420 Bannister Rd Ste 400 Kansas City, MO 64131
(816) 381-9969

Spring IT Cleaning: 7 Ways You Can Declutter and Organize Your Computer

woman typing on computer with recycle bin graphics

Managed IT Services in Kansas City Will Keep Your Hardware Running Fast and Efficiently

In the digital age, a cluttered computer can be as stressful as a messy workspace. If your desktop is a chaotic mosaic of files or you’ve noticed that your computer isn’t running as fast as it used to, then it’s probably time to perform some digital spring cleaning.

Keeping your computer organized not only frees up valuable disk space but can also help you boost your productivity and efficiency.

The following IT service management tips will help you declutter and organize your computer for a smoother, more user-friendly experience. Then, employ professional managed IT services for data backup, disaster recovery, and other essential IT needs.

Clean Your Desktop

Begin by removing unnecessary files, shortcuts, and folders from your desktop. Keep only the most essential items.

Next, group related items together. You likely already have folders for different projects, applications, and documents. Use the grid or alignment features to keep everything tidy.

A clean and organized desktop is not only aesthetically pleasing but also makes it easier to find what you need. Be sure to permanently delete unnecessary files to free up storage space when your desktop cleanup is complete.

Uninstall Unused Applications

If you’re like most people, you have numerous applications that you haven’t opened in years or never used in the first place. Go through the list of installed programs and start trimming the digital fat. This can significantly free up space and improve your computer’s performance.

Managed IT services pro tip: Consider using a dedicated uninstaller program to remove all traces of an application, including leftover files and registry entries.

Clean Up Files and Folders

Use built-in or third-party tools to find and delete temporary files, cache, and duplicate files. You’d be amazed at how much space these can take up.

Next, create a structured folder hierarchy. For example, have main folders for major categories like Work, Personal, and Entertainment, and subfolders for specific projects or topics.

Utilize Cloud Storage

Use cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to store documents, photos, and other media. This frees up local space on your hard drive and provides an off-site backup. You can also use the cloud to archive old files that you infrequently access but want to hold on to.

Managed IT services pro tip: If you don’t want to pay for monthly cloud storage, you can pay a one-time fee for an external hard drive. Some models feature more than 10TB of space, so you will never need to worry about lack of storage.

Perform Regular Maintenance

Set a reminder to periodically declutter your computer. Regular maintenance prevents clutter from accumulating.

Keeping software up to date is another often-overlooked task. Software updates often include optimizations and bug fixes that can free up space, improve performance, and enhance security.

If your company operations require the use of numerous computers, IT service providers in Kansas City can help keep software platforms up to date.

Use Disk Cleanup Tools

Most operating systems offer built-in tools for disk cleanup that can help you identify and remove unnecessary files that have accrued over time. Some reliable third-party tools offer more extensive cleaning options. However, be cautious and choose software with lots of good reviews to avoid potential malware.

Managed IT services pro tip: Professional IT service management companies always use the most recent and reliable disk cleanup tools, ensuring the job gets done right the first time.

Optimize Storage Settings

On some operating systems, you can adjust settings to automatically free up space by removing temporary files and unused applications. This is an easy and effective way to declutter without having to think about it.

Users should also regularly check their downloads folder and clear out files they no longer need. This folder can become a catch-all for random files and consume a lot of space.

How to Find Managed IT Services Near You

Not only can managed IT service providers in Kansas City help keep computers clutter-free and organized, but they also provide numerous essential IT services, including cybersecurity, backup and data recovery, software application support, physical server and cloud support, and much more.

By implementing a comprehensive IT strategy, you can streamline your processes and boost the efficiency of your organization. Perhaps more importantly, you can protect yourself from viruses, phishing scams, ransomware, and other cyber threats that can disrupt business continuity.

Get started by searching the phrase “managed IT services near me” and evaluating the top organizations in your vicinity.

Remember, managed IT services in Kansas City should offer a comprehensive suite of IT products and services that are backed by an experienced team of local IT professionals prepared to help you when you need them.

April 1, 2024