Should I keep my computer on all the time?

Users often ask if it's a good idea to leave their computer on all the time or if they should turn it off while not using it.  Our recommendation is to turn your computer off and back on again any time you notice that it's being slower than usual or if it starts doing weird things that you don't expect.  While it isn't necessary to turn it off every time you walk away, it's a good practice to turn it off and back on again at least once every two weeks.  Doing this helps your computer run better for a few reasons.  Sometimes when Windows installs new software automatically it needs the computer to be turned off to apply changes.  It can also help remove any errors that were introduced on your computer's temporary storage locations.  Some computers go for months without ever being turned off.  This is especially problematic with laptops, since it's easy to just close the lid, but that doesn't actually turn the computer off all the way.  It doesn't take too long to do it and it can only help, so if you ever feel like your computer isn't quite up to its normal standard, give turning it off and on a try.

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