10 Essential Windows Habits You Should

Cultivate

Habits. We all have them. But are they good or bad?

Do you have the habit of NOT saving your files in multiple places or cleaning out all
the old stuff? What about those update reminders, do you have the habit of ignoring
them?
Good habits can sound like common sense, but when it comes down to actually doing
them, we opt not to. Most of the time it isnt because we dont care, but rather we
think its too much work or maybe we dont understand the importance of the task.
Ive laid out the essential habits you need for having the best Windows[1] experience
possible. And with Windows 10 coming out soon[2], this would be a great time to
create new ones and brush up on things you may have become a little lax in.

Update, Update, Update

Windows Update
First and foremost, lets get the most basic of habits out of the way. Were all guilty of
not updating. Whether its Windows updates, driver updates, or software updates,
they can seem like a nuisanceI have to update again? But I just did that the other
day!

You might face a few different scenarios. One is that you are completely oblivious to
the need to update[3] or how to update. Another is that you are unaware that updates
are present and need your assistance to be completed. And lastly, you are apathetic
and dont care since your computer has been working just fine so far without them.
This last scenario can often be triggered by a failed update[4] that you have been
unable to successfully troubleshoot. This is perhaps the most frustrating one because
you want to solve the issue, but cant. There are, however, many things you can do to
make Windows Update less annoying[5].
We arent going to get super in depth here because weve covered much of this already
(see our article on everything you need to know about Windows Update[6]). If you
arent sure how your computer is updating, just search Windows Update, launch it
and see if there are any new important or optional updates. If you arent certain
whether you should ever install an update, do a quick search online to see if there are
any repercussions by installing that update.

Note that in Windows 10, you wont have much control over Windows Update and
updates wont be optional[7]. On the bright side, this means your system will always be
up to date[8].

Driver Update
Updating drivers isnt an every day task, but it is something you should be in tune
with. Weve published a recent guide on finding and replacing outdated Windows
drivers[9]. It goes into how to use the tools on your computer and third-party software
to ensure you have the most up-to-date drivers.

Software Update
Software updates, specifically third-party software, is another big one that often goes
unnoticed. Some software will automatically prompt you or at least have a function
for you to check for new updates, though you still have to be mindful and attentive to
updating them. Other software leaves it in your hands to search online for a recent
update. It can be cumbersome updating so many programs manually though.

One great option is Ninite.com[10]. It is mostly viewed as a bulk software

installation[11] website, but can just as easily be used to update your currently
installed software. Just check the boxes of the programs you know you have and run
the installer. If any of those programs are out of date, the newest software version will
overwrite the current one.

The method I most often use is FileHippo.coms App Manager[12], which scans your
computer for any outdated software. FileHippo has a vast database of free and
commercial third-party software and should cover most of the programs you have
installed.

Setting reminders to check for updates using aconditional tool like IFTTT[13], a note

app like Google Keep[14], the Windows Task Scheduler[15], or a task management app
can help as well.Lastly, Secunia PSI[16] is another free solution that we have
recommended in the past.

Set Up Automatic Backups

We always hear about backing up. But has it become so constant that we ignore it? Ask
yourself: If my computer, phone, tablet and any other devices all were destroyed at
once, would I still have everything? Is it stored on external hard drives and in the
cloud? Do you have multiple backups or just one backup of everything?
I ask these questions as someone who is guilty of not consistently backing up or
putting it off for later. It can be easy to think youre the exception, but when was the
last time all your important files, videos, pictures, and other information was securely
stored away?
The key to ensuring this happens regularly is setting up automatic backups, both to
the cloud and to an external hard drive. With each new operating system, Windows
has made strides in making backing up easier and quicker with features like automatic
File History in Windows 8[17], comparable to Apples Time Machine.

In addition, OneDrive is a great tool[18] and weve covered some ways you can
customize and improve it in Windows 8.1[19]. You dont need third-party software to
back up your files as there are many free file sync and backup tricks available in
Windows itself[20]. However, if you do want want to use non-Microsoft tools, check
out some of the free and paid programs we recommend in our guide for the 6 safest
ways to backup and restore your files in Windows 7 and 8[21].

Watch What You Download

This isnt a Windows-only tip. This applies no matter what operating system you use.
Paid software doesnt mean its necessarily good software on todays Internet. And
just because someone recommends a free program, doesnt mean its clear of
bloatwarewell get to that in a bit. Always be sure to do your own research on
programs[22] before downloading them.
Getting software from a trustworthy source is crucial. MakeUseOf has a large
inventory of tested software we recommend[23]. Other good places to download from
are the aforementioned FileHippo.com[24] and Ninite.com[25].
In addition, always be skeptical of email attachments[26], ads, pop-ups, and other
potentially harmful sources of malicious files[27].

Pay Attention When Installing Software

Similar to watching what you download, its important not to continuously click Next
while installing a program without regard to what youre clicking Next to. By
clicking Next, you are agreeing and saying yes to whatever is in that window. This is
how you end up with random programs, browser toolbars, and other junk on your
computer that you have no idea what it is or how it got there.
Ive shared this practice in countless articles because it still is such a prevalent bad
habit. For more information, please refer to the simple checklist to safely installing

free software[28].

You may not have installed some of this junk software yourself though, and that is
what we call bloatware. It gets packaged with your new computer and can be
confusing whether you need it or not. You dont. Refer to our guide on removing
bloatware from your new computer[29]. A great takeaway from that article is to read
the sales pitch and spend a bit more money.
For uninstalling software we highly recommend the free third-party tools,
GeekUninstaller[30] (ourGeekUninstaller review)[31]and Should I Remove It?[32]
(ourShould I Remove It? review[33]).

Set Restore Points

Restore points are essential for any time you install new updates, programs, or make
system changes to your computer. Should something go wrong, being able to revert
back to the last known working state is extremely useful. And the sooner that restore
point has been made, the better.
We have published a thoroughguide oneverything you need to know about restore
points[34]what they are, how to make them, and why you should use them. For those
of you using Windows 8, its not a bad idea to know the difference between a system
refresh, reset and restore[35].

Use a Non-Admin User Account for Daily Tasks

This is something I have been guilty of not doing. As a tech guy, I want the most
control over my system and perhaps you feel the same way. But using your main
account with elevated administrative privileges can result in significant damage
should your systems security become compromised.
This security measure is even relevant with the new Microsoft accounts[36]. Its better
to be safe than sorry. Create a second user account[37] with admin privileges and
reduce your primary account to a standard account. Now you can have the best of both
worlds, with better Windows security[38] without giving up control.

Dump UnnecessaryMaintenance Tools

Registry Cleaners

I feel like we are finally starting to overcome the way of thinking that we need to clean
the Registry and defrag hard drives. Were our own enemy in this one as many of us
who first recommended tools for registry cleaning have now been saying for years that
they arent as good as we originally thought[39]. So please stop buying into their
hype[40] and refrain from using them altogethertheyre a myth.
I recommend researching what the Registry really is[41], which is a scary place. I think
after you discover that, youll be a bit more hesitant to just let any program access
your computers brain.

Disk Defragmenters
You dont need third-party disk defragmenters either, especially if youre running
Windows 7 or higher. The default disk defrag tool works just fine. Also, all Windows
operating systems from 7 on up defragment automatically, so you shouldnt even
worry.
If you do happen to notice that fragmentation is exceeding 10%, you can run a manual
scan. Defragging too often[42], however, definitely falls into one of the many ways we
can overzealously clean our computers[43], ultimately breaking them.
Note that solid state drives (SSDs) should not be defragged[44]!

Clean Up Old, Irrelevant, and Temp Files

What does help keep your computer running smoothly[45] is removing old, useless
files. These can be duplicates, temporary, or just files you no longer need. Using a
program like CCleaner[46] (ourCCleaner review[47])to scan for these can be useful. In
addition, finding what on your hard drive is taking up the most space,[48]so that you
can slim down those areas, can be done with a tool called WinDirStat[49]
(ourWinDirStat review[50]).

This may seem overwhelming, but many of the things you can do to clean up your
hard drive can take 10 minutes or less[51].
SIDE NOTE: Clearing temporary files, such as cookies, too often can have adverse
effects, since your computer utilizes those to speed up processes. But in general, if
youre noticing your computer being sluggish[52], check out how much space is left on
your hard driveyou may need to do some weeding and reorganizing of files.

Start Managing Your Files Better

Speaking of reorganizing files, start managing your files better! Stop spending time
looking around for where you stowed away that document or picture.

Clean up your desktop[53], create a file management system[54], and start enjoying the
perks of using a computer. After all, a computer is supposed to help you do things
faster, but you cant do that if you dont know where anything is at!

Reboot Your Computer More Often

It may seem like a hassle to restart or shut down your computer. Were in an age of
now and we dont want to wait for it to boot up. But occasionally restarting it can fix
many issues[55].Have you ever noticed after your computer has been on for days and

weeks that it gets slower and slower? Not to mention those updates that require a
system restart to install completely, which takes us right back to tip #1.

Just try to be more mindful of restarting your computer more oftenyou may be
surprised the difference it makes. A good compromise may be learning how to restart
your computer like a pro[56] to speed up the process and make it more accessible.

What Good Habits Do You Have?

Im confident that if you dedicate yourself to integrating these habits into your daily
workflow that you will have a much better Windows experience the rest of this year.
Now Id like to hear from you: What other habits do you have when using
Windows that make a world of difference and help you use it more
productively? Please share in the comments!
Image Credits: Young sprout via Shutterstock[57]

Links
1. http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-8-1-Full-Version/dp/B00EDSI7QO/
2. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/windows-10-release-date-download-upgradeoptions/
3. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/3-reasons-running-latest-windows-securitypatches-updates/
4. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/windows-update-fails-fix/

5. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/4-ways-make-windows-updates-less-annoying/
6. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/windows-update-everything-you-need-to-know/
7. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/free-windows-10-upgrade-heres-catch/
8. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/pros-cons-forced-updates-windows-10
9. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/find-replace-outdated-windows-drivers/
10. https://ninite.com/
11. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/install-uninstall-programs-bulk-windows/
12. http://www.filehippo.com/download_app_manager/
13. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/make-sure-never-forget-task-ever/
14. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/google-keep-for-chrome-your-in-browsersolution-to-quick-note-taking/
15. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/4-boring-tasks-can-automate-windows-taskscheduler/
16. http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/personal/
17. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/did-you-know-windows-8-has-a-built-in-timemachine-backup/
18. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/best-use-15gb-free-onedrive-storage/
19. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-smart-ways-customize-improve-onedrivewindows-8-1/
20. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/4-free-file-sync-backup-tricks-available-windows/
21. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/6-safest-ways-to-backup-restore-your-files-inwindows-7-8/
22. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-do-your-research-before-you-downloadfree-software/
23. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/best-windows-software/
24. http://filehippo.com/
25. http://ninite.com/
26. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/spot-dangerous-email-attachment/
27. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/lets-put-stop-pop-browser-ads/
28. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/install-free-software-junk/
29. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/remove-bloatware-avoid-new-laptops/
30. http://www.geekuninstaller.com/

31. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/geekuninstaller-uninstall-programs-thoughtwindows/
32. http://www.shouldiremoveit.com/
33. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/know-what-software-to-uninstall-with-should-iremove-it/
34. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/what-you-need-to-know-about-windows-systemrestore/
35. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/refresh-reset-restore-reinstall-windows/
36. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-security-tips-consider-using-microsoftaccount/
37. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/fix-windows-issues-creating-new-user-account/
38. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/five-tips-managing-security-windows-8-1/
39. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/registry-cleaner-difference/
40. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/dont-believe-the-hype-registry-cleaners-dontmake-windows-faster/
41. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/what-is-the-windows-registry-editor-and-howdo-i-use-it-makeuseof-explains/
42. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/7-common-computer-mistakes-can-avoid/
43. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-ways-overzealous-cleaning-can-breakwindows/
44. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/top-tools-for-managing-and-maintaining-yourssd/
45. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/use-pc-cleaner-software-keep-windows-runningsmoothly/
46. https://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/
47. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/best-windows-cleaning-tool-gets-disk-analyzer/
48. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/6-ways-to-free-up-space-on-your-windowscomputer/
49. http://windirstat.info/
50. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/need-disk-cleanup-visualize-takes-spacewindows-pc/
51. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/go-clean-hard-drive-5-things-can-10-minutesless/
52. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/really-speed-computer-common-myths-instead/

53. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/clean-up-your-windows-desktop-once-and-forall/
54. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/creating-order-chaos-9-great-ideas-managingcomputer-files/
55. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/rebooting-computer-fix-many-issues/
56. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/6-tips-rebooting-windows-like-pro/
57. http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-248975530/