Basic Computer Maintenance Checklist

You don’t need to be a computer expert to keep your system running better for longer. Here’s a simple checklist I recommend to home users in Harrison and nearby areas.

Monthly Checks You Can Do Yourself

  • Restart the computer at least once a week
  • Install Windows and security updates when prompted
  • Uninstall programs you no longer use
  • Empty the Recycle Bin and clear temporary files
  • Check that your antivirus is still updating properly

These small steps can prevent many of the “my computer is getting slower” problems I see on a regular basis.

Keep an Eye on Storage Space

A nearly full hard drive can make a computer feel much slower than it should be. Aim to keep at least 15–20% of your main drive free.

  • Move large photos and videos to an external drive or cloud storage
  • Remove old downloads and installers you don’t need anymore
  • Uninstall games or software you no longer use

If you are constantly running out of room, it may be time for a larger drive or a solid-state drive (SSD) upgrade.

Backup Is Not Optional

One of the hardest conversations I have with customers is when there is no backup and the drive has failed badly. Even a simple backup is far better than none.

  • Use an external USB drive for occasional backups
  • Consider cloud backup for important photos and documents
  • Test restoring a file once in a while so you know it works

If you’re not sure what backup method makes sense for you, I can walk through options based on how much data you have and how you use your computer.

When to Call for Help

  • Frequent freezing, crashing, or blue screens
  • Clicking or grinding noises from the computer
  • Warning messages about “imminent hard drive failure”
  • Strange pop-ups or suspicious browser behavior

Issues like these can be signs of failing hardware or malware that won’t be fixed by basic maintenance alone.

Need Help With Maintenance or Cleanup?

If your system is overdue for a tune-up or you’d like a more reliable backup plan, I can help set things up and explain how everything works in plain language.

Call / Text (586) 604-9813