(and why you should do it every week)
Most of us know we should restart our computers now and then, but then we also know that half our plate should be fruits and vegetables. We know it but it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen.
You may have good reasons! 47 tabs open, half-written emails sitting around, or three Word documents you are definitely coming back to. So you leave the computer running and hope for the best.
The problem is that computers get tired too.
Restarting is one of the simplest ways to keep your Mac or PC running smoothly, and it fixes far more problems than people think. A weekly restart is usually all it takes.
Here is why it helps.
It clears out memory gremlins
Every time you open an app, switch tasks, browse the web or watch videos, your computer uses memory. Over time, little bits get stuck, lost or confused. This is why things start to slow down or feel a bit stuck.
Restarting clears all of that out. It is like tidying a messy desk in one sweep.
It resets misbehaving apps and clears bugs
We think of our apps as stable and reliable, but they’re not indestructible. Leave them running for days, and they can misbehave. You might notice things like:
- Your browser pages are glitchy
- Your wifi feels sluggish
- Zoom is getting stuttery
- Your keyboard is a second behind your typing
A restart forces everything to reset, which helps the apps behave normally again when they come back.
Your updates finish installing
Both Windows and macOS install background updates, but many of them cannot complete until the computer restarts. If you don’t restart, you’ll end up running out-of-date software without realising it.
Weekly restarts mean your security patches and fixes get applied.
It keeps your computer running faster for longer
Computers that don’t get a weekly restart get slower and less reliable. Small resets prevent bigger problems later. Think of it as brushing your teeth. It is a small habit with a big impact.
But what about all my tabs?
Good news, thee of the 47 tabs, you don’t need to lose them.
Browsers have simple tools that will save your tabs so everything can come back exactly as it was. A few options:
Chrome / Edge / Brave:
- OneTab
- Tab Session Manager
Safari:
- Use Safari’s built-in “Reopen All Windows From Last Session”
So you can restart without losing all those tabs you have open for holiday plans or the 8 recipes you swear you will cook one day.
How often should you restart?
Most IT people (including us) recommend restarting once a week for both Macs and Windows PCs. If you use big apps all day, you might restart more frequently, but once is enough for most.
Just remember to close your apps first so everything gets saved.
The takeaway
Restarting is quick (usually), and genuinely helpful. It clears out clutter, fixes glitches, keeps your apps happy and helps your computer last longer. If something weird is happening on your computer, give it a restart and go and make yourself a cup of tea.
If your computer is acting strange after a restart, then it’s probably something more serious. Get in touch and we’ll figure it out.
