Install your updates
I know no one likes it, but it’s good for you
Let’s get this one out of the way first, since I know it will likely anger some people. Dealing with Windows updates can definitely be a bit more annoying than fun, but they’re there for a reason. The monthly updates for Windows help keep you protected from potential threats on the internet, fix bugs, and add new features, so they’re generally a good thing.
Being proactive about installing Windows updates is important, too. You sometimes see people complain about Windows prompting the user to restart or restarting a PC at an inconvenient time, but if you plan ahead, you can prevent that. Windows updates are released on the second Tuesday of every month, so if you want to avoid unexpected reboots, it’s a good idea to check for updates at the end of that day or as soon as possible so you’re not caught off guard. To check for updates, open the Settings app and choose the Windows Update section.
Don’t trust shady websites
Be careful what you install
One very important step in making sure your PC keeps running smoothly is to avoid installing things you can’t trust. It’s very easy to look up an app and find yourself on a website that has malicious intent, especially if what you’re doing isn’t exactly legal (piracy fans, beware).
Always make sure that when you’re downloading an app, you’re getting it from a reliable source. Most programs you want will have an official website you can trust, so go with that.
Uninstall apps you don’t need
Don’t let them just pile up there
Computers often come with a lot of apps you’re probably never going to use. Some are installed by Microsoft itself, others are installed by the manufacturer of your PC. When you first get a new machine in your hands, it’s a good idea to go through the list of apps that’s already installed and remove anything you don’t plan to ever use.
But that care is also important to have later down the line. Over time, we tend to install a lot of apps on our PCs, and many times, we’re just trying something out and it’s an app we never use again. Every few months, it’s a good idea to go over your installed apps again to make sure you only have what you need. Having a lot of apps just hogs storage and, sometimes, other resources your PC needs to run more smoothly.
Use an antivirus
Don’t risk losing your data
One thing you definitely don’t want to risk while using your PC is losing access to your data or having someone spy on you, so it’s very important to keep your PC secure. Windows 11 (and 10) already come with Microsoft Defender built in, which offers pretty good baseline protection against threats. It also runs scans automatically every now and then, unless you turned them off. You’ll definitely want to check the Windows Security app and make sure all the features are enabled.
But it can also be a good idea to use a third-party antivirus. One of the best programs out there is MalwareBytes, and while it doesn’t offer real-time protection unless you pay up, the free version lets you run a manual scan whenever you want. My recommendation is to keep using Microsoft Defender for real-time protection, and occasionally run a scan using MalwareBytes to make sure no threats have slipped through the cracks.
