Restarting Windows PC Weekly Still Recommended, Engadget Report Finds

The report explains that a full reboot dumps memory and removes background processes, app caches, and driver errors that accumulate over time. This can free up performance on machines with low RAM and provide security benefits by flushing out certain malware that only resides in system memory, although reboots alone are not sufficient protection.

Laptops, due to their restricted internal space and cooling setups, should be shut down or put to sleep after use. Placing a sleeping laptop in a bag is risky because it could overheat if it wakes in an enclosed environment.

The Engadget report also warns about Windows' Fast Startup feature, which is enabled by default. Using the Shut down option saves the kernel state to a hibernation file and reloads it at next startup, preventing a full reboot. As a result, a shutdown may not resolve slowdowns or memory leaks, and Fast Startup can narrow the time available to enter the BIOS/UEFI and create disk partition issues for dual-boot systems. To bypass it, users can hold the Shift key while clicking Shut down or choose the Restart option. Fast Startup can also be disabled in the Control Panel under Power Options.

A reboot should always happen after updating certain programs, hardware features, or the operating system, according to the report. Windows often requires restarts to install security patches, and delaying them leaves systems vulnerable. Recent Windows updates have introduced bugs that can cause game crashes or system lockouts, so running a quick search before updating is advisable.

The report notes one major exception: Windows on ARM. ARM processors are suited to long uptimes, which is why smartphones and Apple silicon Macs need less frequent reboots. Still, Windows on ARM systems benefit from occasional restarts, particularly after updates.