Tune Up Your PC
We've gathered the Tune-Up tips from throughout the learning center. Make them a regular part of your computing routine to help keep your PC running efficiently. | Check for Viruses and Spyware |  | | The Basics: Use anti-virus/anti-spyware applications to help get rid of viruses or spyware that can sap system resources. | | Getting It Done: Invest in anti-virus/anti-spyware software. Choose settings that automatically scan without sapping system resources. |
| Check Your Hard Drive for Errors | | | The Basics: Scan your hard drive for corrupted data or bad sectors. | | Getting It Done: Use the Windows Check Disk utility once every three months. |
| Delete Unused Programs | | | The Basics: Your computer accrues programs from time to time and comes preloaded with unused trial software. | | Getting It Done: Use Add/Remove Programs to uninstall applications you're no longer using. Perform this task every six months, or more if you download often. |
| Defragment Your Hard Drive | | | The Basics: Reclaim unused, inefficient or fragmented data on your drive. | | Getting It Done: Use Windows Disk Defragmenter on a monthly basis. |
| Download Operating System Updates | | | The Basics: Microsoft regularly sends bug fixes, patches and OS updates to combat the latest security threats. | | Getting It Done: Set Windows Update to automatic. |
| Limit How Many Programs Load at Startup | | | The Basics: Some programs load automatically at startup and run in the background until used, sapping processing power and slowing your system. | | Getting It Done: Check your taskbar for icons of programs that may have auto-loaded. Disable auto-loading. Use Windows Defender to find any you missed. |
| Purge Unneeded Files | | | The Basics: Manually delete files you haven't used recently and don't need. | | Getting It Done: Use the Windows® Instant Search feature to locate files. |
| Restart Regularly | | | The Basics: Restarting your computer clears out memory and closes down unnecessary processes and services. | | Getting It Done: Restart your computer from your Start menu at least once per week. |
| Run Disk Cleanup | | | The Basics: Run Disk Cleanup to remove temporary files, get rid of optional components and empty the Recycle Bin. | | Getting It Done: Launch Disk Cleanup from Start Menu Accessories System Tools. |
| Turn Off Visual Effects | | | The Basics: Windows® 7 has 20 user-controlled visual effects, including menu animations, window shadows and transparency. While eye-catching, these may slow down some computers. | | Getting It Done: In Windows 7, click Start, and type "Adjust the Appearance and Performance of Windows", select "Adjust for Best Performance". | |
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