Tune-UP

Similar to 8-tracks and classic cars, your home computing experience may also need to be fine-tuned. Below are some high-level items to review that may help get your Windows-based PC ride running at its best.  Router/modem and PC setting modifications, and running tune-up applications carry inherent risks.  Dealer service should also be considered.  

Router/Modem Combination Unit (Motorola)

Review placement - centralized at correct height and unobstructed in all directions

Check connectors - coaxial and ethernet cables 

Ensure Ethernet LAN (local area network) ports support internet service plan - for example 1.2 Gbps or higher

Review settings - connected devices, downstream/upstream bonded channels connection quality indicators, event logs, Wi-Fi bands and channels used, Wi-Fi signal strength and locale/link speed

Restart router/modem on a schedule

PC - Windows 11 Operating System (OS)

Review Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) settings - check system logs

Ensure Network Interface Card (NIC) supports internet service plan - for example 1.2 Gbps or higher

Check for Windows updates - install and review update history

Review Windows Event Viewer - check Administrative Events and Windows Logs for errors

Review Windows Task Manager Processes - review top ones using memory and determine if they need to be running

Review Windows Task Manager Performance - review CPU (central processing unit) utilization and Memory usage, and determine if RAM (random access memory) size meets use case 

RAM - review specifications, check that speeds match if using multiple sticks, and check motherboard supported speed

Review Windows Task Manager Startup apps (applications) - disable those not needed

Close apps not in use

Uninstall unused third-party apps

Move/Delete files from Windows downloads folder and empty recycle bin

Delete unnecessary large, duplicate and log files from hard drive

Run Windows Disc Cleanup utility

Run Windows Defragment and Optimize Drives on a schedule

Backup entire hard drive to an external hard drive on a schedule; consider mobile phone maintenance while backup is running

Shut down PC when not in use

Browser (Chrome/Edge)

Sign out/Close tabs not in use

Delete browsing data on a schedule

Delete unused extensions

Organize and delete unused bookmarks; delete unused saved passwords

Export bookmarks and saved passwords to an external hard drive on a schedule

Sign out/Close browser when not in use

Tune-Up Apps (Windows 11 compatible)

Use Microsoft, PC manufacturer and third-party apps/tools - some examples include Microsoft PC Health Check, Microsoft PC Manager, Dell SupportAssist and Ookla Speedtest

Miscellaneous

Coaxial cables - at residence entry point check type, signal strength and disconnect unneeded ones; check splitter connections and replace with longer runs where practical, ensure drop amplifier is working (if used) 

Ethernet cables - use correct type that supports internet service plan, use the shortest cables as possible, review advantages and disadvantages of flat cables, and use cables rather than Wi-Fi where practical

WiFi - turn off unneeded devices and extender/mesh systems, move devices closer to router/modem where practical  

Wired keyboard/mouse - consider usage

PC - consider replacing if high-end model is over 8 years old (less for entry and mid-level), does not support the latest operating system, has hardware that no longer meets use case, has several slow apps or battery issues

Personal Productivity

Work area - review proximity to router/modem and printer; lighting, seating and sound level

Monitor(s) and docking station - consider usage

Microsoft Phone Link app - consider usage

Organize desktop icons and delete unneeded shortcuts

Organize and clean up email (Microsoft Outlook) - flag important ones and create rules; print, download or forward to secondary email address as necessary for backup 

Name folders similarly between email, bookmarks and documents