January Is Clean Up Your Computer Month
- RW Networks
- Jan 8
- 3 min read
A Fresh Start for Your Tech (and Your Sanity)
New year, fresh start… but what about your computer?
If your desktop resembles a digital junk drawer, your inbox has 47,000 unread emails, and your laptop groans every time it starts up, January is the perfect time for a tech reset.
January is officially Clean Up Your Computer Month, and at RW Networks, we’re die-hard fans of anything that makes your tech faster, safer, and less frustrating. The good news? You don’t need to be “techy” to make a significant difference.
Here are some hands-on, easy tips you can tackle today.
Declutter Your Desktop
If you can’t see your wallpaper, it's time to take action.
Why it matters:
A cluttered desktop can slow performance and make it harder to find what you actually need.
Quick clean-up steps:
Create 3 folders: Work, Personal, To Sort
Drag everything into one of those folders
Aim to keep only current shortcuts on your desktop
Bonus tip: If you haven’t opened a file in a year, you probably don’t need it.
Organize (or Delete) Old Files
Old downloads, duplicate photos, mystery PDFs - sound familiar?
What to do:
Open your Downloads folder
Sort files by date or size
Delete anything you no longer need
Move important files into clearly named folders
Use simple folder names like Invoices 2026 or Client Files. Your future self will be grateful for simple, concise folder structure.
Empty the Trash / Recycle Bin
It seems obvious but this simple task is often forgotten or overlooked. Deleting files doesn’t actually remove them until you empty the trash. This alone can free up a surprising amount of space.
Right-click → Empty Trash / Recycle Bin → Enjoy the win.
Remove Programs You Don’t Use
Outdated software slows your system and can be a potential security risk.
How to clean house:
Windows: Settings → Apps → Installed Apps
Mac: System Settings → General → Storage
Uninstall anything you:
Haven’t used in 12+ months
Installed “just to try once”
If you’re unsure what something is, leave it and ask us later.
Update Your System
We know. Updates are annoying. They’re also critical.
Updates help:
Fix security vulnerabilities
Improve performance
Prevent crashes
Set aside 10 minutes to:
Update your operating system
Update browsers (Chrome, Edge, Safari)
Restart your computer afterward (important!)
Remember, regular software updates are crucial for security and performance.
Tidy Up Passwords & Security
January is a great time to think about cybersecurity.
Do a quick check:
Change/update passwords for important accounts
Enable multi-factor authentication where possible
Remove saved passwords from shared computers
Consider using a password manager if you’re juggling multiple logins.
Organize Your Email
A cluttered email inbox can slow down your email program and affect productivity. Focus on reducing the size of inboxes by archiving old emails and unsubscribing from unnecessary newsletters. This initiative can speed up email programs, improve efficiency, and reduce safety risks.
Back It Up
If your computer crashes tomorrow, will your files and family pictures survive? If the answer is “I hope so” it’s time to run a complete backup.
Backup options:
Cloud backups (OneDrive, Google Drive, iCloud)
External hard drives
Automated backups (best option)
Backups aren’t optional, they’re insurance.
Restart More Often Than You Think
A simple restart can:
Clear memory
Fix glitches
Speed things up instantly
Aim for at least once a week, not just when something breaks.
Clean Your Hardware
And last but not least, dust! Organize a day for computer cleaning. Remember to include all physical hardware, including keyboards, screens, and internal components. Use compressed air to blow out dust and dirt from nooks and crannies. For keyboards and delicate internal parts, use cotton swabs and isopropyl alcohol. Use dry microfiber cloths for screens.
When to Call RW Networks
If your computer is:
Still painfully slow
Randomly crashing
Acting “possessed” for no clear reason
That’s where we come in. At RW Networks, we help businesses and home users keep their tech running smoothly, without the jargon or judgment.
Not sure where to start?
Reach out, and we’ll help you clean up your tech the right way.
New year. Cleaner computer. Less stress.
Now that’s a resolution worth keeping.
RW Networks | Friendly, local IT support you can actually understand