Clean Your Computer System: Free & Easy Ways to Maintain Your PC

Download Article

A simple PC clean-up doesn’t have to be complicated

Co-authored by Ken Colburn and Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: March 19, 2025 Fact Checked

Download Article

Digital Cleaning

|

Physical Cleaning

|

FAQ

|

Video

|

Q&A

|

Tips

|

Warnings

This wikiHow guide is like a full-service carwash for your computer—you'll learn how to clean up unnecessary clutter on your hard drive, get your operating system up to date, and get rid of viruses and malware. You'll also learn how to safely clean your desktop or laptop computer's exterior so it looks shiny and new, and get expert computer cleaning and maintenance tips from IT technologist Stan Kats and consumer electronics expert Ken Colburn.

Cleaning Your Computer: What To Know

Cleaning your computer, both digitally and physically, is essential for maintenance. Digitally, ensure your system is updated, optimized, and free of malware by clearing the browser cache. Physically, remove dust from the keyboard, mouse, fan vents, and screen.

Section 1 of 3:

Cleaning Your Computer's Software

Download Article

1
Get the latest updates. An out-of-date operating system can cause all kinds of problems and leave you susceptible to viruses and other malware. Installing the latest updates for Windows and macOS ensures you have the latest security patches and the newest features. If you've disabled updates, or you aren't sure whether your computer is being updated, follow the steps given below to check:
- Windows 10/11: Open Settings > Update & Security (Windows 10 only) > Windows Update > Check for Windows Update . If any updates are available, click Download & install .
  - Don't shut down your computer while the files are downloading. Your computer will restart when the updates are done downloading. ^{[1]
    X
    Trustworthy Source
    Microsoft Support
    Technical support and product information from Microsoft.
    Go to source}
- macOS: Click the Apple menu and go to System Settings > General > Software Update . ^{[2]
  X
  Research source} If updates are available, click Update Now to install them. If there's a newer version of macOS available, you'll see an Upgrade Now option—click this to install the latest and greatest version of the operating system.
2
Get rid of files you don't need. Running out of space on your hard drive? "When hard drive storage gets low," Colburn explains, "it can cause a lot of performance issues. Make sure you have at least 20% of your hard drive free at all times to ensure the computer can function at its highest levels." Deleting files you don't use will help optimize your computer. Both Windows and macOS have easy built-in tools to help you find and remove unnecessary files:
- Windows:
  - Disk Cleanup is a great tool that can help you delete unneeded system files on your PC. To open it, Press the Windows key, type cleanup , and then click Disk Cleanup . ^{[3]
    X
    Trustworthy Source
    Microsoft Support
    Technical support and product information from Microsoft.
    Go to source}
  - Storage Sense: Storage Sense ensures that unneeded files (like deleted files in the Recycle Bin, old backups, and old update installers) are automatically deleted when your hard drive space gets too low. To run this now or turn it on, go to Settings > System > Storage . If Storage Sense isn't enabled, you can switch it on now. However, Storage Sense only works on the drive where Windows is installed (most likely the C: drive), so you will need to run other cleaning programs like Disk Cleanup to get other drives. ^{[4]
    X
    Trustworthy Source
    Microsoft Support
    Technical support and product information from Microsoft.
    Go to source}
- Mac: To find out how much storage is available, click the Apple menu and go to System Settings > General > Storage . ^{[5]
  X
  Research source} Click the Manage button next to your storage information to find a variety of tools and recommendations, including the option to Store in iCloud , Optimize Storage , Reduce Clutter , and Empty Trash Automatically . ^{[6]
  X
  Research source}
Advertisement
As you browse the internet, your computer collects bits and pieces of information that can eventually build up to the point that they cause performance issues, especially on older and slower machines. The steps to clear your cache vary depending on your web browser, so check out our handy guide to clearing your browsing data .
4
Check for viruses and other malware. If your computer is running slow, locking up, or crashing, your computer could be infected with malicious software (malware). Run a malware scan to check for threats and remove them if found.
- Both Windows and macOS have pretty good built-in antivirus/antimalware protection. If you're using Windows, your PC periodically scans for (and gets rid of) malware, and you can even run deeper scans yourself .
- If you have a Mac, you cannot run any malware scan without installing a third-party app. Both Mac and Windows users can download a simple, awesome malware scanner called Malwarebytes. Malwarebytes is free for scanning purposes, but if you want to use it for ongoing protection, you'll need to pay for an upgrade. Download the software, open it, and click Scan Now to find any malicious files. If Malwarebytes finds any, it will automatically quarantine those files so they can't harm your computer.
5
Remove programs you don't use. According to Colburn, sometimes software you install, such as printer drivers, comes bundled with extra programs, toolbars, and other things you don't mean to install. "It's kind of sneaky," he says, "and over time, these things build up." There's no use in having apps you don't use clogging up your hard drive. Fortunately, it's pretty easy to uninstall apps from both Windows and macOS:
- Windows: Open the Start menu, click Settings , and then click Apps . You'll find your installed programs in the right panel—to delete an app, click its name and select Uninstall .
- Mac: Open Finder and click Applications in the left panel. To delete an app, just drag it down to the Trash icon on the Dock, which is usually at the bottom of your screen. Alternatively, if the app has its own uninstaller, double-click that file in the app's folder to remove the app.
- Colburn also recommends preventing programs you don't use often from starting up automatically when you boot up your computer. You can usually turn this off in each program's settings.
6
Start from scratch. Have you gotten to the point where you just want Windows or macOS to feel like it did when you first got your computer? As long as you've made a backup of files you don't want to lose, you can easily bring new life into your computer with a fresh install.
- Windows: You can reset Windows 10 , which gives you the option of keeping your personal files and settings (if you didn't do a backup) or deleting those as well.
- Mac: If you're using a Mac, you can reinstall macOS by booting into macOS Recovery. ^{[7]
  X
  Research source}
  - If you have an Apple Silicon processor, power down your Mac, and then, when turning it back on, press and hold the Power button, click the gear when it appears, and then click Options . You can then choose the option to reinstall macOS.
  - If you have an Intel processor, turn off your Mac, turn it back on, and then press and hold Command + R until you see the Apple logo. When you see the option to reinstall macOS, choose it.

Section 2 of 3:

Cleaning Your Computer Physically

Download Article

1
Gather your supplies. Does your computer look dirty on the outside? To safely and efficiently clean your computer's exterior, you'll need a few inexpensive items:
- Lint-free cloths, such as microfiber screen or eyeglass wipes.
- Cotton swabs.
- Electronics cleaner—if you don't have any, you can mix equal parts rubbing alcohol (99%) and clean water.
- A can of compressed air (for cleaning out your keyboard and ports).
- A flat, clean, dust-free surface to work on.
2
Turn off your computer. For desktop computers, this means shutting down the computer, turning off the surge protector or power strip, and unplugging the cord from the back of the tower (computer box). If you're cleaning a laptop, shut it down completely, unplug any power cords from it, turn it upside down, and remove the battery pack (if removable).
- To prevent scuffing on a glossy finish laptop, you can set your laptop upside-down on paper towels before you remove the battery pack.
Using a dry microfiber cloth, brush obvious dust and dirt off all sides of the computer and any components. Microfiber is also a safe material for removing dust from your monitor.
4
Use compressed air to clean ports and vents. Over time, your computer's vents and ports could become cluttered with debris. Holding the can one to three inches from the area you're cleaning, spray quick bursts into all visible openings and dirty areas. Spray it everywhere else you can reach, and don't forget to pop open your optical drives and briefly spray them out.
- Obviously, the goal is to remove crumbs and dust, not push them farther into your computer. Be mindful of this as you aim your compressed air. You may need to gently tilt your laptop or tower to encourage difficult particles to roll closer to where you can flush them out, but don't ever shake or slap it.
- If overused, compressed air can hurt/ruin sensitive components. Always spray from a little distance and in short bursts rather than a sustained stream.
- If you feel comfortable opening your computer to clean the inside, you can use compressed air to do that as well. However, Kats advises against opening up your computer to clean internal parts unless you have experience working on computer hardware.
- If you're spraying around the CPU cooling fan(s), be extremely careful not to get too close or spray for too long—you could easily crack or break the blades this way. However, according to Kats, getting rid of the dust around the fans is important, and should help keep your computer cool.
5
Use electronics cleaner or alcohol to remove larger or stuck-on debris. You can use an electronics cleaner (or rubbing alcohol) to remove sticky substances from most external surfaces—just dampen your microfiber cloth (or a cotton swab) and then rub it over the affected area. Use the swab or cloth to brush away anything stuck on your computer and any gunk or dirt that has collected around the edges, in cracks, and around ports. Run the dampened cotton swab along every seam and edge of your machine.
- Change swabs as often as needed until the job is done. Don't reuse the same swab for the entire job; it can get dirty and only smear dirt around your computer case.
- Be careful not to get liquid inside your computer! If you are using a water/alcohol mixture, use the dry side of a cotton swab or a microfiber cloth to remove excess moisture left behind from cleaning.
6
Clean the keyboard. Start by turning your keyboard upside down over some newspaper or paper towels and shaking out all the crumbs you can. If you're cleaning a laptop, shake it very gently to avoid damaging it. Once you've gotten out all the crumbs you can, hold a can of compressed air one to three inches from the keyboard, and then spray short bursts into the cracks and crevices to flush out more. Shake the keyboard again afterwards. Finally, use a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab to clean the tops of the keys.
- Don't use a vacuum cleaner on your keyboard, especially if you're using a laptop. The vacuum can create a static charge that could damage components underneath. You can also suction keys right off the keyboard and into the vacuum dust container.
- Touchpads and trackballs can be cleaned the same way as keys: With a cotton swab and a bit of rubbing alcohol. As always, discard each swab when it gets dirty and switch to a new one.
7
Clean the monitor. For LCD displays like those found on most laptops, use a drop of plain water on a soft, lint-free cloth such as microfiber. Apply the water to the cloth (wring it out so it's damp, not wet!), then gently wipe it across the screen until it's clean. If using water in a spray bottle, spray the cloth, not the monitor.
- Avoid getting the cloth too wet—you wouldn't want any liquids creeping into the monitor or laptop's inside components.
- Don't use any ammonia-based cleaners on your monitor.
Once dry, reattach any peripherals, such as monitors and external drives, and then restart your computer. Repeat this cleaning regimen every few months or as needed.

Section 3 of 3:

FAQ

Download Article

1
How often should I clean my computer? You should clean it if it looks dirty or acts sluggish. Here's a handy list to maintain the cleanliness of your computer:
- Monthly Tasks:
  - Clean keyboard and mouse
  - Wipe down monitor and case exterior
  - Clear browser cache and temporary files
- Quarterly Tasks:
  - Clean internal dust with compressed air
  - Check and clean all fans
  - Run complete system scan
  - Perform disk cleanup
- Annual Tasks:
  - Deep clean all components
  - Replace thermal paste if needed
  - Check and replace any worn cables
  - Complete system optimization
2
How do I know if my computer needs cleaning? You'll notice some of these symptoms:
- Increased fan noise
- Higher running temps
- Visible dust buildup
- Strange noises while using it
- Slower/sluggish performance
3

Can I use a regular vacuum cleaner to clean my computer? No, regular vacuums can create static charge, which can damage sensitive computer components. Instead, use anti-static cleaning tools that are specifically designed for electronics.
4
When do I need professional help cleaning my computer? If all these conditions are met, you shouldn't clean your computer on your own:
- You're uncomfortable opening the computer's case
- The computer is under warranty
- There's severe dust and debris buildup
- Components require deep cleaning.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

What is the best way to clean a Mac?

Community Answer

Try CCleaner. If you need to remove a load of apps and you think they may have external files (such as /Library/Application Support), try AppCleaner. In addition, it can help to look through the following directories and check for files belonging to old apps. Directories are: /Library/ (be careful!) /Library/Application Support/ /Library/Internet Plug-Ins/ /Library/LaunchDaemons/ /Library/LaunchAgents/

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 12
Question

Can I clean my hard drive with water?

Community Answer

No, you cannot. Hard drives are electronic and have moving parts. If you do try to clean it with water, the drive will most likely fail.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 13
Question

How do I start to clean out my laptop if I can't get anything to run or open up?

Community Answer

If you can't get it to run in safe mode you need to restore your computer to factory settings. Unfortunately, you will lose all of your files and any apps you have installed.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 12

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

If you've tried everything and your computer still seems slow or glitchy, take it to a certified repair person.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Don't delete a file unless you're sure it's safe to delete. Leave such decision-making to your automated tools.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Don't download or use any software you aren't 100% certain of.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Do not open the computer if it's still under warranty. Many warranties expire when a laptop or computer case is opened.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

[1]

Trustworthy Source

Go to source

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

Log in

Clean Your Computer System: Free & Easy Ways to Maintain Your PC

Cleaning Your Computer: What To Know

Steps

Cleaning Your Computer's Software

Cleaning Your Computer Physically

FAQ

Community Q&A

Video

Tips

Warnings

You Might Also Like

References

About This Article

Reader Success Stories

Is this article up to date?

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Quizzes

Explore Categories