All PCs require maintenance but few really know how to do it, risking even gross mistakes that can compromise the stability of computers, cause damage to hardware, security problems, accidental data loss, unnecessary spending of money and system instability. general.For this reason it is very important to know what not to do and what mistakes should be avoided when cleaning the PC or performing ordinary and extraordinary maintenance. It is then worth knowing what they are the most common mistakes you make with your computer so you can avoid and keep your PC healthy and running.
READ ALSO: Causes and solutions of a slow computer
1) Updates missing or blocked
The Windows operating system is periodically updated by Microsoft with security patches, essential to cover vulnerabilities discovered and exploited by malware and hackers. The same happens for a certain category of programs such as antivirus, browsers and their plug-ins, which are frequently updated with security fixes.
Lack of updates or delaying updates too much makes your PC vulnerable to the most dangerous cyber attacks and viruses; for this reason we leave the automatic update of Windows 10 and Windows 11 active (without applying any strange changes to bypass this automatism). If we have problems with Windows updates we can read our guides on Windows Update problems if it does not download or find updates come on how to force windows update.
If we want to quickly update the programs on the PC, install them from the Microsoft Store or use gods tool for automatic updating of applications.
2) Accumulation of dust inside the case
The dust inside the PC can cause serious problems in the functioning of the computer, especially if we allow months or years to pass after the last cleaning. The problem is that dust can clog the vents, weigh down the fans, and prevent the CPU from cooling properly.
Every now and then it is better to open the computer case e clean the dust on the fans and inside the computer inside maybe even using a can of compressed air. Cleaning the dust inside your laptop is more difficult, however, the important thing is to make sure that the spaces where the fans turn are free and clean.
3) Lack of updated backups
Many people ignore the importance of periodically backing up their personal files or their Windows installation. Unfortunately the internal memory of the computer can break at any time so you have to take into account the possibility that you completely lose access to your personal data.
Important data must then be saved to another disk as a backup. Windows 11 and Windows 10 have a very effective file backup systemto which it is possible to add OneDrive for cloud copy of the most important folders.
If the systems integrated in Windows are not enough or we are looking for alternatives we can read our guides on how to backup and what are the best backup programs for Windows.
4) Unstable electrical current or frequent blackouts
A PC connected directly to the mains without any stabilization system is exposed to current surges that they can damage internal components. To protect an expensive investment such as a PC and notebook, it is therefore advisable to use a high-capacity UPS or a UPS multi-socket, so as to stabilize the incoming electrical current and be able to save work even in the event of a blackout.
To learn more we can read our guide on how to use an uninterruptible power supply on a PC.
5) Unnecessarily defragment disks
Disk defragmentation was a maintenance task required on PCs with mechanical disks. If we have a mechanical disk, Windows 10 and Windows 11 will defragment by themselves, while if we have an SSD defragmentation is not needed.
To keep SSDs in shape you need to perform TRIM regularlyas seen in ours dedicated guide to the maintenance of SSD disks on Windows.
6) Run multiple antivirus programs together
A computer is no longer protected if more than one antivirus is added together. Only one antivirus with real-time control can be installed on a PC– Having multiple scanners in real time will slow down your PC and pass more viruses.
Next to the antivirus however, we can support scanners on request, capable of removing malware that escapes the main antivirus. The best scanner to install alongside any antivirus is Malwarebytesone of the most powerful in catching powerful viruses, ransomware and hidden spyware.
If we want a level of protection higher than that offered by Windows Defender (the antivirus integrated in Windows 11 and Windows 10), we recommend that you read our guides best free comprehensive and free security and protection suites e i best paid antivirus for PC with free trial.
7) Use a system cleaner
The programs to clean the Windows registry or to thoroughly clean the entire operating system are practically uselesssince a clean registry will not make the system faster (on the contrary we risk doing some damage!).
The only cleaning system we recommend you activate is Memory sensor (integrated in Windows 11 and Windows 10); if we want a cleaning program we advise you to use CCleaneralways the number one for deleting junk files and temporary files.
8) Block airflows
This is a mistake that is often made when using a laptop: we must in fact avoid putting the notebook on the legs or on a soft surface that sinks (like that of a bed), covering the air vents that cool the inside of the PC.
Vents can become clogged not only with accumulation of dust but also if you push your desktop PC too close to the wall or into an enclosed space. This is especially important when pushing computer resources to their maximum, such as playing a 3D video game.
9) Install dangerous or annoying programs
While installing free programs on your computer it is always important to be careful about their installation. In fact, many programs are accompanied by sponsorsthat is other programs that have nothing to do with what you want to install and that, often, is just annoying.
To avoid these programs we read ours guide to install a free program without additional sponsorsso as to verify the most common cases and also consider the categories of programs that should never be installed on the PC.
10) Surf the internet without criteria
Using a computer today means above all surfing the internet, visiting websites, doing research, sending email messages and writing on Facebook. In each site, however, there can be a pitfall that can be a virus, a harmful program or simply a script that captures personal data.
Using the internet with common sense is the basis of IT security and, consequently, also the good care of a computer. In another article we saw how check if you are protected enough on the internet by keeping your PC safe.
11) Attivare ReadyBoost
As explained in the past ReadyBoost is a feature to improve Windows speed using a USB stick. In computers with mechanical disk we can dedicate our fastest stick as a fast cache to open programs and files but if we have a ReadyBoost SSD it is really useless and irrelevant.
We disable this feature on modern PCs with SSD drivesso that only the solid state drive is used as the internal memory of the computer.
12) Disable the paging file
When Windows runs out of RAM, it passes data to a paging file written to the internal disk, which acts as virtual RAM. Many guides on the Internet recommend disabling it, forcing Windows to use only RAM.
Actually the paging file is vital for a computer with less than 16GB of RAM and tests have shown that disabling the paging file offers no performance improvement. The only time you should remove the paging file is on a computer with little disk space (less than 256GB).
13) Disable or delay the startup of Windows services
This is perhaps one of the hottest tips on tech blogs. Back when Windows was heavier and computers had less memory, disabling unnecessary system services made sense.
Today on modern PCs with 8 or 16 GB of RAM or more, a disabled service has no influence on the overall performance of the computer. Also the option “Automatic (delayed start)“does not really speed up boot time. This is because the services needed by the system must start, so delaying them will slow down Windows loading.
Conclusions
Most of the mistakes that are made in front of the PC are dictated by laziness: as long as the computer works well and the web pages open I go on without caring about what I have done or what I have not done. If we have only followed 2 or 3 of the errors mentioned above, take some time for your computerso as to make it last longer.
In another guide we also saw how speed up your computer in a few simple steps.