Home device health check
A clearer picture of your PC or laptop’s condition
A structured check of a home Windows computer’s security, updates, storage, reliability, performance and recovery readiness, followed by a plain-English report and sensible next steps.
A modern health check
Find the cause before reaching for a cleanup tool
A slow, unreliable or worrying computer needs diagnosis, not a promise that one utility will make everything faster.
JM Restart starts with the symptoms, how the computer is used and which data matters. We then review the condition of the Windows installation, security, updates, storage, hardware indicators and recovery arrangements that are relevant to that device.
The result may be straightforward housekeeping, but it could also identify failing storage, battery deterioration, insufficient memory, unwanted software, an unsupported operating system, a damaged Windows installation or a device that is no longer economical to repair.
The initial service is a Windows PC or laptop assessment with a plain-English written report. We confirm the scope, price, practical handover and expected turnaround before booking. Collection and return may be available by arrangement. Repairs, parts, extended diagnostics, malware remediation, backup work and data recovery require separate approval.
We explain what we find before carrying out additional chargeable work.
Useful when a computer is
- Slower or less responsive than expected
- Crashing, freezing or showing repeated errors
- Running out of storage space
- Taking a long time to start or shut down
- Showing security or update warnings
- Losing battery life unusually quickly
- Being prepared for an upgrade or continued use
- Due for a general condition review
The standard review
What the health check can cover
The exact checks depend on the computer, its symptoms and the access you authorise. We record anything that cannot be completed or would require separate work.
Windows and support status
- Windows version, edition and activation
- Operating-system support position
- Windows Update and relevant routine updates
- Device Manager and visible driver problems
- Manufacturer support and firmware position where relevant
Security and software
- Active antivirus and Windows Security status
- Firewall and app or browser protection warnings
- Malware and potentially unwanted software scan
- Installed apps, unwanted programs and browser extensions
- Startup items and software with a high performance impact
Storage and performance
- Available storage and usage
- Drive type, reported health and warning indicators
- Windows reliability and recurring error evidence
- Processor, memory and storage pressure
- Safe Windows cleanup and storage recommendations
Laptop and physical condition
- Battery report and visible battery concerns
- Power, charging and obvious connection issues
- Fan noise, heat and ventilation observations
- Visible damage and external condition
- Signs that cleaning or a hardware repair may be needed
Backup and recovery readiness
- Whether important data has an identified backup route
- Visible backup warnings and available status information
- Device-encryption and recovery-key awareness
- Windows recovery options and restore readiness
- Risks to address before repairs or major changes
Plain-English report
- Checks completed and work carried out
- Urgent, recommended and advisory findings
- Anything that could not be verified
- Repair, upgrade or replacement options
- A discussion before extra chargeable work proceeds
Deeper diagnostics
Some checks should be used when the evidence calls for them
A full memory test, file-system check, manufacturer drive diagnostic, extended malware investigation or stress test can take significant time and may not be suitable for every device. Firmware changes, component dismantling and intrusive hardware tests also carry different risks from a routine review.
We use these checks where symptoms, warnings or the customer’s concerns justify them. If the work is outside the agreed health-check scope, we explain the reason and any additional charge before proceeding.
Drive optimisation
An SSD is not treated like an old hard disk
Windows distinguishes between hard disk drives and solid-state drives when it optimises storage. Traditional hard disks may be defragmented where appropriate, while SSDs use operations such as TRIM.
The health check reviews the drive type and Windows optimisation state. It does not apply blanket defragmentation to every computer.
Safe housekeeping
Cleanup is careful and reviewable
We use supported Windows storage information and cleanup controls where appropriate. We review temporary files, low storage, unused applications and startup impact before removing or changing anything that could affect the customer.
Registry cleaning and general-purpose third-party cleanup utilities are not part of the standard service. Removing a registry entry is not a substitute for diagnosing the real cause of a fault, and deleting files without understanding them can remove something the customer needs.
Customer data
A backup is important, but it is not created silently
Before work begins, we ask about important data, existing backups and any known encryption or recovery-key arrangements. A visible backup status does not by itself prove that every important file can be restored.
Creating a temporary copy, testing a restore, recovering data or moving files is separate work unless it is expressly included in the agreed scope. Where a temporary copy is justified, its purpose, protection, access, retention and deletion must be agreed and recorded.
Please do not send passwords, one-time codes or recovery keys through the website form. We will explain a suitable handover method if access is required.
What happens next
From symptoms to an informed decision
01
Understand
Record the symptoms, recent changes, important data and what you want the computer to do.
02
Check
Complete the relevant standard review and use deeper diagnostics only where the evidence supports them.
03
Report
Explain completed work, findings, limitations and any urgent or recommended action in plain English.
04
Decide
Agree whether to monitor, repair, clean, upgrade, reinstall, improve backup or plan replacement.
Common questions
The health check, explained clearly
Does the health check include every repair?
No. It includes the agreed assessment and any clearly stated routine work. Parts, extended diagnostics, malware remediation, data recovery, internal cleaning, a Windows reinstall and other repairs may require separate approval and charges.
How much does it cost and how long will it take?
We confirm the price and expected turnaround after a short intake about the device, symptoms and required checks. Updates, scans, drive warnings and extended tests can change the safe amount of time needed, so we do not make a blanket same-day promise.
Can you collect and return the computer?
We agree the practical handover route before booking. Collection and return may be available depending on location, workload and the work required, and any charge is confirmed in advance.
Will it make every old computer fast?
No. It may identify avoidable performance problems, but software housekeeping cannot overcome failing hardware, insufficient capacity or a device that no longer suits the work expected of it. The report will explain the practical options.
Is a backup automatically included?
No. We ask about backup and recovery readiness, but creating or testing a backup is separate unless it is expressly included in the agreed scope. This avoids copying personal data without a clear purpose and permission.
Can you check a device after a scam or suspected infection?
Yes, but an active compromise may need a separate security response rather than a routine health check. Tell us what happened before bringing in or reconnecting the device so we can advise the safest next step.
Is this the same as Home Shield?
No. The health check is a point-in-time assessment. Home Shield is an ongoing support and protection service for suitable devices. We can explain when either option, or one-off Residential IT Support, is the better fit.
Would a structured health check help?
Tell us the make and model, version of Windows, the symptoms you have noticed and whether important data is backed up. We will confirm the appropriate scope before work begins.
For wider advice about malware, scams and safer accounts, read our Home IT Security in 2026 guide.
