# Windows PC performance and maintenance optimization > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/windows-pc-performance-and-maintenance-optimization > Updated: 2026-09-07T03:43:42.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. Guidance for Windows users focuses on optimizing system performance and managing storage through built-in tools and methodical maintenance. Initial recommendations emphasize managing startup applications to free up RAM and opting for regular system shutdowns over sleep mode to clear memory leaks. Users are advised to rely on native Windows tools for scanning system files and drives rather than third-party registry organizers. Subsequent guidance expands into storage management, suggesting users navigate to system settings to identify large applications and clear temporary files like thumbnails. Maintenance strategies also include physical upkeep, such as dusting hardware components to prevent overheating, and the potential use of specialized software for malware identification. While built-in tools are preferred, professional intervention is noted as a way to safely manage primary partitions and the registry to prevent data loss. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-07: Windows PC maintenance and storage optimization guide Users can optimize Windows PC performance and free up disk space by managing installed applications, clearing temporary files, and performing regular software and physical hardware maintenance. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/windows-pc-maintenance-and-storage-optimization-guide ### 2026-08-18: Windows users can optimize PC performance with built-in tools Windows users can prevent PC slowdowns by managing startup applications, using built-in maintenance tools instead of third-party software, and performing regular system shutdowns. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/windows-users-can-optimize-pc-performance-with-built-in-tools --- Cite as: Windows PC performance and maintenance optimization. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/windows-pc-performance-and-maintenance-optimization