Remember when you first bought your computer?
The crumbless keyboard, the smudge-free screen… and it started up in seconds. People spend hours browsing the laptop aisle just to recreate that moment.
Owning something brand new is a rush. It’s why companies come out with new models every year.
What if you could give yourself that same feeling every time you switch on your PC?
Let’s face it. When it comes to your computer, upgrading every year isn’t practical.
This doesn’t mean you need to put up with that dreaded spinning wheel every time you try to multitask. With the right tools, you can keep your computer at peak performance.
To help, we’ve made a list of ten key steps to keep your PC running like new.
Included are some software recommendations. Some things are better left to the experts.
So read on and breathe easy. You’ll be at “like new” status in no time!
Step 1. Secure Your PC
Before we fix the problem, we need a clean workspace.
The first step is to scan your computer for malware and viruses. These threats put your information in danger and directly affect performance.
If this isn’t already a part of your normal routine, you should consider investing in a solid security program.
Secure Your PC
How it’s done: You will need to use a program to get a comprehensive scan. Most have tutorials to guide you through the process.
Our recommendation: WinZip Malware Protector alerts you when malware is present on your PC and it instantly removes these threats, protecting your sensitive information from hackers.
Step 2. Uninstall Unneeded Applications
Unneeded applications are the tech version of the VHS tapes in your basement. Useful at one point. Now a waste of space.
Sometimes they continue running in the background, which leads to a slower startup time. Delete your unneeded applications for greater speed and efficiency.
Uninstall Unneeded Applications
How it’s done: Open your menu and click Applications. From there, go through the list and uninstall applications you rarely – or never – use. You may want to use a program to monitor what applications are slowing your computer down.
Our recommendation: WinZip Systems Utilities Suite. In three easy steps, you can see exactly what’s slowing down your PC. Download now and let it work its magic in minutes.
Step 3. Stop Programs from Running at Startup
Some applications are set to open at startup for your convenience. No problem, right?
It becomes a problem when too many applications try to open at once. What was once convenient becomes one giant lag. Hello dreaded spinning wheel!
Avoid this by disabling this feature. Programs will stop fighting for your attention!
Stop Programs from Running at Startup
How it’s done: Head to the Task Manager application from your menu. Click on the Startup tab (under “more details” if it is in compact mode) and disable programs as needed.
Our recommendation: Take the tedium out of this process with WinZip Systems Utilities Suite, which includes an easy-to-use tool that helps you complete this task in minutes. No more lag. No more spinning wheel.
Step 4. Run Windows Update
This is a simple but often overlooked step.
Keeping your programs updated is a no brainer. Microsoft is constantly fixing bugs and improving Windows. If you don’t run the update, you might be missing out on crucial fixes for your PC!
How it’s done: Head to Settings in your menu. Click on Update and Security to see if you have an update. From there, follow the instructions to complete the process.
Run Windows Update
Step 5. Update Your Computer’s Drivers
Drivers are the common language connecting the different hardware on your computer to Windows. Pretty important, right?
When your computer is new, your drivers are up to date.
But every Windows update brings new requirements for drivers. Manufacturers offer ones that compliment your newer software. Stay on top of these updates to keep your computer running smoothly.
How it’s done: Check with the hardware manufacturer for the latest version of your driver and download. If the driver does not install automatically, use the menu to open Device Manager. Right click on the driver icon and choose Properties, then Driver, and finally Update Driver.
Update Your Computer’s Drivers
Our recommendation: WinZip Driver Updater simplifies this task with its extensive database of the latest and most up-to-date drivers for software and hardware devices. Download now and save yourself a ton of time.
We’ve covered a lot of ground today.
Keep an eye out for our next article!
Happy computing,
The WinZip Team