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            PC MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST - AmanaTech (2026)
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Use this checklist to keep your computer running smoothly!
Print it out and check items as you complete them.

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DAILY (Takes 2-3 minutes)
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☐ Shut down or restart computer (not sleep)
☐ Close unused browser tabs
☐ Check for Windows updates in Settings
☐ Clear browser cache if using lots of tabs
☐ Monitor disk space (target: keep 10% free)

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WEEKLY (Takes 10-15 minutes)
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☐ Empty Recycle Bin
☐ Clear Downloads folder (keep important files)
☐ Delete old email attachments
☐ Run Windows Updates
☐ Scan with antivirus (Windows Defender or preferred)
☐ Check Task Manager for background processes
☐ Uninstall software you don't use
☐ Clear browser history and cookies

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MONTHLY (Takes 30-45 minutes)
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☐ Run full antivirus scan
☐ Check for driver updates (Device Manager)
☐ Run Windows Disk Cleanup (cleanmgr)
☐ Check hard drive health with:
    - CrystalDiskInfo
    - Hard Disk Sentinel
    - Built-in Windows check
☐ Review backup status (external drive or cloud)
☐ Check Windows Update history for failed updates
☐ Organize files and folders
☐ Update all software (Office, browsers, etc.)
☐ Disable unused startup programs
☐ Check Event Viewer for error logs

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QUARTERLY (Every 3 months - Takes 1-2 hours)
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☐ Deep clean (compressed air) inside computer case
☐ Check temperatures (CPU and GPU)
☐ Run full system diagnostics
☐ Test backup restoration
☐ Update BIOS if available
☐ Defragment hard drive (or optimize SSD)
☐ Full malware scan
☐ Check power supply fan
☐ Clean dust from vents and filters
☐ Verify Windows license is still valid

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ANNUALLY (Yearly - Takes 2-4 hours)
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☐ Clean inside computer thoroughly
☐ Replace thermal paste (CPU) if comfortable
☐ Check and replace battery (laptop)
☐ Update all system drivers
☐ Full Windows reinstall (if experiencing issues)
☐ Professional checkup (optional)
☐ Clean keyboard and mouse
☐ Test monitor and peripherals
☐ Review and organize all files
☐ Update passwords for important accounts

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TROUBLESHOOTING CHECKLIST
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If your PC is slow or acting weird, try these in order:

☐ Restart the computer
☐ Run Windows Update
☐ Check disk space (free up if less than 10%)
☐ Run antivirus scan
☐ Disable startup programs (msconfig → Startup tab)
☐ Check Task Manager for resource hogs
☐ Clear browser cache and temporary files
☐ Update drivers
☐ Run System File Checker (sfc /scannow)
☐ Check Windows Event Viewer for errors
☐ Reinstall problematic program
☐ Full antivirus/malware scan
☐ Create System Restore point, then troubleshoot
☐ Last resort: Clean Windows installation

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RECOMMENDED FREE TOOLS
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☐ Windows Defender (built-in antivirus)
☐ CCleaner (safe cleanup tool)
☐ Speccy (system information)
☐ HWiNFO (hardware monitoring)
☐ CPU-Z (processor information)
☐ GPU-Z (graphics card info)
☐ CrystalDiskInfo (hard drive health)
☐ Macrium Reflect Free (backup)
☐ VLC Media Player (video playback)
☐ 7-Zip (file compression)

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BACKUP STRATEGY
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☐ Important files backed up daily/weekly
☐ System image backup created monthly
☐ Backup stored on external drive (not connected full-time)
☐ Cloud backup service active (OneDrive, Google Drive, etc.)
☐ Backup tested and verified quarterly
☐ Passwords stored securely (password manager)
☐ License keys documented somewhere safe

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NOTES
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Date maintenance completed: _______________

Issues found: ________________________________

Actions taken: _______________________________

Next maintenance date: _______________________

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Questions? Contact AmanaTech at help@amanatech.us
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