Computer Support

Improve your Computer's Performance

Fragmentation makes your hard disk do extra work that can slow down your computer. Removable storage devices such as USB flash drives can also become fragmented. Disk Defragmenter rearranges fragmented data so your disks and drives can work more efficiently. Disk Defragmenter runs on a schedule, but you can also analyze and defragment your disks and drives manually. To do this, follow these steps:

  • Open Disk Defragmenter by clicking the Start button picture of the Start button. In the search box, type Disk Defragmenter, and then in the list of results, click Disk Defragmenter.
  • Under Current Status, select the disk you want to defragment.
  • To determine if the disk needs to be defragmented or not, click Analyze disk. Administrator permission required if you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
  • Once Windows is finished analyzing the disk, you can check the percentage of fragmentation on the disk in the Last Run column. If the number is above 10%, you should defragment the disk.
  • Click Defragment disk. Administrator permission required if you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Disk Defragmenter might take from several minutes to a few hours to finish, depending on the size and degree of fragmentation of your hard disk. You can still use your computer during the defragmentation process.

Is my PC running the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows?

The terms 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the way a computer's processor (also called a CPU). The 64-bit version of Windows handles large amounts of random access memory (RAM) more effectively than the 32-bit version. Follow the steps in the sections below to find out if your PC is running the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows and what edition of Windows is on your PC.

Windows 7

  • Click the Start button, right-click Computer, and then click Properties.
  • If "64-bit Operating System" is listed next to System type, you're running the 64-bit version of Windows.
  • If "32-bit Operating System" is listed next to System type, you're running the 32-bit version of Windows.

Windows 8.1 or Windows 10

  • Click the Start button, then select Settings > System > About.
  • At the right, under Device specifications, see System type.

Click here for more information about 32-bit and 64-bit on Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10.

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Windows updates are essential software patches released by Microsoft to improve your operating system's security, performance, and functionality. These updates help keep your computer safe from vulnerabilities and ensure it continues to run smoothly.

How to Check for Windows Updates

Windows 7 and Windows 8.1:

  • Open Control Panel:Click on the Start button and select "Control Panel."
  • Select System and Security: Click on "System and Security."
  • Choose Windows Update: Click on "Windows Update."
  • Check for Updates: Click the "Check for updates" button. Windows will search for and download available updates.

Windows 10:

  • Open Settings:Click on the Start button and select "Settings."
  • Go to Windows Update: Choose "Update & Security," then select "Windows Update."
  • Check for Updates: Click the "Check for updates" button. Windows will automatically search for the download available updates.

Windows 11

  • Open Settings: Click on the Start button and select "Settings."
  • Go to Windows Update: Choose "Windows Update."
  • Check for Updates: If automatic updates are disabled, click the "Check for updates" button. Windows will search for and download available updates.

Note: Windows 10 and 11 typically check for updates automatically. If you're not receiving automatic updates, you can enable them in the same settings menu.

Click here for more information about Windows updates.

Knowing which version of Windows you are running can be essential for several reasons:

  • Finding compatible software: Different versions of Windows may have different software requirements. Knowing your version will help you ensure you download and install software that works with your specific operating system.
  • Troubleshooting issues: Troubleshooting guides and support resources may be specific to certain Windows versions. Knowing your version can help you find the most relevant information when encountering problems.

Here's how to easily find your Windows version:

  1. Press the Windows logo key + R on your keyboard simultaneously. This will open the Run dialog box.
  2. In the Open box, type winver and then click OK.

A small window will appear displaying your Windows version information.

Click here for more information about finding your Windows version.

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