6 Tips to Optimize Performance and Extend Lifespan of your Windows Computer

While using a laptop, desktop computer, sometimes you may encounter issues such as freezing, slow performance, or even virus detection.. These issues can arise from having too much “junk” on your device, unintentionally affecting its performance. So what is computer junk? What are the effective ways to clean up computer junk on Windows? Let’s find out in detail through the following article by FPT Shop.

What is computer junk? Why do you need to clean up computer junk?

Computer junk refers to the unnecessary data generated during the user’s operations on a laptop, desktop computer such as unzipping files, uninstalling software, temporary files, etc. Sometimes, we are not even aware of the existence of these junk files. Because a junk file is usually heavy, if accumulated over a long period of time, it will take up a considerable amount of storage space, shrink the storage capacity of the hard drive, and affect the device’s performance as well as reduce its lifespan.

Computer junk causes common device errors such as lagging, freezing, slow operation, reduced battery lifespan, etc. Therefore, regularly cleaning up computer junk is essential, helping to maintain the performance of the device, and protecting important information from data loss risks.

When to clean up laptop, desktop computer junk?

If you frequently use a desktop computer or laptop for studying and working, you should clean up computer junk about every 2 months. In addition, if your device shows the following signs, you also need to fix it by cleaning up computer junk:

• The computer operates slowly, takes a long time to open applications or perform simple tasks, it may be time to clean up junk.
• The hard drive storage is full, cleaning up junk will help free up space and optimize the operation of the computer.

So how to clean up computer junk correctly? Check out these 6 effective ways below.

6 effective ways to clean up computer junk on Windows

Method 1: Clean up temporary files on the laptop, desktop computer 

Temporary files are generated when you perform any operations on your computer. If these files are not cleaned up, they will reside on the hard drive and consume a lot of storage space. These files are also known as computer junk because they serve no purpose. Therefore, you should “wipe away” temporary files first when you want to clean your device.

Here is how to do it:

Step 1: Click on the Window at the corner of the screen > In the search box, type Run > Press Enter. 

Step 2: When the Run screen appears > type %temp% > Click OK. 

Step 3: At this point, the Temp folder window will appear. Press the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + A to select all the temporary files > Right-click > Select Delete > Select Yes to complete. 

However, for files you are currently opening or using, you will not be able to delete them immediately. You need to close the files and repeat the deletion steps as above. 

Method 2: Clear Cache 

The cache memory is a temporary storage area, including frequently accessed applications and files that allow quick access without the need for initialization time when each use. However, within a certain period of time, you should also clean up the cache memory to make the device run smoother. Here’s how:

Step 1: Click on the Window at the corner of the screen > In the search box, type Run > Open the Prefetch folder by typing Prefetch > Click OK.

Step 2: At the Prefetch folder window, press the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + A to select all files, documents, applications in the cache memory > Right-click > Select Delete to complete.

Method 3: Clear Recent Places history

Recent Places is a folder that stores recently opened applications on your computer, laptop. This is also one of the effective ways to clean up computer junk that you should do. Here’s how:

Step 1: Click on the Window at the corner of the screen > In the search box, type Run > Open the Recent Places folder by typing Recent Places > Click OK.

Step 2: At the Recent Places folder window, press the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + A to select all files, documents, applications in this folder > Right-click > Select Delete to complete.

Method 4: Permanently delete data from the Recycle Bin 

When you delete any data on your computer or desktop computer, it is not completely gone from the device but is moved to the Recycle Bin as a backup in case you want to restore it. Therefore, to clean up your computer, you need to permanently delete them from the Recycle Bin. Here’s how to do it:

Select the Recycle Bin on the Window screen > press the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + A to select all files, documents, applications in this folder > Right-click > Select Delete to complete.

If you cannot find the Recycle Bin on the screen, go to the Window panel at the bottom of the screen > Select Control Panel > Select Appearance and Personalization > Select Change the Theme > Select Change Desktop items > Check the box of Recycle Bin > Click OK to complete. Then perform the deletion steps as above.

Method 5: Delete unused applications

You should check the entire hard drive to see which applications are no longer needed and delete them to free up memory for the device. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Access the Window panel at the bottom of the screen > Select Control Panel > Select Programs. 

Step 2: In the Programs window, select unnecessary or unused applications, programs (press the Alt+Shift combination to select multiple applications at once) > Right-click > Select Uninstall to complete.

Method 6: Use third-party software to assist in cleaning up computer junk 

In addition to the above methods, you can refer to popular third-party software (free and paid) that supports cleaning up computer junk to help clean your device. For example: Cleanup, CCleaner, XClearner, SlimCleaner, etc. Each software will have its own usage method, but overall they are all easy to operate.

In addition to junk cleaning software, you can also use antivirus software. Because viruses and malware can create junk files or hide unnecessary data. So, use quality antivirus software to scan and remove them.

To find the safest and highest quality antivirus software for your device, you can refer to the products at FPT Shop that are widely used by many customers. Some prominent software can be mentioned such as Kaspersky Premium, Kaspersky Premium for 1-5 devices to use within 1 year; Eset Internet Security, etc.

Check out more at: Virus protection software

Conclusion

Above are the summary of the most effective ways to clean up computer junk applicable to Windows 7, 8, 10 versions. Hopefully, the above information will be helpful to you in using your computer, laptop safely and efficiently.

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