The decorations are back in the loft, the resolutions are (hopefully) still intact, and the January return to reality is in full swing. But while many of us focus on detoxing our diets, planning new exercise regimes or clearing out our wardrobes, there’s one area of our lives that often gets neglected: our technology. From sluggish WiFi to the mountain of ‘Update Available’ notifications we’ve been ignoring since November, our tech can start the year feeling a bit cluttered.
At PC Man, we believe the best way to kick off January is with a clean slate. Here is our practical guide to a New Year tech audit to ensure your devices are fast, secure, and ready for whatever 2026 throws at them.
1. Master Your New Gadgets
If you were lucky enough to find a new laptop, tablet, or smartphone under the tree this year, the temptation is to start using it immediately. But taking the time to set it up correctly now will save you countless headaches later.
- Action: Avoid the ‘Express Settings’ trap; instead, take a moment to review privacy options and ensure you aren’t sharing more data than necessary.
- Pro tip: Ensure your files have migrated correctly from your old machine. There’s nothing worse than realising a week later that your precious photos or important documents have been left on a device you’ve already reset to factory settings.
2. Update Your Devices
It’s tempting to click ‘Remind me tomorrow’ on software updates, but those updates do more than just add new emojis. They contain critical security patches that protect you from the latest cyber threats.
- Action: Take 20 minutes to check for Operating System (OS) updates on your laptop (macOS or Windows), your smartphone, and your tablet (Android or iOS), and don’t forget to check for app and firmware updates to keep everything running optimally and improve compatibility with other services.
- Pro Tip: Check for OS updates manually if they haven’t arrived automatically, especially on older phones or tablets. Don’t forget your ‘invisible’ tech. Log on to your router settings or check your smart home app to see if your WiFi system or smart doorbell needs a firmware update.
3. Upgrade to Modern Malware Protection
As we head into 2026, basic antivirus is no longer enough to catch sophisticated AI-driven threats. If you’re still relying on a free scanner or the default protection that came with your PC, it’s time to level up. For small businesses and busy households, we now recommend moving to Endpoint Security or adopting a full Endpoint Monitoring Service .
Unlike traditional antivirus software, which only looks for known viruses, endpoint protection monitors the behaviour of your devices in real time. This means it can spot and stop brand-new ‘zero-day’ threats or ransomware before they can lock down your network. It’s like moving from a simple door lock to a full 24/7 security team for your digital home.
4. Tighten the Digital Bolts: Security & Passwords
Security is the cornerstone of a stress-free digital life. If you’re still using the same password for your email as you do for your Tesco groceries account, it’s time for a change.
- Action: Use strong, unique passwords and ditch default ones like “12345” that manufacturers often include on smart devices. Switch to a dedicated Password Manager. It creates complex, unique passwords for every site so you don’t have to remember them.
- The ‘Must-Do’: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on your most important accounts (Email, Banking, and iCloud/Google). It’s the single most effective way to stop hackers in their tracks. And if your device supports biometric unlocks (like fingerprint or face ID), combine them with 2FA for extra protection
- Highly Recommended: Use a VPN or secure your connection to avoid data snooping.
5. Backup Everything. Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late!
Data loss happens. Hard drives fail, devices are lost or stolen, and ransomware attacks can encrypt your files. Ensure your backup system is actually working. Whether you use a physical external drive or a cloud service like Microsoft 365 or iCloud, double-check that your files have synced recently.
- Back up your photos, documents and settings to an external drive or cloud service.
- Make a plan so backups happen regularly. Automated schedules take the worry out of remembering.
6. Boost Your Home Connectivity
Are there still ‘dead zones’ in your house where the WiFi just refuses to reach? Or perhaps your connection struggled to keep up with the family’s new gadgets over the holidays?
- Action: Test your speeds in different rooms. If your home office is lagging while the living room is flying, it might be time to consider a professional WiFi survey.
- The PC Man Way: We specialise in eliminating dead spots. Whether it’s installing a seamless mesh system or hardwiring data cabling for your home cinema, 2026 should be the year you stop buffering.
7. Declutter and Clean Devices
A cluttered drive is a slow drive. If your Mac or PC is feeling lethargic, it might be gasping for air under the weight of thousands of duplicate photos and unused apps.
- Go through your ‘Downloads’ folder. Delete anything older than three months that you don’t need.
- Clean your screens and keyboards. Technology accumulates far more bacteria than most people realise.
- Check your vents. For desktops and laptops, ensure vents aren’t clogged with dust. Overheating can shorten component life.
- Uninstall apps and software you no longer use. These can slow down your device or give unnecessary access to your personal data.
8. Check Hardware and Accessories
Start the year with hardware in good shape:
- Inspect chargers and cables for wear and tear.
- Consider protective cases and screen protectors to avoid costly damage later.
9. Plan for the Year Ahead
Just like you might set goals for fitness or finances, set a tech maintenance routine:
- Schedule quarterly device checks.
- Monitor emerging security trends and scams, the threat landscape evolves fast.
- Protect your network. Educate family members about phishing emails, unsafe downloads and suspicious links.
Need a Helping Hand?
If the thought of ‘firmware updates’ and ‘data recovery’ makes your head spin, don’t worry – that’s what we’re here for. Whether you’re a home user needing a WiFi speed boost or a small business looking to overhaul your network security, the PC Man team (alongside WiFi Man and AV Man) are ready to help. Our team of superheroes has your tech covered!
From remote IT support to onsite smart home installations, we’ll make sure your tech is working for you, not against you. Give us a call on 020 3369 0669 or book support today. Let’s make 2026 your most productive and connected year yet!
