, among others. You can follow our guide on fixing memory leak issues <\/a> to learn more.<\/li>\n
- Allowing Windows to manage your paging file:<\/b> The paging file, also called virtual memory <\/a>, is Windows\u2019 way of supplementing your system memory. It\u2019s a file on your hard drive. You can optimize your memory further by setting the page file size to automatic. Here\u2019s how:<\/li>\n
- Type \u201csystem settings\u201d <\/i> in the Start menu and select Advanced system settings <\/i>.<\/li>\n
- After the System Properties <\/i> window opens, click the Settings <\/i>button under Performance <\/i>.<\/li>\n
- Go to the Advanced <\/i>tab, and then click Change <\/i> under Virtual memory <\/i>.<\/li>\n
- Next, check the box beside Automatically manage paging file size for all drives <\/i>.<\/li>\n
- Click OK<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n \r\n
![\"Check]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n- Restarting your computer often:<\/b> Restarting your system is one of the best ways to clear the system memory backlog and free your RAM.<\/li>\n
- Close applications you\u2019re not using:<\/b> Background programs, whether functioning well or not, usually take up space in your system memory. Closing these apps is an effective way to reduce RAM usage<\/a> and free up memory resources.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Tip 10: Defragment your hard drive or optimize your SSD<\/h3>\n
If you use a hard disk drive, defragmenting it could be the speed boost you need. System performance is usually impacted when pieces of files are scattered (or fragmented) on different hard drive sectors. Defragmentation <\/a> helps you reorganize and piece them back together.<\/p>\n\r\n\tYou don\u2019t have to defragment if you use an SSD, as they do not save files the same way as HDDs. However, the Defragment and Optimize Drives utility performs trim operations to make SSD blocks ready for use after files are deleted.<\/p>\n
![\"Select](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Windows-Update.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Select](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Windows-update-Advanced-Options.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Select](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Disk-Cleanup-select-Drive.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Select](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Disk-Cleanup-Select-Files-and-Remove.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Click](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Screenshot-2024-12-02-at-12.35.06\u202fPM.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Microsoft\u2019s](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Microsoft-defender-antivirus-Offline-Scan.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Select](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Energy-recommendations-for-battery.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Select](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Microsoft-Edge-Efficiency-Mode.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Click](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Delete-browsing-data.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Check](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Automatically-manage-paging-file-size.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Once](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Optimize-hard-drives.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n