If your laptop feels sluggish and Task Manager points to Windows Search as the culprit, you're not alone. Many users experience high CPU usage from SearchIndexer.exe, especially when indexing runs unchecked across the entire system. In this guide, we break down how to tame Windows Search—using built-in settings, smart folder exclusions, and a script-driven approach to enforce low priority and CPU affinity. Whether you're a home user or IT professional, these steps will help restore performance without sacrificing search functionality.mputer running smoothly.

Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be technical or intimidating — and for most people in Herefordshire, it’s the simple steps that make the biggest difference. “Cyber Essentials provides a simple framework for preventing 80% of common cyberattacks,” and this guide breaks it down in plain English for homes, families, and small businesses. From securing your router to keeping devices updated, these easy, affordable actions can dramatically reduce your risk and protect your data, your finances, and your peace of mind. Whether you’re in Hampton Bishop, Hereford city centre, or a nearby village, getting Cyber Essentials‑ready is more achievable than you might think.

1. Fast, Friendly Computer Repairs Delivered to Your Doorstep in Herefordshire

2. Same-Day Laptop Fixes and On-Site IT Support You Can Trust

3. Local Computer Repair Services for Homes and Small Businesses in Herefordshire

4. Reliable IT Help Near Hampton Bishop, Fownhope, Tupsley, and Surrounding Villages

5. Convenient, Local Tech Support Backed by Experience and Care

Struggling with slow Windows startup times? This guide introduces a free, portable VBS script that visualises the entire boot process using Diagnostics‑Performance event data. See exactly which apps, drivers, or services are causing delays — without installing heavy tools like the Windows Performance Toolkit. A simple, effective way to diagnose and fix Windows boot problems.

If your PC or Mac shows a scary popup or unexpected behaviour, stay calm — don’t follow any on‑screen instructions, click supplied links, or call numbers shown in alerts. Immediately disconnect the device from the internet, take a photo or screenshot of the message, and make a note of what happened; these simple actions preserve evidence and make recovery much faster. If you’re in Herefordshire, call Optimised Computing for fast, on‑site malware triage and safe removal so you don’t risk making the problem worse.

Are Herefordshire businesses safe from the latest cyber threats? The old, typo-ridden phishing emails are gone, replaced by highly convincing AI-powered scams and deepfakes. This 2025 trend demands a smarter defence. Learn the 4 critical AI-enhanced red flags you must teach your team. Optimised Computing, your local IT support in Hereford, guides you through implementing essential protection like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and scheduling cybersecurity training to keep your data and finances secure. Read on to AI-proof your inbox today!

In a digital-first world, your Herefordshire charity, club, or business deserves more than just word-of-mouth. A website is your modern-day noticeboard—open 24/7, reaching supporters near and far. At Optimised Computing, we take the stress out of going online, building custom websites with built-in SEO and AI tools so you can focus on what matters most: your mission.

If you're a small business owner in Hereford—whether you're fixing laptops, brewing coffee, or offering plumbing services—local SEO can be your secret weapon for growth. As the founder of Optimised Computing, I’ve used local SEO to connect with more customers, increase visibility in Google searches, and build trust in my community. In this post, I’ll share practical strategies that have worked for me and can work for you too—so your business shows up when it matters most.

Discover how a trusted Hereford technician revived a beloved Sony VAIO—saving money, reducing e-waste, and proving that old laptops still have life left in them."

Feeling lost in Windows 11? This blog shares 7 practical tweaks—from restoring the classic right-click menu to speeding up old machines and enabling boot logs—that make Windows more familiar, efficient, and user-friendly. Plus, a great tool to fully customize your Start Menu!

Browser notification scams are the new pop-up menace—tricking users into clicking “Allow” and flooding them with bogus warnings, shady links, and malware traps. Whether you're on Chrome, Edge, Safari, Windows, macOS, Android, or iPhone, this guide shows you how to spot the scams and shut them down for good.

Struggling to access your Windows device after forgetting your password? This post explores practical, user-friendly options for getting back into your system—whether through official reset methods, recovery tools, or safe workarounds tailored for different situations. We break down the pros, cons, and limitations of each approach, highlighting which solutions work best for home users, IT technicians, or educators managing multiple machines. If you're locked out and looking for clarity, this guide will steer you toward a secure and efficient resolution.

When your Windows device plays a vital role in your daily life or workplace, the last thing you need is a system failure that leaves you stranded. This post unpacks the overlooked importance of enabling built-in Windows recovery features—from System Restore and Registry backups to rescue boot menus and BitLocker key management. At Optimised Computing, we highlight how these proactive steps not only safeguard your data but dramatically accelerate support and service restoration.

Explore how to:

• Enable System Protection and create restore points

• Schedule Registry backups using Task Scheduler

• Restore legacy F8 rescue boot options

• Secure and back up your BitLocker key and login credentials

Whether you’re tech-savvy or just getting started, these strategies are vital. Because when things go wrong, being prepared is the difference between stress and swift recovery.

f your MacBook won’t turn on or the screen stays black, it might not be the end of the road. From simple fixes to full screen replacements, we’ve broken down everything you need to know in our latest blog:

How to Fix MacBook Blank Screen and MacBook Screen Replacement
Expert advice from your local tech team at Optimised Computing, Hereford

covering:

Common causes of blank screens
Step-by-step troubleshooting
When to repair vs. replace
What to expect from a professional screen replacement