Operating System & Software Management

Many "hardware" problems are actually software problems. Keeping the operating system, drivers, and installed programs healthy prevents most day-to-day issues before they start.

• Updates: Keep Windows and drivers updated (Settings → Windows Update) — updates often fix security holes and stability bugs, but schedule large updates for times you don't urgently need the computer.
• Drivers: A driver lets the OS communicate with hardware (graphics card, printer, Wi-Fi adapter). An outdated or missing driver often causes a device to "not be detected" or work incorrectly.
• Startup programs: Too many programs launching at startup slows down boot time. Review and disable unnecessary ones in Task Manager → Startup tab.
• Uninstalling properly: Always use Settings → Apps → Uninstall rather than just deleting a program's folder, which leaves broken leftover files behind.

Practical Skill: On a practice computer, check for and install pending updates, review the startup program list and disable two unnecessary items, then properly uninstall one unused program through Settings.

=== MONTHLY SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE === [ ] Settings -> Windows Update -> Check for updates[ ] Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) -> Startup tab      -> Disable programs you don't need running at boot[ ] Settings -> Apps -> review installed programs      -> Uninstall anything unused or unrecognized[ ] Restart the computer at least once a week      (many updates and fixes only apply after a restart)[ ] Check available storage space:      Settings -> System -> Storage      Below 10% free space causes serious slowdowns