User's Guide
Table Of Contents
- Starting right
- Getting to know your computer
- Connecting to a network
- Enjoying entertainment features
- Using a webcam (select models only)
- Using audio
- Using video
- Navigating the screen
- Managing power
- Initiating and exiting Sleep and Hibernation
- Using the power meter and power settings
- Running on battery power
- Running on AC power
- Shutting down (turning off) the computer
- Maintaining your computer
- Securing your computer and information
- Using Setup Utility (BIOS)
- Using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI)
- Backing up, restoring, and recovering
- Specifications
- Electrostatic Discharge
- Index
7 Maintaining 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.
Improving performance 37