This is a question users ask a lot in my profession. They want to know how long PC computers last. Specifically, they want to know how long they have until their PC decides to call it quits on them.
It’s a fair question.
We all want to know how long our computers will last us after we have invested so much money into them. That’s what we’re going to answer in this article, as well as provide some insights on how to prolong the life of your PC computer.
In general, a PC computer lasts anywhere between 4 to 8 years, depending on how well you take care of them.
PC desktops outlast laptops by about 3 years. Laptops will give you a solid 3 to 4 years of usage before it’s time to upgrade. They’re mobile devices, so they experience more wear and tear than a desktop PC because users travel with them.
But what really plays a major role in maximizing the amount of years you can get out of your PC computer, has to do with you as the user. Your PC computer does require regular maintenance and updates to help prolong it’s lifespan.
We’re going to share some maintenance tips to help you keep your PC computer running in top shape for as long as possible.
Let’s go and dive into these tips.
Windows Updates
Let’s start with updating Windows. It’s important that you do Windows updates regularly on your computer. This not only helps your computer to perform better over time, it also helps to protect your computer. There are always some type of loophole that hackers can find within the Operating System that they can use to compromise your computer.
This makes you a vulnerable target online.
By keeping your Windows up to date, you ensure that your system remains robust against emerging threats while experiencing improved functionality.
Beyond security and performance benefits, regular updates can also save you from the frustration of encountering glitches or malfunctions in your day-to-day computer usage. Often, these updates include bug fixes that address known issues within the operating system. Anyone who has been using Windows for any number of years knows that Windows OS always has some types of problems.
Neglecting to update Windows can have long-term consequences for your PC’s overall lifespan.
Here’s what I mean.
As technology rapidly evolves, software developers continually optimize their products to work alongside updated systems. Thus, failure to install updates may lead to incompatibility issues with new software releases down the line. This can cause your PC to start performing poorly over time.
So next time an update notification pops up on your screen, consider taking a moment to install it rather than postponing it indefinitely.
Your PC computer will thank you for it.
Regular Software and Driver Updates
Similar to Windows updates, doing regular software and driver updates is essential for the smooth functioning of your computer.
Not only do they provide you with the latest features, but software updates also fix bugs and security vulnerabilities that could potentially harm your PC. It’s like giving your computer additional armor to ensure it stays healthy in the long run.
Updates can be done manually, or automatically. Fortunately, most software is designed to get updates automatically, without you having to do much to get the updates done. Usually what you will see is a message that says, a new version of the software has been found, and it prompts you for permission to install it.
The exact message may vary from one software to another, but the message is the same.
Having automatic updates in place, you won’t have to manually keep track of all the updates available for each program that’s installed on your computer.
Another key aspect is staying informed about new releases and patches.
Microsoft Windows, which I just talked about in the previous section, does an excellent job of pushing out updates and patches automatically. Again, this is to keep the Operating System protected. They can at times be annoying and can cause some issues for the user, but they’re there to protect you and keep the OS up to date.
So, pay attention to these notifications, so that you can be aware of any crucial updates that need your immediate attention.
Just keep in mind that regular software and driver updates are not just about adding new features to the software. They play a vital role in keeping your computer safe from online threats as well. Make updating a habit that you do regularly on your computer. It’ll ensure optimal performance and help protect your files from potential cyber-attacks.
Regular Virus Scans and System Cleanup
These mundane tasks may seem like routine chores, but they hold the key to extending your PC computer’s lifespan and optimizing its performance.
When it comes to viruses, prevention is always better than cure. That’s always the motto that I use and suggest you adopt that same principle.
Running regular virus scans not only protects your sensitive data from potential threats but also ensures that your computer operates smoothly. By scanning for malware, spyware, and other malicious software, you can nip any problems in the bud before they cause serious damage to your computer.
So make sure you have a solid antivirus program installed on your computer.
Performing system cleanups is equally important.
Over time, our computers accumulate unnecessary files and clutter that can slow down their performance. Temporary files from web browsing, duplicate files scattered across folders, and fragmented hard drives. All of which contribute to the sluggish behavior of your computer.
What system cleanups will do for your computer is clear out the “digital debris” if you will, allowing for your systems to work efficiently.
Windows OS has a lot of built-in maintenance tools that you can use, that’ll help you maintain your PC. Below is a short list of a few of the built-in tools that Windows comes with that you can use for free:
- Disk Cleanup – Helps to find unnecessary files on your hard drive and remove them.
- Disk Defrag – Over time your hard drive becomes fragmented from everyday use. What this means is that your computer has to work harder to find information off your hard drive. When you defragment your drive, you help to make it run faster.
- Disable Startup Programs – This tool prevents unneeded applications from starting up, every time your computer boots up. This can help the performance of your computer by freeing up the resources that get used while the computer is running. Here’s how to get to this tool:
- Right-click on the Start button on Windows.
- Select Task Manager.
- Within Task Manager, select the Startup tab. Go through that list of listed applications and disable all applications that you don’t need to boot up when your computer starts up.
In addition to the built-in tools that Windows offers, you can also use a third-party application. In fact, I recommend it. Two of my favorite applications for scanning and system cleanup are CCleaner and Malwarebytes.
These two applications will not only clean up your computer, but they will also get rid of any malware that your antivirus was not able to catch.
The Importance of Regular PC Maintenance
Regular PC maintenance is essential for keeping your computer running efficiently, as well as extending the overall lifespan of your PC.
By following these key maintenance tips in the article, you can significantly extend the life of your PC and ensure it continues to run smoothly for years to come. Updating software and drivers, optimizing storage space, and protecting against viruses and malware, are all essential practices that will help keep your PC in peak condition.
Remember, taking care of your PC is an investment that will save you both time and money in the long run.
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