Maintaining your desktop PC should be part of your regular computer maintenance routine. Over time, files, programs, and settings can accumulate, slowing down your computer and potentially causing errors or crashes. Doing a deep clean helps remove unnecessary files, closes security vulnerabilities, and frees up valuable storage space.
Remove Temporary Files
Temporary files like browser caches or application leftovers can quickly consume storage. I like to use CCleaner to automate cleaning these files.
- Download and install CCleaner from https://www.ccleaner.com/
- Open CCleaner and click the Cleaner tab on the left
- Check boxes for Browser, Windows, and Applications
- Click Analyze to scan my PC
- Review the list and uncheck anything I want to keep
- Click Run Cleaner to remove unnecessary temporary files
This process frees up a considerable amount of space and removes potential problematic files.
Uninstall Unused Programs
Over time I accumulate programs I no longer need. These unused programs take up space and can slow down my computer on start up as they load in the background.
I use the Add/Remove Programs control panel to uninstall programs I no longer use.
- Open the Control Panel
- Click Programs and Features
- Review the list of installed programs
- Right click any I want to remove and select Uninstall
- Follow prompts to fully uninstall unused programs
Removing unnecessary programs helps declutter my system.
Delete Downloads Folder
The Downloads folder tends to accumulate random files over time. I make a habit of regularly reviewing and mass deleting unneeded downloads.
- Open File Explorer and navigate to Downloads
- Select all files (
Ctrl + A) - Delete to remove them all
- Empty Recycle Bin to completely remove the files
This frees up space taken up by random download files I no longer need.
Wipe Free Space
Even after removing files and programs, my PC retains traces of that old data in the free space on my hard drive. I use a disk cleanup tool like Eraser to overwrite the free space and wipe these data remnants.
- Download and install Eraser from https://eraser.heidi.ie
- Run Eraser
- Select the drive I want to wipe
- Click Erase to overwrite empty space
Wiping the free space protects my privacy by removing traces of previously deleted files.
Check for Malware
Malware like viruses and spyware can secretly install themselves on my computer. I run scans with an antivirus program like Malwarebytes to check for and remove any malicious software.
- Download Malwarebytes from https://www.malwarebytes.com
- Install and run a Threat Scan
- Quarantine anything malicious found
- At end of scan, click Apply Actions to delete quarantined items
Scanning for malware protects my computer against any potential threats.
Update Software
Having the latest software updates improves performance and closes security vulnerabilities. I check for app updates in the Microsoft Store and update Windows using Windows Update.
To update Windows:
- Open Settings
- Click Windows Update
- Click Check for updates
- Install any available updates
Keeping software fully updated optimizes my PC’s functionality.
Restart Your Computer
After completing a deep clean, I finish by restarting my desktop. Restarting allows changes made during cleaning to fully complete. A restart also clears any memory issues caused by removing programs and files.
Taking time to deeply clean my desktop PC optimizes performance, frees up valuable storage space, closes security holes, and declutters my system from unnecessary files and programs. Following these steps as part of regular maintenance keeps my computer running smooth.
