Why does restarting a computer fix problems?

A restart gracefully closes programs, including hidden ones, logs users out, clears internal errors and memory, and installs pending updates. Errors that build up while a computer runs are a common cause of slowdowns.

How often should dental office computers be restarted?

The best practice is a manual restart of workstations at the end of every business day, which keeps uptime from becoming a problem.

Should I restart the server every day too?

No. Servers have advanced error detection and clearing and are designed to stay on. Only restart a server when your IT partner directs you to.

Should I Restart My Computer?

01Why your computer needs a break too

Direct answerThe longer a computer runs, the more internal errors, memory leaks, and connection problems pile up.

During normal operation, you may notice systems slowing down, or errors in your practice management, printing, scanning, or imaging software. Many of these happen because the computer has gone too long without a restart. Computers are machines and need maintenance and downtime to run efficiently. While running, they naturally pick up internal errors, memory leaks, cache fills, and peripheral connection problems. Most go unnoticed for a while, but they pile up in the background and slow your computer down.

02When to restart: uptime

One of the first things we check during troubleshooting is uptime, the time since the last full shutdown or restart. The higher the uptime, the more likely the problem is caused by internal errors.

03What happens during a restart?

During a restart, all programs shut down gracefully, users are logged out, and power is cut to the system. Programs (including hidden ones) close, internal errors clear, memory is cleared so fresh data can be used error-free, and updates that didn’t install during the day can install.

04Best practice

Direct answerRestart workstations at the end of every business day, but never the server.

The best practice is a manual restart of your practice’s computers at the end of every business day. That makes uptime far less likely to cause problems than on a system running 24 hours or more.

Please noteThis does not apply to servers. Servers are specialized systems with advanced error detection and clearing, designed to provide services to other computers rather than run active software every day.

05How to restart a Windows computer (for real)

1
Save and closeSave your work and close all programs you’re using, such as Open Dental or Dentrix, Excel, and Outlook.
2
Open StartClick the Start button, generally in the lower left corner of your primary screen.
3
Open PowerClick the Power option, right next to or above the Windows icon.
4
Select RestartChoose Restart.
5
Watch for promptsWatch the screen for a few seconds as Windows closes. If a program can’t close, Windows should offer to force close it. Do so and let Windows continue.
6
Walk awayAt this point you can step away. Any available updates install, and the system returns to the login screen, depending on how your practice is set up.

The bottom line

The longer a computer runs, the more can go wrong internally. A daily reboot is as essential to your computers as brushing and flossing are to dental health.

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