Windows Clean-up Steps

Check Drive Hardware

1. Install and run Western Digital DataLifeGuard Tools
2. Select drive and run Quick Test to check the drive for hardware faults
3. If drive fails test image backup drive if possible and replace

Check Drive File System Integrity

Launch COMMAND window as Administrator. Run check disk with repair option at next boot

CHKDSK C:/F

Substitute “C:” with Windows system drive letter

If CHKDSK reports errors and successfully fixes them repeat command to double check to see if runs without error. If it repeatedly fails connect drive another computer and run the checks again. If CHKDSK runs very slowly, e.g. repeatedly re-reading sectors run CHKDSK C: /R to map out the bad spots and run CHKDSK C: /F again to verify all OK. If it fails again image backup drive, if possible, and  replace with a new drive.

Check System  Files

Use Windows DISM and  SFC (System File Checker) to scan Windows and restore your files.

See Microsoft Support instructions for this here

Purge Redundant Programs and Apps

1. Remove redundant (bloatware) programs with Windows Uninstaller and Windows App in Settings
2. Remove stubborn uninstallable programs and Windows Apps with IObit Uninstaller or similar program

Scan system for for virus and malware

1. Install Malwarebytes and run disk scan and remove all malware\viruses found
2. Uninstall Malwarebytes
3. Install AdwCleaner and scan disk and remove all malware\viruses found
4. Uninstall Adwcleaner within the program by clicking the Uninstall button. Note it does not appear in Control Panel/Uninstall list to do this outside the program.

Reset Web Browser

1. 1. Internet Explorer – Click Tools\Internet Options\Advanced\Reset – Tick “Personal Settings” and click Reset
   2. Firefox – Click Menu button\Help. From the Help menu choose Troubleshooting Information. Click the Reset Firefox… button. Click Reset Firefox in the confirmation window that opens.
   3. Chrome – Click Menu button and select Settings. Click Show advanced settings and find the “Reset browser settings” section. Click Reset browser settings

Defrag Hard (System) Drive

1. Remove hibernation file by running “powercfg /hibernate off” from command prompt (run as Administrator). This is recommended to get best defragmentation but if you prefer to use Hibernation skip this step.
2. Install My Defrag, select C: drive and run the “Data Disk Monthy” optimised script to defragment the drive. This is slow but give the best results.
3. From the My Defrag disk map check if the Page File is fragmented delete it  and run Defrag (step 2) again. Otherwise go step 5. You can locate the Page File(s) in the map by placing the gun sight cursor over the red (unmovable) elements.
4. Recreate (Custom) Page File with Initial Size = Maximum Page Size = 1.5 * total RAM. Note this recommendation is for typical desktop systems. For others please scan the web for the best value for you.
5. For good measure run the Defrag (step 2) again to verify you have optimal defragmentation.
6. Optionally uninstall My Defrag

Note: if applicable substitute “C:” drive in the above steps with your system drive letter

Windows Antivirus

Ensure Windows Defender or preferred 3rd party AV program (e.g. Kasperski, ESET, …) is enabled and is up to date

Update Drivers

Go to manufacturer’s support web site (download drivers) and update the following:

1. Update Chipset, Video, Audio drivers, Disk controller and other drivers
2. Optionally update BIOS. DON’T RUSH THIS STEP! Follow installation instructions carefully. For desktops without UPS don’t do this step when power cuts are likely, e.g. high winds and thunderstorms in the area