This video outlines seven common mistakes Windows users make that negatively impact their system's performance and security.
Main Points
Here are the seven mistakes discussed:
Using Custom ISOs:
- Custom ISOs, like those from Team OS or KERNEL, are appealing for their extensive customization [0:30].
- However, they often disable essential security features and updates, making systems vulnerable to viruses and malware [0:30].
- Creators of these ISOs may intend to turn users into botnets or cause system disruption [1:01].
- Recommendation: If you need a bare-bones Windows version, create your own using tools like NT Lite (paid) or MSMG Toolkit (free) [1:01].
Disabling Services:
- Overzealous users often disable Windows services they deem unnecessary [2:04].
- Disabling a service prevents it from ever starting, which can cause issues later if that service is needed for another function [2:04].
- Recommendation: Switch services to "Manual" instead of "Disabled." This allows them to start only when required by other processes [2:35]. Only disable services if you are absolutely certain they are not needed (e.g., SuperFetch) [3:07].
Installing Multiple Antiviruses:
- Running more than one antivirus program simultaneously can severely degrade system performance [3:07].
- These programs often conflict with each other, leading to a system that runs worse than a virus-infected one [3:38].
- Recommendation: Stick to one antivirus. Microsoft Defender is a capable built-in option, and many paid alternatives are better than free, ad-filled programs like AVG or Avast [3:38].
Not Rebooting Regularly:
- Many users lock their systems instead of shutting them down or restarting [5:42].
- While signing out is better than locking, a full restart is the most effective [6:12].
- Recommendation: Restart your computer daily to refresh the system, clear memory, and ensure optimal performance [6:12].
Manual Defragmentation:
- For older systems with spinning hard drives, defragmentation was necessary for performance [6:43].
- Modern systems predominantly use Solid State Drives (SSDs), which Windows automatically optimizes through a process called "trimming" [7:15].
- Recommendation: Do not manually defrag your drives. This is generally unnecessary for SSDs and can even reduce their lifespan. Windows handles optimization automatically [7:15].
Using CCleaner:
- CCleaner, once a useful tool, has become a "giant scam" that slows down computers [8:16].
- It often runs in the background, consuming resources unnecessarily [8:16].
- Recommendation: Utilize Windows' built-in Disk Cleanup tool for clearing temporary files. It performs a better job and is more efficient [8:48].
Using WinRAR and WinZip:
- While once essential, modern Windows versions have built-in support for most archive formats, making WinRAR and WinZip largely redundant [9:19].
- Paying for these programs is often an unnecessary expense.
- Recommendation: Use free, open-source alternatives like 7-Zip [10:21].
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize Security and Simplicity: Avoid custom ISOs and unnecessary background tools that compromise security and performance.
- Manage Services Wisely: Use the "Manual" setting for services instead of disabling them to maintain system functionality.
- Antivirus Strategy: Stick to one reputable antivirus solution, with Microsoft Defender being a solid choice.
- Regular Restarts: Make it a habit to restart your computer daily for optimal performance.
- Leverage Built-in Tools: Windows offers effective built-in utilities like Disk Cleanup, negating the need for many third-party optimization software.
- Open Source Alternatives: Embrace free and open-source tools like 7-Zip for file compression.
- User Behavior is Key: The best defense against malware is smart user behavior, such as avoiding cracked software and suspicious downloads [4:38].