The odds are high that if you have ever faced computer issues at home or work you have heard these words from a friend or IT support before:

Why Restarting Your Computer Actually Works

“Have you tried restarting it?”

While it might be easy to take this answer as a lazy (or rude) cop-out, there are valid reasons why restarting your computer can actually solve or prevent performance issues, especially when done routinely.

When should you restart your computer?

Here are some common instances when a restart may solve your problem and prevent the need to take time out of your day to work with a technician:

• When your computer is running slowly

• When your computer system unexpectedly freezes up

• When Internet connection lags

• When your computer has had a software update

• When your computer experiences a driver or hardware error

• When applications are not performing as you expect them to

Why Restarting Your Computer Works:

Think of restarting your computer like getting a good night’s sleep before a new day. It’s a way to reset and start from scratch. Here’s what that looks like in a computer:

1. A Restart Flushes the RAM

When you access different programs on your computer, they take up part of your computer’s Random Access Memory as they run in the background. This results in slow loading web pages.

Restarting your computer flushes out the random and unimportant data slowing down your computer memory and stops background tasks from happening.

2. Speeds Up Performance

Reboots keep computers running quickly. By flushing the RAM and clearing temporary files, your computer runs faster and more efficiently. It frees up the processor to complete other tasks, which speeds up the computer’s function.

3. Stops Memory Leaks

When a program doesn’t close correctly, it continues to use up computer memory. This “memory leak” can cause your computer to slow. Restarting your computer resets all programs that may not have closed correctly.

4. Fixes Internet Connection

Restarting your computer will restart the internet connection. It can also fix Bluetooth connection issues from your computer to another device. But, if restarting your computer doesn’t solve spotty connectivity on your computer, consider rebooting your internet router.

5. Fixes Bugs and Glitches

If your computer has not been rebooted for an extended period of time, programs may run at a slower pace or there may be system freeze-ups. Restarting your computer allows the systems’ processors time to recharge, ultimately correcting any bugs or glitches.

The Bottom Line? Restarting Saves Time!

Restarting your computer is a quick solution to connectivity issues and other minor errors. Most professionals recommend restarting your computer at least once a week to prevent minor issues from arising and to keep your computer running efficiently.

Contact the Affinity Team for More Help

If restarting your computer doesn’t fix the issue, reach out to our Support Team for further help. But, in the meantime, save yourself some time by restarting your computer.