When should you unplug your computer?

Unplugging your computer when you smell burning or see smoke is essential for safety reasons. This action helps to prevent any potential fire hazard or further damage to the computer components. Electrical issues can lead to overheating, and if you notice these warning signs, it’s crucial to disconnect the power immediately to avoid any serious consequences, such as fire or injury.

In contrast, upgrading hardware typically requires you to turn off the computer but not necessarily disconnect it from power. Performing software updates does not require unplugging the computer, and doing so could interfere with the update process. Cleaning the keyboard, while it may be a good practice to turn off the computer to avoid accidental key presses, does not usually necessitate unplugging the device entirely. Thus, safety overrides other considerations when unusual smells or smoke are detected, making this the most appropriate situation for disconnecting power.