Make Windows faster and more reliable by performing a set of simple household chores to keep it lean and mean. The messier it gets, the longer it takes your computer to get stuff done and the more likely it is to crash during the process. If you can keep your computer up to date and in tune, you and your PC will live a happier, more productive life. Start by making sure that your computer's hard drive is in tip-top shape by regularly cleaning it up.

1. Disk Cleanup

The Disk Cleanup tool helps remove redundant files from your computer. You access it by clicking

Choose Start → All Programs → Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup.

Once your drive has been scanned, a list of files will appear. Choose one to find out more about the files then tick the items you want to clean.

2. Clean up system file

To clean up more files using Disk Cleanup, click the Cleanup System Files button. If Service Pack Backup Files is available, and your PC is functioning well, select it and you’ll save more disk space. Choose More Options and choose to delete all but the most recent restore point to claw back even more space. Finally, click OK to clean your computer.

3. Disk check

It’s a good idea to ensure that your hard drive is working properly. Disks can pick up software errors that stop data being managed effectively, or they can have physical damage on the disk surface. From the same disk properties dialogue you used to open Disk Cleanup, switch to the Tools tab. Click Check now, under Error Checking, and tick both options. Click Start then restart your computer for the check to take place. It takes a bit of time so be patient.

4. Remove unnecessary programs

Getting rid of programs you don’t use can also help keep your PC ticking over in trim condition.

Start > Control Panel > Uninstall a program.

When the program list appears, look for applications you definitely don’t use – if in doubt, leave it alone. To remove a program, select it and click the Uninstall button, then follow the wizard to delete it from your PC.

5. Click OK to start the cleanup process.

Windows asks whether you're sure that you want to delete these files.

6. Click Yes.

Your hard drive is now cleaned up