WINDOWS PC CARE CHECKLIST
Version 1.0

Use this checklist once a month for office and home PCs. Save important work before starting.

MONTHLY
[ ] Restart the PC at least once after Windows updates.
[ ] Open Windows Update and install normal security and quality updates.
[ ] Check Windows Security / your approved antivirus for warnings.
[ ] Run Get-PCHealthReport.ps1 and read the report.
[ ] Run Get-StorageReport.ps1. Keep about 15% free space on the system drive where possible.
[ ] Review Downloads, Desktop, and Recycle Bin; delete only files you recognise.
[ ] Run Get-StartupItemsReport.ps1 and review items before disabling anything.
[ ] Confirm important documents are backed up to an approved location.
[ ] Check that your browser, PDF reader, and approved work tools are up to date.

QUARTERLY
[ ] Review whether a slow PC needs more RAM or an SSD rather than a risky “cleaner” tool.
[ ] Check the manufacturer's official support page for firmware or driver guidance, if your IT policy permits it.
[ ] Review battery health on laptops and confirm chargers/cables are in good condition.
[ ] Test that one important backup file can actually be opened.
[ ] If the PC has recurring crashes, disk errors, or file-corruption messages, run Test-WindowsSystemHealth.ps1 as Administrator or contact IT.

DO NOT DO THESE AS A ROUTINE “SPEED-UP”
[ ] Do not install unknown registry cleaners or driver-updater programs.
[ ] Do not disable Windows services without a documented reason.
[ ] Do not download scripts from unknown videos, messages, or social media posts.
[ ] Do not manually delete files from Windows, Program Files, or AppData folders unless you know exactly why.
[ ] Do not use third-party tools to force-defragment SSDs. Windows manages SSD optimisation automatically.
[ ] Do not ignore BitLocker recovery prompts, malware warnings, repeated blue screens, or disk-health errors.

ASK FOR TECHNICAL HELP WHEN
- Windows repeatedly crashes or shows a blue screen.
- The disk reports errors, SMART warnings, or has almost no free space.
- You suspect malware, ransomware, or unauthorised remote access.
- The system asks for a BitLocker recovery key.
- A diagnostic identifies corruption and you are not certain how to repair it.
