Computer Maintenance Basics - Slow Performance and Application Issues

This guide will walk through some basic things you can try in the case your computer is starting to run slowly, or if you are experiencing issues with applications or running into errors. These tips are great to follow to ensure your computer is running at its best as often as possible.

Summary

This guide will walk through some basic things you can try in the case your computer is starting to run slowly, or if you are experiencing issues with applications or running into errors. These tips are great to follow to ensure your computer is running at its best as often as possible. 

Environment

Laptops, Microsoft Surfaces, Desktop Computers 

Resolution

Restart Computer - Don't rely on shut down/sleep/hibernate

Restarting, unlike shutting down, sleep, or hibernate, clears out all processes and applications, giving your computer a fresh start and the opportunity to clear any application related errors that might be occurring, as well as shuts down any un needed processes that may be taking up extra resources, slowing your computer performance. This is often the first thing you should do when you start to experience a problem with an application, or receive an error. There's a reason the IT joke "did you try turning it off and back on again" actually exists. In reality it should be " Did you try restarting it?". 

• To restart your computer, either click on the Windows icon on your task bar, or you can click the Windows key on your keyboard.
• Then click the power button, followed by restart

PC Manager

PC Manager is an application that should be on your computer already. It is an Microsoft application that can be used for various situations to improve performance, clean up un needed files and even do security/virus scans.. Below are a few simple things you can do in PC Manager to keep your computer running smoothly. 

To open PC Manager:

1. You can search for it in the windows search bar. 
    
2. Once opened, you will notice multiple tabs.
   1. Boost: The first, and simplest task you can perform, is by clicking "Boost" under PC Boost on the Home Page. This free's up temporary files that may be taking up unnecessary space, and closes un needed apps and services that may be running in the background. This will not close apps such as Bluebeam, Navisworks, Citrix, Office etc. 
   2. Protection: Under the Protection tab, you can perform a Virus scan. If you feel like something strange is happening with your computer, or if you feel you may hahve clicked on something you are unsure about, it may be wise to do this. Additionally, if you have any concerns of Cybersecurity, please dont hesitate to reach out to the Jason Sullivan in Cybersecurity or the MIS Service desk.  
      3. Storage: Under the Storage tab, you can peprform a deep cleanup. This is similiar to what the Boost button on step 1 does, but more throroughly. 

 

If you followed any of these items in the article and are still noticing that you are experiencing troubles, please reach out to the MIS Service Desk for further assistance.