How to Clean Up Your Computer

If you want to keep your PC in tip top shape, you may be interested in learning how to clean up your computer. You'll want to make sure you are deleting old files, closing any applications that you no longer use, and making sure you don't install any unnecessary startup programs. These tips are sure to help you keep your computer running like new!

Delete old or unused files

If your computer is a bit on the slow side, it's probably because it's littered with junk. Luckily, Windows has a built-in tool to help you weed out the clutter. You can use it to scan your drive for the most useless files and even remove them.

Probably the best way to clean your hard drive is to archive the files you don't need, preferably to an external drive. In this case, you'll need to use a reliable storage format to keep your data safe. Fortunately, Windows offers a free archiving utility called Disk Cleanup, which can be found in the Start menu, right below File Explorer.

To get the most out of your disk space, it's a good idea to periodically back up your favorite files. This will ensure that they aren't lost forever. On the flipside, a cluttered hard drive will take up valuable disk space and slow down your computer's performance. It's also a good idea to regularly wipe your drive if you're a frequent user of it.

One of the better options is to buy a third-party software package to do the dirty work. The software will also alert you when it's time to wipe the slate clean. Thankfully, there are numerous options out there, and most of them are a breeze to use. For example, a software suite called Norton Power Eraser can remove unnecessary files from your hard drive in a matter of seconds.

While you're at it, don't forget to check out the other freebies your PC has to offer. In addition to the usual suspects, you'll find some cool tricks and newbies, allowing you to get more from your computer than you ever thought possible. Taking care of your PC's junk can boost its performance while also letting you get more done in less time.

Aside from deleting the most useless files, you'll also need to learn which programs are performing the most tasks, which ones are taking up the most space, and which of them have the most memory. Once you have a better handle on these issues, you'll be able to spend less time worrying about your computer and more time actually enjoying it!

Close troublesome apps

For a lot of people, the best way to keep their pc in tip top shape is a good ol' fashion cleaning. Fortunately, there are programs on the market designed to do the job for you. If you're looking for a low-stress and low-maintenance way to clean your PC, try out one of these freeware programs. Hopefully you'll be able to whack those pesky files and clean out your hard drive in no time. Best of all, you'll be left with a lot more free disk space for the aforementioned booze. Besides, who wants to watch that TV show you're watching?

Of course, your PC needs to be running the latest Windows operating systems and you're plugged into the same high-speed internet connection. If you're lucky, you'll be able to get your PC to perform at a level of peak performance you'd be proud to display to your buddies.

Delete unnecessary startup programs

If you have a cluttered Mac, deleting unnecessary startup programs can be a good way to free up space and speed up the boot process. However, you will need to do a little homework first to find out which programs are really necessary and which aren't.

You can easily check for unneeded items on your Mac by going to the System Preferences menu. In there, you can see a list of your startup programs. These include programs that start automatically, but can also be games, Mac-specific apps, and even random programs that might be hiding in your Startup folder.

When you have identified a program you want to delete, you can right-click on its name and choose Disable. This will remove it from the Startup list and prevent it from starting when Windows starts up. But be sure to make note of any other unneeded startup programs you discover.

If you are using Windows, you can remove unwanted startup programs with the help of the Task Manager. To open the task manager, you can either use the Win key + R key combination, or type "shell:startup" into the Run dialog box.

You can also remove unneeded entries in the registry by using the Registry Editor. It is the default tool used by Windows. The registry editor is available through the Start Menu, or can be accessed by left-clicking on the Start Menu button.

You can also clean up your Startup folder with a specialized tool. A tool like Avast Cleanup can be a helpful solution.

Another program you can use is WhatInStartup. This is a portable utility from Nirsoft. You can download it for free. As of February 2016, 554,659 readers have downloaded it.

WhatInStartup allows you to view the full product name, company, and the date the process was created. It also displays a few other advanced details, including the path to the process, the size of the file, and the resource usage.

When you're finished, you can delete the item from the startup list. After you've done so, you can enable or disable it in the Task Manager.

Clear browser extensions

If you want to keep your computer running smoothly, you should consider clearing browser extensions. Often, unwanted add-ons can slow down your system, while others can lead to security issues. However, there are ways to easily remove these items and improve your browsing experience.

Using a tool such as SimpleExtManager can help you manage and remove your extensions. You can also uninstall these items using the "Remove From Chrome" option.

Unused browser extensions can be harmful to your privacy, so it is important to clear them out. Some of these items are disguised as harmless applications, but they could actually be malware. They collect personal data and redirect your searches to suspicious websites.

To clean up your browser, you can use the browser's built-in privacy features to prevent extensions from tracking your activities. Alternatively, you can install software that will clean up your computer's cache.

Browsers such as Safari, Firefox, and Opera can also be used to remove unwanted extensions. But these tools may be complicated to use. The best solution is to use an application like App Cleaner & Uninstaller. This program allows you to uninstall web browser extensions and remove system plugins.

When you are prompted by your browser to delete certain files, you must be careful to read the permission requests carefully. Sometimes, you are asked to allow an extension to access your email account. Instead of clicking on the Allow button, you should read the request carefully and decide whether it is safe to install the extension.

Chrome and Microsoft Edge have a few options to clear out browser extensions. These options are located at the top-right of the browser, under the three-dot menu. Click the More tools icon, then click on Extensions. Select the extension that you would like to remove and click the Remove button.

Safari and Firefox offer fewer options for managing extensions. For a more intuitive method, you can try the App Cleaner & Uninstaller app.

Although you can clear out your browser extensions by hand, you can save time by using the App Cleaner & Uninstaller application.