6 Tasks You Should Do Regularly on Your Windows Computer

Maintaining a Windows computer requires regular upkeep to ensure smooth operation and prevent performance issues, security risks, and unnoticed hardware problems. Here's a routine maintenance checklist to keep your computer running smoothly:

1. Run System Diagnostics: Early detection of hardware issues prevents performance degradation and potential component damage. Regularly run diagnostics to check the health of your hard drive, CPU, GPU, RAM, and battery. Tools like the Windows Memory Diagnostic can check RAM, while battery reports assess battery health. Stress testing your CPU and GPU, and checking for disk errors, provides valuable insights into your system's overall health.

2. Check for Overheating: Overheating causes thermal throttling, slowing down performance. While a surface temperature check is helpful, use a tool like HWMonitor for accurate internal temperature readings (CPU, GPU, etc.). Temperatures consistently above 80°C require cooling measures: cleaning vents, improving airflow (laptop stands), avoiding resource-intensive multitasking, and preventing charging during use.

3. Declutter Your Windows Desktop: A cluttered desktop impacts visual clarity, slows down Windows startup, and hinders locating frequently used shortcuts. Regularly delete temporary files and shortcuts, remove duplicates, organize files into labeled folders, and retain only essential program shortcuts. A minimalist desktop wallpaper further enhances organization and navigation.

4. Test Your Data Backups: Regularly testing backups ensures data recoverability. Verify key files are being backed up and restore a few random files to confirm functionality. Review and adjust backup frequency as needed. Employing two separate backups using different methods provides redundancy.

5. Check Protection History in Windows Security: Microsoft Defender's background malware detection might generate alerts you miss. Regularly check the Protection History in the Windows Security app (Virus & Threat Protection -> Protection History) to review security events, identify potential threats, and address any false positives.

6. Review and Install Optional Updates: While Windows automatically installs critical updates, optional updates often address performance issues, app bugs, or compatibility problems. Regularly review and selectively install these updates via Settings (Windows Update -> Advanced Options -> Optional Updates).

By incorporating these routine tasks, you can significantly improve your Windows computer's performance, security, and overall health.

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