7Maintaining your computer

It is important to perform regular maintenance to keep your computer in optimal condition. This chapter explains how to use tools like Disk Defragmenter and Disk Cleanup. It also provides instructions for updating programs and drivers, steps to clean the computer, and tips for traveling with (or shipping) the computer.

Improving performance

You can improve the performance of your computer by performing regular maintenance tasks with tools such as Disk Defragmenter and Disk Cleanup.

Using Disk Defragmenter

HP recommends using Disk Defragmenter to defragment your hard drive at least once a month.

NOTE: It is not necessary to run Disk Defragmenter on solid-state drives.

To run Disk Defragmenter:

1.Connect the computer to AC power.

2.From the Start screen, type defragment, and then select Defragment and optimize your drives.

3.Follow the on-screen instructions.

For additional information, access the Disk Defragmenter software Help.

Using Disk Cleanup

Use Disk Cleanup to search the hard drive for unnecessary files that you can safely delete to free up disk space and help the computer run more efficiently.

To run Disk Cleanup:

1.From the Start screen, type disk, and then select one of the following:

●Free up disk space on this PC●Uninstall apps to free up disk space●Free up disk space by deleting uncessary files

2.Follow the on-screen instructions.

Updating programs and drivers

HP recommends that you update your programs and drivers on a regular basis. Updates can resolve issues and bring new features and options to your computer. For example, older graphics components might not work well with the most recent gaming software. Without the latest driver, you would not be getting the most out of your equipment.

Go to http://www.hp.com/support to download the latest versions of HP programs and drivers. In addition, register to receive automatic notifications when updates become available.

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