Reset Your Computer

by David Andrew Wiebe | Mar 13, 2023 | Productivity

Unless you’re using a brand-new machine, or you’ve recently reset your computer, your device is slowing you down more than you even realize.

I understand well how mind numbing it can be to back up all your files and login details, and to have to reinstall all your apps and restore your files post-reinstallation.

But unless your computer is five to seven years old, I can promise you that resetting your machine will have a dramatic impact on its performance.

And when your computer isn’t suffering from constant slowdown, your ability to get things done will also be enhanced.

It’s a good metaphor for your personal performance too. When you’re well rested and fresh, you think better, and you can get more done. When you’re tired and dull, you don’t perform at optimal levels.

There are two things that can make a big difference when it comes to resetting your computer:

• An external hard drive. I have a Seagate Plus Portable Drive (affiliate link). I’ve heard good things and bad things about Seagate, but I have not had any issues with this compact, lightweight drive, except that I’ve used up most of its 2 TB capacity. If you make a lot of media, it’s inevitable that you will end up needing more space, though. You can either buy a drive with more space or buy multiple drives.
• Exporting browser logins. Manually backing up all your login data (i.e., by opening a spreadsheet and entering username and password combinations one by one) is deadly. If you already have all your passwords saved in LastPass or equivalent, good on you. Otherwise, you’ll be glad to know most (if not all) browsers have an “export logins” feature. I send the exported spreadsheet to my email before resetting my computer and then I can open it in Google Sheets later. Of course, it would be a very wise idea to create new, more secure passwords for each of your accounts as you’re logging back in. There might be an easier way to do what I’m talking about, and if you have a more efficient method, I’d love to know (leave a comment below).

I know how ridiculous this all sounds but I am emphatic. Resetting your computer will boost your computer’s performance, enhancing your personal performance in the process. It makes a macro difference.