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6 crucial PC maintenance tasks I don't ignore anymore (and you shouldn't either)
I'm the first one to admit that I've been too lazy when it comes to PC maintenance. Despite knowing how important a clean PC or updated BIOS is for the overall health of my PC, I tend to procrastinate as much as I can. Well, I've decided not to ignore crucial PC maintenance tasks starting in 2026. I've even decided to set periodic reminders for PC cleaning, removing junk files, updating the BIOS, and verifying backups. If you're like me, and haven't been able to dedicate enough time to PC maintenance, this is your sign to make it your new year's resolution (and hope it helps).
Updating the UEFI or BIOS
Don't let your firmware get outdated
Keeping your UEFI (or legacy BIOS) updated is something we all agree is important, but most of us aren't very regular with it. There's a fair reason for that, though. Not every BIOS version is worth updating to, since they can be minor or even introduce new bugs into your system. Besides, if the release notes for a version don't list a critical security patch, performance improvement, or stability update, you can simply skip it. I was scared of BIOS updates before I finally did it after 4 years. The process was every bit as nerve-wracking as I had imagined, but my PC was functional at the end of it.
That said, if your PC's UEFI/BIOS version is older than six months or a year, you should consider updating it. Just make sure the version you're updating to isn't riddled with bugs or stability issues. A quick Google search will probably answer that. If it's indeed a problematic version, your motherboard manufacturer will likely release a better one soon. I used to be a strong proponent of "don't fix it if it ain't broke", but starting next year, I plan to check for BIOS updates at least every six months.
Verifying your backups
Without it, you can't be sure your data is safe
A backup that isn't reliable is no backup at all. It took a long time for me to incorporate this simple realization into my backup schedule. I use Macrium Reflect to create system images of my OS partition, and despite a weekly cadence, I never used to go back and check whether the images were actually of any use. If you use a similar program to back up your data, it probably has a feature to verify if the backup files created are consistent with the data that was backed up. Regular consistency checks by doing a trial restore or at least testing a few files at random will keep you abreast of any infected or unusable backup files. You can then create a replacement backup as soon as possible, so your PC is protected in the wake of a data loss incident.
I've started to verify the integrity of my system images and backup files, and I highly recommend you do it too. Without this, you can't be sure whether that large file sitting on your storage drive is useful or simply an unusable dump. Verifying your backups is just as important as creating, storing, and documenting them.
Deep-cleaning the tower
It's time-consuming, but necessary
There's nothing good that comes from dust on a PC. We all know that, but keeping the PC clean isn't often high on our priority lists. Dust deposits are inevitable, but you can avoid their detrimental effects by regularly cleaning your PC. I didn't clean my current PC for three years because the amount of dust wasn't "that bad." However, I finally did it this year just so my rig could look like new again. If your PC is especially dirty, your fans might be choking, resulting in reduced airflow, overheating components, and high noise levels. This is also harmful for your PC's lifespan, since sustained operation at high temperatures can degrade your components.
Deep-cleaning your PC isn't limited to the fans. If you're doing it after a year or more, you'll probably need to clean your graphics card, CPU cooler, and the internal surfaces of your case. This involves removing the dust from the CPU cooler and GPU heatsinks, and wiping the internal walls of the case. You should ideally clean your PC every 3 to 6 months, if possible. I'll try my best to stick to a "once a year" cadence starting next year, now that I know the benefits that a good deep clean can bring.
Monitoring background resource hogs
Gotta catch 'em all
Over time, it can get difficult to stay on top of all the background apps running on your PC. There's too much stuff going on in that Task Manager window, and you probably think you need everything. Plus, you might not feel like you need to kill background apps if your PC doesn't feel sluggish at all. However, identifying and removing needlessly intensive programs can free up system resources, and every bit helps. For instance, I switched from Chrome only when I started monitoring just how memory-intensive it really was. For you, the worst culprit might be your third-party antivirus program, manufacturer-bundled bloatware, or a popular app like SignalRGB or Wallpaper Engine.
Whether or not to remove a particularly resource-hungry program is your call, but you should at least be aware of the apps that are consuming more resources than they're worth. It's part of regular PC maintenance to identify these resource hogs. Your background processes can look drastically different in a matter of months, which is why regular monitoring is essential.
Running a bloatware audit
Don't let the junk pile up
Just like resource hogs, you also need to audit your system for unnecessary programs, junk files, browser extensions, and other useless data and integrations. These things can pile up over time, and it's easy to ignore them when you're busy with work and spending the little free time you have on gaming. Check your installed programs for stuff that you used just once, months ago, or old apps that you've since replaced with new ones. Sometimes, these programs can be several GBs in size, and will help you free up some space as well.
Freeing up space on your Windows PC has become simpler over time. Enabling Storage Sense deletes temporary files automatically, and helps keep your system running smoothly as free disk space runs low. Needless to say, you should consider deleting massive games that you no longer play, or downloaded driver setup files that you no longer have any use for. Another thing that helps streamline your PC experience is removing the browser extensions you don't use anymore. This won't do much in terms of freeing up disk space, but it will ensure your extensions don't come in the way of your preferred browser experience. For instance, my browser extensions still have a Cisco Webex and an AdBlock extension that I haven't used in months. I've moved on to replacements, but I never deleted these older extensions.
Checking for overheating components
Keep an eye out for thermal throttling
Overheating might not always be apparent when you're using your PC, but it can impact performance, noise levels, and component longevity. If your CPU or GPU is thermal throttling, the performance you're getting is lower than what your build is capable of. Even your SSD, especially if it's a Gen5 drive, can throttle performance when it gets too hot. The reasons behind overheating can range from insufficient airflow and suboptimal fan configuration to dust deposits, expired thermal paste, and unoptimized fan curves. If your case has good airflow and your fans are installed ideally for positive pressure, it might be time to clean your PC, replace the thermal paste, or tune your fan curves.
Keeping an eye out for overheating can slip through the cracks if you're satisfied with your PC's performance, but it's essential for the lifespan of your hardware. A louder PC than usual might force you to look deeper into system temperatures, but it's always better to proactively monitor your system parameters once in a while.
Regular PC maintenance is in your best interest
I realize PC maintenance can get difficult at times as life gets in the way, but ignoring it will only come back to bite you. By proactively ensuring your hardware, OS, and firmware are operating as they should, you're guaranteeing peak performance, stability, and lifespan for your entire system. It can be time-consuming, but carving out time slots in advance will make it much smoother. After all, building a PC is just the beginning; you also need to care for it over its lifespan.