Computer Maintenance You Can Do Yourself: 8 Jobs That Skip the Shop

Most routine computer maintenance needs no repair shop: blowing out dust, installing updates, freeing storage, removing unwanted startup programs, checking for malware, backing up files and looking after the battery are all safe home jobs. A screwdriver, a can of compressed air and an hour or so cover nearly everything. Leave liquid damage, failing power supplies, swollen batteries and board-level faults to a technician.

These jobs apply to Windows PCs, Macs and most Chromebooks. Done every few months, they usually keep a computer cooler and slow down the buildup of small problems.

How do you clean dust out of a computer safely?

Shut the computer down, unplug it, and use short bursts of compressed air on the vents and fans while holding the can upright. Dust is the most common cause of a hot, loud machine, because it blocks airflow and makes the fans spin harder.

1. Power off fully (not sleep) and unplug the charger or power cable. On a desktop, also switch off the power supply.
2. Take the machine to a well-ventilated spot so the dust does not settle back on your desk.
3. Hold each fan still with a finger or a plastic stick before spraying. A fan spun fast by air can be damaged.
4. Blow air out through the exhaust vents, not deeper into the case.
5. Wipe the outside with a lightly damp microfiber cloth, never sprayed directly with liquid.

Avoid household vacuum cleaners inside the case. They can build up static, and the nozzle can knock small parts loose. On a desktop tower, touch a bare metal part of the case before handling anything inside to discharge static.

How often should you install updates?

Install operating system and app updates as soon as they arrive, or at least once a month. Updates fix security holes that scammers and malware use, and they often include driver fixes for Wi-Fi, sound and battery problems.

• Windows: Settings, then Windows Update, then Check for updates.
• Mac: System Settings, then General, then Software Update.
• Chromebook: Settings, then About ChromeOS, then Check for updates.

Restart after updating. Many fixes only apply after a reboot, and a machine that has not restarted in weeks tends to slow down anyway. Microsoft Support and Apple Support both publish step-by-step update instructions for each version of their systems.

What should you delete to free up storage?

Start with the Downloads folder, old installers, duplicate photos and videos, and apps you no longer use. A nearly full drive slows the whole system, because the operating system needs free space for updates and temporary files. Keeping at least 10 to 15 percent of the drive free is a common rule of thumb.

• Windows has Storage Sense under Settings, then System, then Storage. It can empty the Recycle Bin and temporary files on a schedule.
• On a Mac, System Settings, then General, then Storage lists the biggest categories and offers to remove old files.
• Empty the trash or Recycle Bin when you finish. Files sitting there still take up space.

Skip “cleaner” utilities that promise big speed gains. The built-in tools do the same job, and we explain why in our piece on whether registry cleaners really speed up a PC.

Why does a computer take so long to start up?

Slow startup usually comes from too many programs launching at login. Chat apps, cloud storage, game launchers and printer utilities often add themselves without asking.

• Windows: open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), choose the Startup apps tab, and disable anything you do not need the moment the computer turns on.
• Mac: System Settings, then General, then Login Items.

Disabling a startup item does not uninstall it. The app still opens normally when you click it.

How do you check a computer for malware?

Run a full scan with the security tool already built into your system. Windows includes Microsoft Defender (Windows Security in Settings), and macOS has its own built-in protection that updates in the background. A second paid antivirus is optional for most home users.

Signs worth a scan include pop-ups outside the browser, a homepage or search engine you did not choose, new browser extensions, and fans running hard while the computer sits idle. Remove browser extensions you do not recognize, and never install “fix” software from a pop-up that says your computer is infected. That message is a common scam.

What is the easiest way to back up a computer?

Use the backup tool that comes with your system and point it at an external drive, then add a cloud copy for the files you cannot lose. Windows has File History and Windows Backup; Macs have Time Machine; Chromebooks store most files in Google Drive already.

A widely used guideline is the 3-2-1 rule: three copies of your data, on two different types of storage, with one copy kept away from home. Test a backup now and then by restoring a single file. A backup you have never opened may not work when you need it.

How do you look after a laptop battery?

Keep the laptop cool, avoid leaving it at 100 percent on the charger all day if your system offers a battery-saving or optimized charging setting, and use the original or a certified charger. Heat wears out lithium-ion batteries faster than anything else, so do not use a laptop on a bed or pillow that blocks the vents.

Stop using the machine and get professional help if the battery swells, the trackpad or keyboard starts lifting, or the case bulges. A swollen battery is a fire risk and should not be punctured or pressed back into place.

When should you take a computer to a repair shop?

Take it in for liquid spills, cracked screens, burning smells, a power supply that clicks or buzzes, repeated crashes after a clean update, or a drive that makes grinding or clicking noises. Back up first if the computer still turns on.

Simple upgrades such as adding memory or swapping in a solid-state drive are doable at home on many desktops and some laptops, but check the manufacturer’s support site first, since many thin laptops have parts soldered to the board. For a longer list of tune-up jobs, see our guide to tune-up tasks repair shops charge for.

Quick answers

How often should I clean the inside of my computer?

Every three to six months is a common schedule. Homes with pets, smokers or carpets may need it more often.

Is it safe to clean a laptop keyboard with compressed air?

Yes, with the laptop turned off and unplugged. Tilt it at an angle and use short bursts so crumbs fall out instead of moving deeper.

Does restarting a computer actually help?

Yes. A restart clears memory, finishes pending updates and stops programs that have hung in the background. Once a week is a sensible habit.

Can I screenshot an error message to show a technician?

That helps a lot, since error codes are easy to forget. Our guide on taking a screenshot on Windows, Mac and Chromebook lists the shortcuts.