These days, your PC or laptop is your indispensable companion for personal, professional, entertainment and creative purposes. While some wear and tear is inevitable over time, you can adopt some clever practices to avoid performance degradation, unexpected crashes, annoying glitches and even premature hardware failure. In this article, we'll discuss some of the most harmful habits that can inadvertently affect or damage your computer and provide several tips to ensure your digital workhorse stays in tip-top shape.
10 Hectic app installation
Getting a new PC or laptop can be exciting. After the initial setup, most users start installing their favorite apps and services on the device. As you go through the app installation process, however, don't blindly click the “Next” button to complete the setup.
Some apps enable startup behavior by default and you may accidentally set it to trigger as a startup item. Over time, if too many programs start with the computer, it can slow down the boot process and overall performance. We recommend checking the list of startup programs on your PC and disabling unnecessary programs.
- Go to Windows Settings by pressing the Windows + I buttons.
- Choose Apps > Home.
- You'll probably be surprised at how many apps start when your system boots. Check their impact on your system and disable any unnecessary apps that you only want to run when needed.
9 Downloading apps and games from untrusted sources
Although the Microsoft Store has come a long way since its launch, it still doesn't include all the apps and games you need. Sometimes you have to download installation files directly from the Internet, so you have to be extra careful here.
You must stick to the official website to download the file, so make sure it is a valid website. Untrustworthy sources may contain outdated or fake files that can harm your PC in no time.
8 Ignoring malware protection
Do you regularly download files from unknown sources on the Internet or click on unknown links? You might infect your PC with corrupted, fake and malicious files, which can lead to stability and performance issues. The problem can also occur if you connect unknown or unverified storage devices to your PC.
Under no circumstances should you ignore malware protection on your Windows machine. The default Windows Security app should be good enough for most people to run a malware scan on a regular basis. If you want to run a virus scan, here's how to find and use the built-in Windows tool.
- Press the Windows keysearch for Windows Security app and then press Enter to launch it.
- Choose Virus and threat protection from the sidebar.
- Open Scan options. Run a full PC scan using the following menu.
7 Installation of unnecessary software
Although it's easy to get overwhelmed with the thousands of apps at our disposal, you don't need to install all of the popular services. For example, if you want to design an eye-catching banner, you can use Canva online instead of installing the app from the Microsoft Store. The same advice applies to other web apps like Reddit, as the web version is often more convenient than the standalone app.
Additionally, if you have a Windows device with an ARM processor, be sure to use apps that are optimized for the ARM architecture. While non-native apps will work as expected thanks to Microsoft's improved emulation, they can't match the performance of optimized apps.
6 Fill the SSD completely
It is never a good idea to run a Windows desktop or laptop with little or no free storage space. The system needs sufficient storage to handle your daily tasks and run smoothly. You should have at least 10-15% free space on the device.
If you're planning on building a PC from scratch, or if you have an old one that could use an upgrade, opt for an SSD instead of a spinning hard disk drive (HDD). You can also enable and run Storage Sense to keep temporary files off the PC.
- Open windows Settings and go to System > Storage Menu.
- Choose Memory sense and configure it according to your needs.
To reduce the amount of information on your drive when it gets full, you can save your important files to cloud storage services like OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox and use the Files On-Demand feature to download only the most important files.
5 Neglect of physical cleaning
This is another common condition that you need to change to keep your PC in optimal condition. Over time, your PC will accumulate dust and dirt, which can obstruct airflow, leading to overheating and performance issues.
Keeping your PC clean is essential for its maintenance, as a significant accumulation of dust inside is always problematic. You must be careful and use the necessary tools to clean your PC carefully.
4 With regard to ventilation
Neglecting adequate ventilation is another rookie mistake many PC enthusiasts make. Inadequate ventilation in your PC case can reduce airflow from blocked vents, which can lead to performance issues and even permanent hardware failure. You need to use high-quality fans and clean the dust filters regularly. Inadequate ventilation outside your PC case can also be a problem sometimes. Make sure nothing has crept too close to it over time, blocking ventilation from the outside. A cool, airy environment outside and inside the PC will increase its lifespan.
Also, avoid rough handling when transporting a PC from one place to another. Physical impact on your computer can damage its internal parts and possibly cause malfunctions or total failure.
3 Using a low-quality power supply
The core components of your PC such as the CPU, GPU and motherboard rely on a steady supply of clean power. If you use a cheap or faulty power supply, it can result in unstable power supply and voltage fluctuations. These phenomena can lead to data corruption, unexpected shutdowns and in extreme cases, part damage and your PC may not even boot.
2 Leaving the PC in sleep mode for a long time
Most Windows users leave their PC in sleep mode all the time. Although this is generally not a problem, you should shut down your computer every now and then, especially if you don't plan on using it for a long time.
Although sleep mode uses less power than fully on mode, some PC components still remain active, causing wear and tear. Full shutdown helps clear temporary files and refresh the system.
1 Dealing with app and system updates
First of all, don't skip important system updates and security patches on your Windows computer. Microsoft regularly releases Windows updates to add new features and fix bugs.
It's best to avoid installing major Windows updates right away. Wait a week or two to let the community identify any serious issues first. If the update appears stable, you can install it.
Identify silent PC performance killers
Just like your car needs regular maintenance for optimal performance, your PC needs proper care to keep running smoothly over time. However, these common practices can be hurting your PC without you noticing, leading to stability issues and frustration. If you're still experiencing performance problems, check out our separate troubleshooting guide to get your PC back up and running.