Many users leave their computers on all the time so that they can receive automatic updates and security patches. This is a great strategy but leaves users with the question, “How long can you go without restarting your computer?” Read on to find out.
During use, programs open and close, background system processes filter network traffic, and your software updates regularly. When you reboot your computer, think of it as giving the machine a good night’s sleep. To your computer, the reboot is a Fresh Start that frees up memory from leaky applications and ends processes that are no longer needed. Rebooting also allows the system a chance to apply essential security patches that were downloaded during working hours.
Allowing, or even forcing a reboot is recommended to clean everything up. How often we recommend you reboot, depends on your operating system. If you are using Windows 10, for example, weekly reboots are adequate while Windows 7 may need to be rebooted more frequently.
The by-product of rebooting is that It not only speeds things up but can fix nagging, pesky problems that only a reboot can cure. So the next time a technical support person asks you to reboot, please don’t be insulted! They want your system to run well and not waste your time and money.