lifehacker Lifehacker Lifehacker Lifehacker How to make Old PC operation as new as new

If you use it for a few years, many laptops and PCs will slow down, and you will not be able to make general work easier as before.

However, it may be quick to buy a new one.

Here are some tips for improving the speed, performance, and reliability of hardware that have deteriorated over time, regardless of desktop or laptops.

To actually use it, you will need a little investigation to understand your specifications and abilities.

My MacBook Pro at the end of 2016 may not have upgraded RAM or SSD, but there are things that can be done to extend the life (and performance) a little more.

So, think of this article as a starting point and jump in.

1.Delete unnecessary files

Everyone has too many files on a personal computer.

Except for general organizational concerns, hundreds of unnecessary files are scattered on personal computers, which is usually not a big deal.

However, if the capacity of the hard drive is insufficient, the performance will occur.

Of course, you can delete such items one by one.This is especially true if you know that there are large files that can be safely deleted.

However, some files are hidden in every corner of the OS, so it is often difficult to judge exactly which files are the most problematic.

Mac has several options to find the most consumed memory.

It is possible to use the internal storage tool that Apple hides in the shadow of "About this Mac", or use third -party options such as Daisydisk and Cleanmymacx.

Windows has an excellent function called "storage sensor" that helps delete enlarged unnecessary files, but can also use third -party options like CCleaner.

Whatever you use, it is effective to aim to empty 15 to 20 % of the drive.

2.Limit the number of multitasking

A computer that has deteriorated over time makes it difficult to do what you have done so far.Let's face reality directly.

It may no longer be difficult for old laptops to launch multiple latest apps and do multiple things at the same time in the background (and the open Chrome tabs are reducing productivity.There is no doubt).

The reliable rule of thumb is to limit the number of apps and activities that are always running.

It is recommended that you close the closed Chrome tabs, end unused apps and unnecessary apps, and play Netflix and Spotify on a TV or smartphone instead of a computer.

Minimize the stress on your computer so that you can focus on the work you really need.

That said, upgrading RAM can increase the possibility of multitasking, but this will be described later.

3.Return to the state at the time of shipment

The last resort, the core solution, is to return the machine to the factory.Basically, erase the entire hard drive and reinstall the OS.

With this process, the PC's OS will be new and no extra data will be burdensome.

Before taking this method, make sure that all important files are backed up in a safe place.

Restoring a machine to a factory shipment means erasing everything.

All things that are not stored in external hard drives or clouds, such as photos, videos, apps, and messages, are deleted.

MacOS Monterey allows you to erase the Mac without reinstalling the OS.

It may be a good first step, but if the problem still does not solve it, it may be the best way to completely reinstall MacOS.

Click here for how to reinstall Windows from scratch.

Four.Clean the fans

Most laptops and computers have a built -in fans, which helps to discharge hot air in the machine, cool the internal parts, and avoid problems with reduced speed due to overheating.

However, fans get dirty over time.

If you have been using it for years in a dusty environment, garbage will adhere to fans and it may be more difficult to operate than necessary.

If the fan absorbs sufficient cold air and cannot discharge sufficient heat, the CPU may overheat.This will reduce performance.

Fortunately, the fans can be cleaned.

If you look at how to open your machine, you'll know how to access your fans.Depending on the device, some fans can easily remove them, so they can be easily cleaned.

The air duster can is suitable for blowing off dust accumulated in and around the fans, and the Q chip is effective when you want to remove persistent garbage.

Five.Replace the battery (only for laptops)

If you are using a laptop that has deteriorated over time, the battery may be exhausted.

Older batteries not only run out of battery immediately, but also reduces performance.

If a computer does not get enough power to support the best performance from the battery, the speed may decrease or unexpected shutdown may occur.

So let's consider replacing the battery.

If the battery is using a laptop that can be replaced, the battery can be easily replaced.

If the battery is fixed to the body, like many Macs these days, it is a little annoying.

If you have the courage, you can exchange it yourself, but if you don't have any technical knowledge, it's best to bring it to a repair shop.

6.Replace the hard drive with SSD

The new laptop may not have this problem, but an old machine will definitely be a problem.

If you have a hard drive equipped with a rotating disk (usually you can hear the rotation sound), throw it away.

This type of drive does not have physical parts and cannot compete with the latest high -speed SSDs in an order of magnitude.It may be due to the hard drive that it takes time to start a computer or to open the app too long.

Some laptops and computers have both SSDs and HDDs, and these are used for different reasons.

Usually, the SSD is small, and the purpose is to start up the computer quickly and save the as much file that can fit.

HDD is for storing files, and HDD storage is much cheaper.

However, if you feel that it takes too much time to read the app on the HDD, you can replace the disk with another SSD.

Apple has not shipped a laptop with HDDs in recent years, but has sold an IMAC with a low -speed drive until relatively recently.

Therefore, it is quite possible that HDD is installed on your machine.Upgrading it to SSD will significantly improve the start and loading speed.

Unlike other technical repair, most machines equipped with HDD can be easily upgraded to SSD.

Thanks to the SSD, the manufacturer was able to create a computer that was thin, light and difficult to upgrade.

HDD is a time when the size is large and easier to upgrade than now.For how to upgrade from HDD to SSD, check the specifications of the device you are using.

7.Upgrade RAM

Computer RAM helps execute multiple tasks at the same time.The more RAM, the more you can do at once.

If you are still using the RAM that was installed when you purchased a computer, the upgrade time may be coming.

Unfortunately, RAM upgrade is not a strategy that can be used in any case.Many thin lightweight laptops cannot be upgraded because they are fixed with glue.

Apple has gradually abolished RAMs that can be upgraded by users in the past decade, and many other companies have followed it.It is necessary to check the device specifications to see if RAM upgrade is possible.

It doesn't matter how many RAMs you should upgrade.Again, there is a maximum value depending on the device.

At my hand is an old MacBook Pro with a 4GB RAM, and this RAM can be upgraded to 8GB.

Of course, 8GB RAM is not powerful, but there is no doubt that performance will improve.

8.Re -apply heat dissipation grease

As mentioned above, it is important to prevent parts in the machine from overheating.

As with fans, what is called a heat dissipation grease is also important.

The heat dissipation grease is applied on a CPU or GPU, and plays a role in conveying heat from these parts to the dissipation board.

If you have been using a personal computer for many years, grease will wear and this thermal tradition will be difficult.

If you feel that you are familiar with your computer, consider repaint the heat dissipation grease.

Not only is the grease older, but the quality of grease originally used in the machine may be low, so re -applying heat dissipation grease is a strategy that people who want to improve the performance of the machine.

There are a lot of heat dissipation grease options in the world, good, bad, cheap and expensive.

If you have the advice you can do here, find a reliable tutorial and check which grease is recommended.

However, please note that this process is the most troublesome method introduced today.

In order not to provide any hacks or shortcuts that cannot be solved to the computer, try carefully before trying.

Source: Ccleaner, Apple