I’ve read that CCleaner is now more of a hindrance than a help when it comes to keeping PCs running smoothly. I’m overdue for a thorough scan with something like Malwarebytes, but I’ve also heard that the built-in Windows antivirus has improved a lot in recent years.
Last night, my 8-year-old laptop blue-screened and got stuck in a boot cycle for hours. This afternoon, it managed to turn on, just as I was about to take it in for repairs.
What kind of maintenance should I start considering for an aging laptop like this?
A fresh install of Windows 10 or Windows 11 can really make a difference. You can install it as many times as you need without any cost.
Make sure to download the latest drivers from your laptop’s manufacturer website. You can search for your laptop model followed by “drivers,” or you can share your model here, and I can help find the right link for you.
Also, don’t forget to clean your laptop! If it’s running hot, it will slow down. Using some compressed air to remove dust can really help.
Is there a normally unused partition on the disk drive that contains the windows 11 kernel, so one can do a restoration of windows 11 with just one command?
Running sfc /scannow in the Command Prompt can help fix any corrupt Windows files and address issues with your operating system.
You might also want to use DiskMark to check the speed and lifespan of your hard drive.
To keep an eye on your laptop’s temperatures, MSI Afterburner is a great tool, and you could also look into undervolting, but be sure to do your research first.
WizTree can help you see where your storage space is being used.
Finally, using Malwarebytes to scan for viruses is a good idea. After a couple of scans, you can uninstall it if you want.