A critical review of PC optimization software

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Computers, especially those running on Windows, can easily become corrupt and slow over time. Resulting in unpredictable behavior, sluggishness, incorrect files and software, etc., it gets simply annoying at some point. PC optimization software is there to help carry out usual tasks again and to clean up.

Although Windows 10 brought more advanced system maintenance tools, it is still uninsured against clutter, and may users are still enjoying Windows 7 and other older versions. Optimization tools and repair software typically detect and delete old junk files, boost RAM and boot up time, check registry issues. We took top ten tune-up utilities as suggested by Google search and put them to test. Also we create a short guide about PC optimization software in the end of our review.

I. Installation + Pricing

Installation + Pricing
Software Size Installer Free Trial Pro
1 IObit Advanced SystemCare 166 MB 48 MB $19.99
2 Restoro 68 MB 1 MB $29.95
3 DefenceByte 12 MB 5 MB 15-days $38.95
4 iolo System Mechanic 81 MB 32 MB $39.96
5 Wise Care 365 43 MB 10 MB $26.99
6 AVG TuneUp 208 MB 59 MB 60-days $49.99
7 Ashampoo WinOptimizer 76 MB 19 MB 10-days $20.00
8 Glary Utilities 55 MB 17 MB $19.97
9 Advanced System Optimizer 80 MB 17 MB $59.40
10 WinUtilities 32 MB 7 MB 30-days $19.95
11 WinZip System Utilities 95 MB 45 MB $39.95
12 Razer Cortex: Game Booster 232 MB 5 MB N/A
13 Auslogics Boost Speed 126 MB 26 MB $16.98

We ran each utility on the same PC, in the same environment, repetitively. We didn’t count performance boost in percentage, because it would be inaccurate due to testing 12 apps in a row. Instead, we have created comparative tables for various aspects of PC optimization so that you can see for yourself what matters. We’ve used a simple rating system allocating 1 point per feature.

II. Cleaning features

Software Disk cleaner Junk files Privacy cleaner Registry issues Broken shortcuts Duplicates finder Uninstaller Rating (7 – max)
1 IObit Advanced SystemCare Pro Pro 6
2 Restoro 4
3 DefenceByte 5
4 iolo System Mechanic Pro Pro Pro Pro Pro 5
5 Wise Care 365 Pro Pro 5
6 AVG TuneUp 4
7 Ashampoo WinOptimizer 7
8 Glary Utilities Pro 7
9 Advanced System Optimizer Pro Pro Pro Pro Pro Pro 7
10 WinUtilities 7
11 WinZip System Utilities Pro Pro Pro Pro Pro 6
12 Razer Cortex: Game Booster  ✔  ✔ 3
13 Auslogics Boost Speed Pro Pro 7

III. Optimization features

Software Registry defrag-on Disk defrag-on RAM booster Autostart manager Context menu manager Tasks manager Internet Booster Settings Fixer Rating (8 – max)
1 IObit Advanced SystemCare Pro Pro Pro Pro Pro 8
2 Restoro Pro 1
3 DefenceByte 1
4 iolo System Mechanic Pro Pro Pro Pro Pro 5
5 Wise Care 365 Pro Pro Pro 6
6 AVG TuneUp Pro 2
7 Ashampoo WinOptimizer 8
8 Glary Utilities Pro Pro 6
9 Advanced System Optimizer Pro Pro Pro Pro 6
10 WinUtilities Pro Pro 5
11 WinZip System Utilities Pro Pro 4
12 Razer Cortex: Game Booster 4
13 Auslogics Boost Speed Pro 7

IV. Security features

Software Antispyware Anti Adware Web protection Webcam Antitheft Privacy advisor Rating (5 – max)
1 IObit Advanced SystemCare Pro Pro 5
2 Restoro 3
3 DefenceByte 1
4 iolo System Mechanic Pro Pro Pro 3
5 Wise Care 365 Pro Pro Pro 3
6 AVG TuneUp Pro 1
7 Ashampoo WinOptimizer 4
8 Glary Utilities Pro Pro 2
9 Advanced System Optimizer Pro Pro Pro 3
10 WinUtilities Pro 1
11 WinZip System Utilities 0
12 Razer Cortex: Game Booster 0
13 Auslogics Boost Speed Pro Pro 3

V. Additional features

Software Tray app Scheduler Files wiper System info Files undelete Backups manager Software updater Drivers updater Rating (8 – max)
1 IObit Advanced SystemCare Pro Pro Pro 8
2 Restoro 1
3 DefenceByte 4
4 iolo System Mechanic Pro Pro Pro 4
5 Wise Care 365 Pro 5
6 AVG TuneUp 4
7 Ashampoo WinOptimizer 5
8 Glary Utilities Pro 7
9 Advanced System Optimizer Pro Pro Pro Pro Pro 6
10 WinUtilities Pro Pro 6
11 WinZip System Utilities Pro Pro 4
12 Razer Cortex: Game Booster 3
13 Auslogics Boost Speed Pro 6

VI. Performance tests

Software Junk files Privacy issues Registry issues Other issues Outdated drivers System loading speedup
1 IObit Advanced SystemCare 1.6 GB 5990 788 36 4 -3894
2 Restoro 1.32 GB N/A 46 2 N/A -3412
3 DefenceByte 554 MB 1138 497 N/A N/A -1527
4 iolo System Mechanic 1.27 GB 3684 220 3 N/A -4480
5 Wise Care 365 1.43 GB Pro 186 31 N/A -492
6 AVG TuneUp 843 MB 3335 223 14 N/A -3362
7 Ashampoo WinOptimizer 1.03 GB 5661 437 7 N/A -4092
8 Glary Utilities 2.24 GB 2023 165 6 N/A -1233
9 Advanced System Optimizer 1.98 GB 1624 168 1 1 -4071
10 WinUtilities 1.88 GB 1965 487 3 N/A -2868
11 WinZip System Utilities 1.33 GB Pro 165 N/A 3 -3596
12 Razer Cortex: Game Booster 2.2 GB 2796 N/A 15 N/A -966
13 Auslogics Boost Speed 617 MB 5606 19 26 N/A -2702

Top PC optimization software

PC optimization utilities perform deep scans, find and fix problematic areas. Repair functions may include hard drive defragmentation, registry repairs, RAM and disk space freeing, junk file removal, etc. Some are basic, others are more advanced, while all of them have ‘repair all/fix all’ option. We tested every utility in the same repetitive manner on a 8GB RAM PC on Windows 7 Professional.

OS: Windows Vista, XP | License: Freeware, Shareware | Developer: IObit

pc optimization programs

A tune-up tool from IObit with features like security diagnosing, protection against browser malware, disk cleaner, CPU and RAM performance monitoring. In terms of speeding up a PC, there are options to switch off unnecessary services, accelerate hard drives, perform basic optimization, as well as manage files and processes, recover files, etc. Read the full review of Advanced Systemcare

Pros

  • Installation process is easy and quick
  • Lots of PC system optimization capabilities
  • Bitdefender antivirus engine inside

Cons

  • Upsell offers and ads in the app
  • Not so strong in blocking malware
  • Average in anti-phishing tests
02 of 13

Restoro

OS: XP and above | License: Freeware, Pro |  Developer: Restoro

pc optimizer

Restoro is a 1-click-fix software for PC optimization and cleaning. It uses cloud scanning which is divided into several stages. After scanning, users can entrust the repair to the program or do it manually themselves. At every scan stage a description of detected issues is shown, and export in HTML format is possible. Optimization also includes data collection from temperature sensors and other parameters of the hard drive. Free version can be activated on the official website – but is only eligible for free manual repair and reports. Full version can scan (by demand) key system folders for malware, as well as downloaded files.

Pros

  • Stable performance
  • Real-time threat monitoring
  • System stability scan

Cons

  • Requires good Internet connection
  • Only step-by-step scan
  • Very basic Free edition

free pc optimization software

03 of 13

DefenceByte

OS: Windows XP, 7, 8, 10 | License: Subscription | Developer: Defencebyte

free pc optimizer

Defencebyte by an Australian software vendor, providing antivirus, security and PC optimization solutions.  Defencebyte Computer Optimizer scans a device and gets rid of unnnecessary junk. At the same time, it includes browser cleaning tool, Windows service manager tool, website block tool, registry cleaner, uninstaller tool (although some of them have issues). For one PC it costs $39 per year, and there’s a 15-day trial.

Pros

  • Fast scanning
  • Money-back guarantee
  • 24/7 support via chat or phone

Cons

  • Not all features perform properly
  • Hard to configure for beginners

OS: Windows | License: Freeware |  Developer: iolo technologies, LLC.

PC optimization apps

To condense features into one sentence would be naming cleanup (remove junk files), booster for Internet settings, disk defragmenter, memory mechanic (to free RAM from idle apps), Windows startup optimizer, system troubleshooter. There’s more to try to impress customers, though a free version will be of better value, and there’s a discount for 1-year license right now. Read full System Mechanic Pro review.

Pros

  • Wide array of PC optimization tools
  • Unlimited installs, one-click cleanup
  • Various scanning options

Cons

  • Uninformative reports
  • Many features only available in Pro
  • Customer support lacks contact options

OS: Windows | License: Freeware | Developer: WiseCleaner.com

pc optimization utilities

Wise Care 365 is a PC speed up utility that goes beyond a typical disk cleaner. Along with hardware overview, it will show you its temperature, as well as even local temperature in a room/office. It also hides tools such as disk eraser, password generator, data recovery, backups. Its both free and paid, supports English, French, Italian, Japanese, Spanish languages, and provides 24/7 technical support for paid customers.

Pros

  • Lots of extra handy tools
  • User control over areas to clean or boost
  • Adds tools of choice to right-click context menu
  • Has a portable app version

Cons

  • Free version very limited
  • No help in processes heavy on RAM
  • No antivirus included
  • Focus on older versions of Windows
06 of 13

AVG TuneUp

OS: Windows | License: Free to try | Developer: TuneUp Software GmbH

pc tuneup utilities

Big guns showing up at the party, pardon the saying. The most expensive PC repair tool ($49.99 year subscription) out of all ten apps, surely enough offers a free version, which is a 15-day trial. So, what’s in store? One-click fix for separate modules, i.e. Maintenance, Performance Optimizer, Live Optimization. Troubleshooting, disk cleanup, duplicate finder, disabling automatic program execution – for sure. Plus possibilities like customizing Windows, ‘turbo’ and ‘economy’ modes, etc. 

Pros

  • Familiar and easy to use
  • It can automate basic maintenance tasks
  • Unlimited installs, support for Mac & Android

Cons

  • Installs additional unwanted apps
  • Non-stop running, false alarms occasionally
  • Results don’t correspond with promotion

OS: Windows | License: Freeware, Shareware | Developer: Ashampoo

WinOptimizer will provide system maintenance through a cleaner tool, erasing internet trails, repairing registry, conducting pro-active defragmentation, etc. Users have possibilities in file management, system diagnosis, shutdown of system services, and even customizing Windows OS.

pc optimizer

Pros

  • Powerful system scan and 1-click fix
  • Automatic repair of invalid entries on start up
  • Accelerate system boot with boot sector optimizer

Cons

  • No custom install
  • Can erase system restore points
  • Adds store link to desktop

OS: Windows | License: Shareware | Developer: Glaryutilities.com

pc optimization tools

A simple and straightforward PC optimization tool with all the basic functions. It consists of modules that are responsible for different areas: Cleanup & Repair module, Optimize & Improve module, Privacy module, Files & Folders module, System Tools module. The latter one could be of great benefit, for example, when monitoring app on PC to prevent spyware, managing browser add-ons, etc.

Pros

  • Effective in optimization and cleanup
  • Nice interface, easy to use
  • Speeding and tuning up every area

Cons

  • Some tools are a bit slow
  • Not the easiest or fastest to install
  • Freeing only little disk space

free pc optimization software

OS: Windows | License: Trial version 15 days | Money back guarantee: 60 days | Developer: Systweak

We’ve seen A.S.O. in every possible list of PC optimization software, so, of course, we tested it too. What we liked was the fact that this tool can do it s job quietly in the background and not eat much resources. But the first thing that catches the eye is the interface – resembling a disk defragmentation tool on Windows XP years back. No wonder, it includes this feature too. In addition to the basics, ASO offers gaming no-interference optimization via a virtual private desktop, driver updater, encryptor, and other extra niceties.

Pros

  • Deep and comprehensive cleanup
  • Additional tools in the package
  • System backup, tools for privacy

Cons

  • Backup functionality quite stiff
  • Only one backup per day allowed
  • It flags some settings and cookies as threats

OS: Windows 10/8.1/2003/7/Vista and XP | License: Free, $39.95 Onetime | Developer: Xp-tools

best pc optimization software

Here’s a shortlist of WinUtilities functions: disk backup, file recovery for Windows, document protection, registry backups and restoring, disk analysis and defrag, duplicate file removal. For those willing to purchase Pro there are 2 fine options: $29.95 one-year license or $39.95 lifetime. Both have an additional feature for encrypting important files. On the other hand, the program isn’t much sophisticated.

Pros

  • Works fast and smooth
  • Multiple languages, help documentation
  • HTML reports for different modules

Cons

  • Not too different from Windows utilities
  • Very little effect on RAM boost
  • No disk cleanup or anti-malware

OS: Windows 8/10 | Annual subscription: $7.99 | Developer: WinZip Computing

PC repair software 2018

At this point, we can clearly confirm that there are plenty of actually free PC optimization software. WinZip is another example, as free version has all you need: PC diagnosis and a single click fix, registry cleaner, recovery, protection against privacy-exposing traces. Purchase full-feature product and you also get driver updater, Windows updater and hard disk explorer (to manage and improve).    

Pros

  • Free scan, clean UI
  • More than 20 tools in the package
  • Game optimizer

Cons

  • No Windows 8 support
  • Duplicates Windows functionality
  • Treats minor and major issues similarly

OS: Windows 7/8/Vista and XP| Installer: 40.0 MB | License: Freeware | Developer: Razer

pc optimizer software

And one final and very specific utility: Game Booster by Razer Cortex. As title suggests, this PC tune-up tool is designed for gamers and comfortable gaming experience. That is hit #1. Hit #2 is a freeware model – totally free to download and use whenever and wherever. Now, how it eventually works? Game Booster launches momentarily as you start any game on your PC and shuts down program, and this frees up resources and RAM. When you finish the game, all goes back as it was before. Simple.

Pros

  • PC optimization for good gaming performance
  • Able to cast gaming sessions on the web
  • Free to use, user-friendly interface

Cons

  • Suspicious in terms of malware
  • Repeated sign-ins and only online use
  • Requires .NET framework

OS: Windows 7 and above| License: Freeware, Shareware | Developer: Auslogics

software for pc optimization

Boost Speed, a tool for all-encompassing PC optimization, stands out by offering almost all Pro features in its free version, although with limited amounts of launches. There are tools for cleaning hard drives, deleting private files, in it, as well as many extra tools that have been requested by users. For example, there is an Anti-Cat function to automatically lock the PC, task manager, Internet connection optimization. The basic protection of browsers and personal data can be extended using the Antimalware module. Read the full review of Auslogics Boost Speed

Pros

  • A lot additional features
  • Privacy optimization for Windows 10
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • Certain tools available only in Pro
  • Difficult navigation
  • Ads and notifications in Free version

How to optimize PC for gaming [short manual]

Step 0: Safety. Always create a backup, before making any critical changes to the system. In Windows, you can do it by using the recovery point creation tool.

Step 1: Drivers. First, install the latest hardware drivers, as game developers typically use the most advanced technologies in graphics. So with outdated drivers you will not be able to enjoy all the visual effects and will have losses in FPS.

Step 2: Autorun. The autorun list is one of the most misunderstood reasons for slowing down your PC. Each application launched from this list at system startup consumes PC resources, and is not always necessary at the moment. Turning off unnecessary applications will allow you to free up resources for gaming.

Step 3: Cleaning. Clean up the system drive from unnecessary files with help of one of optimizer app to free up space. We also recommend optimizing the registry to speed up the access to it.

Step 4: Run applications. Terminate all applications, except antivirus solutions. We do not recommend disabling antivirus software during the game, especially if it is an online game. Instead, use the Game / No notifications modes.

Step 5: Paging (only for experts). Increasing the paging file will allow to create the necessary memory reserve in case the basic amount of RAM is not enough. This could help to avoid slowdowns during resource-intensive moments in a game.

Step 6: Reboot. After having completed previous steps, restart the system and make sure it works stably. If any errors occur, restore the system to the previous state, using recovery tools. Have a nice game!

Also we prepare a few user tips for PC optimization software:

To perform PC optimization properly there are few suggestions. Use autorun optimizer – as often slowdowns are caused by big number of processes that automatically launch at system startup, disabling unnecessary applications will definitely free up resources. Be careful with registry cleaner – always back up registry entries before cleaning it, because optimizers cannot always distinguish the correct entry from the outdated one.

Do not clean everything automatically, at least when you run this feature for the first time. Always check carefully, which files you allow to remove, or choose to clean by script. There is always a risk of deleting temp files that are needed by OS. Backup changes – most PC optimizers have built-in tools for archiving changes caused by optimization. Before the first cleaning, we recommend setting up backups (or system restore points) to prevent system crashes.

FAQ

Q: What does PC optimization mean?
A: When using a computer daily, it will get slower. The registry gets filled with junk/useless keys, as well as the hard drive. A general term “PC optimization” means manual or automatic cleaning/repair tasks aimed at improving slow PC performance.

Q: What is PC optimization software?
A: PC optimizers are a special category of software that help improve the speed of user’s device. Using built-in tools, users can conduct regular maintenance of operating system to prevent slowdowns. In addition, these programs help to remove temporary and unnecessary files to increase free disk space. Also, most of optimization software can aid in system settings or elimination of common errors.

Q: Why use PC optimization software?
A: Any long-term and intense use of OS accumulates large amounts of unnecessary information, like outdated backups for instance. Windows OS is especially characterized by the accumulation of failed registry entries caused by unfit removal of software, errors in structural components. These factors reduce the speed of the system, which leads to a drop in PC performance. So optimizer tools are one kind of remedy against that.

Q: What's the best PC repair software?
A: Advanced SystemCare, System Mechanic, AVG TuneUp, Wise Care 365 are popular, but there are many other decent utilities. We recommend reading our comparison of top tools in this article to decide on your own.

Q: How do PC optimizers work? Do they clean or repair?
A: Many programs keep logs of different detail degree for monitoring and critical errors detection. In process, they produce temporary files that are not always deleted, and further accumulate in the system, occupying space. OS also remembers previously used programs and files to provide quick access just in case. All of it leads to accumulation of vast number of files that are not necessary, but stored on disk. PC optimizers search unnecessary files in known locations, then delete them.

Q: How to choose the best PC cleaner?
A: It is usually a good practice to start with a free trial for several programs of choice, as well as reading user reviews online, checking features, price plans, finding out pros and cons, etc.

Q: Is AVG PC TuneUp good?
A: During our in-house tests, it performed well: it found 53 PC issues and 208 registry issues, it cleaned off 400 Mb of junk files, stopped 9 unnecessary processes. It is familiar, has Mac and Android versions as well. The cost is $49 per year. So we can say it is quite a decent product.

Q: How to optimize PC performance?
A: There are several tips: delete programs you don’t use, limit programs that auto-run on startup, review the registry, clean the hard drive, update OS/drivers/etc., run fewer programs at the same time, use PC repair software.

Q: How to optimize my PC for gaming?
A: General recommendations are: update graphics drivers from time to time, switch from HDD to SDD, defrag the hard disk, disable Windows Update, adjust power plan on a laptop, disable visual effects.

Q: Is PC optimization needed for Windows 10?
A: Less than for older Windows OS version, but it can also end up running slowly. In such case, read recommendations and FAQs above.

Q: Is PC optimization needed for Mac OS?
A: Mac computers surely fall prey to slowdowns and errors much more seldom than Windows devices. But still Macs can get cluttered too, especially when several years in service.

Q: Active monitoring vs Scheduling
A: Active monitoring tools, built in optimizers, perform real-time monitoring of the system state. Users can set up conditions and requirements for monitoring and consecutive cleanup. Scheduling option allows to run a checkup and optimization upon specified time periods.

Q: What is defragmentation?
A: This is an operation of structuring data on a disk. HDD store information in special cells - clusters of small size. Files are recorded in these cells, sometimes resulting in a situation where one file can be dispersed in cells. And if those cells are located at a great distance one from another, it could cause system crash when accessing a file. Defragmentation organizes data in clusters, so that files will no longer be scattered afar.

Q: What is file optimization?
A: This is a set of tools for one of aspects of PC optimization: File explorer - utilities with it provide reports about file sizes and disk space, Duplicate finder - detects duplicate files located in different directories, File undelete/restore - to recover accidentally deleted files, File shredder - to delete files permanently, without the possibility of restoration.

Q: Is registry optimization relevant?
A: Windows operating system uses registry as the key logbook of global and small system settings. To understand how the registry works, imagine that you need to pay one paper bill every day, but before paying, you must check all previous bills and always carry them with you. Over time, this procedure will require more and more time - so will accessing a registry entry, with many unnecessary keys.

Q: Do smartphones also need tuneup/boost?
A: Yes, Android OS, in particular, seems to lack in resource management and ends up slow often. In addition, apps, notifications, media files, web browsing etc. tend to eat-up phone’s RAM and power.

Q: Are there free PC repair tools?
A: Yes, please check our Tuneup software directory to find out which ones are free. 

Q: How to optimize PC fan speed?
A: We do not recommend changing hardware settings, because this may be grounds for warranty cancellation. The high speed of cooling fans indicates high temperature of heating components, the processor in particular. To cool it, try optimizing PC and reducing overloads. If the issue persists, contact service center and request system unit dust cleaning.

Q: PC optimizer suggests deleting files from system folder/disk. Is it safe?
A: It is safe, but always use tools for archiving beforehand. We also recommend to make a full backup of the system using Backup Software or Disk Imaging software, at least once a month.

Q: I deleted junk files, but PC optimizer found them again. What should I do?
A: This means that files are still in use by OS and therefore not available for deletion. Try to remove them after restarting the PC.

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About author

Alex started to develop software as early as in his school years, when he was 16 years old. These first attempts were gaming and healthcare mobile apps. During the high school period he has been producing trading bots and various trading software. Afterwards, he used to manage offline businesses, yet still devoting spare time to online gambling niche and web development. In 2011, Alex finally decided to launch an IT outsourcing company specializing in mobile apps and fintech. Since then, the team has also developed several proprietary products. In 2015 the company took on a commitment to solely concentrate on its own trademarked products and IT marketing activity.