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Windows PC management

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Here are a few ways to manage and maintain your PC's performance, speed and security. If your machine feels sluggish, this is a great starting point. We suggest performing these steps every few weeks for best results.

 

 1. Manually check for and install Windows updates:

  • Click on the Windows Start Button, type 'updates' and select 'Check for updates.'
  • The 'Windows Update' screen will pop up, then click 'Check for updates.' 
  • If your machine finds any updates, they will begin downloading automatically. You may need restart your PC afterward. 

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2. Run a disk check: 

  • Click on the Windows Start Button, type 'PC' and select 'This PC.'
  • Right-click on the 'Local Disk (C:)' and select 'Properties.'
  • Go to the 'Tools' tab, click 'Check' and scan the drive.
  • Fix any errors if necessary, otherwise close the window.

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3. Update and run Sophos anti-virus:

  • Sophos is located on the bottom right-hand corner of your PC in the system tray. 
  • Find the application, right-click, and select 'Update now.' 

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  • After Sophos has been updated, open the application by right-clicking on the icon and selecting 'Open...'
  •  Click 'Yes' when the 'User Account Control' window pops up. 
  • Once Sophos is open, select 'Scan my computer.'
  • If Sophos picks up any quarantined items, you can view them in 'Quarantine' in the left column. Select the items, click on 'Perform action' > 'Clean Up.'

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4. Download, install and run Malwarebytes:

  • Go to the Malwarebytes website and download the free version. 
  • Open Malwarebytes and run a 'Threat Scan' listed under 'Scan' on the left-hand column.
  • Once the scan is completed, you can remove any files that Malwarebytes picked up.

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5. Run a disk clean up:

  • Click on the Windows start button and type 'Disk Cleanup.'
  • Open the application, check all 'Files to delete' and click 'Clean up system files.' 
  • You'll be prompted with a similar window, please check all 'Files to delete' and click 'OK.'

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6. Disk defragment:

  • Click on the Windows start button and type 'Disk defragment.'
  • Open the application and 'Analyze' and/or 'Optimize' your (C:) drive.

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If any issues persist, please contact the LSIT helpdesk for more troubleshooting recommendations. 

 

 

 

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