There are plenty of free PC optimizers that claim to offer noticeably faster performance, but not all live up to expectations. That’s why we’ve tested all of the most popular options and put together the ones we think will give your PC a noticeable boost in speed, with no hidden extras or intrusive ads.
Notably, you can do a lot of what these free PC optimizers do for yourself using Windows’ built-in system maintenance tools, but that is time-consuming; what free PC optimizers offer is convenience.
If you want more features, many of these free PC optimizers also have paid versions that can perform more advanced tasks and offer additional tools like secure file deletion and scheduled scans.
The best free PC optimizers
- Iolo System Mechanic
- Iobit Advanced SystemCare Free
- Piriform CCleaner
- Ashampoo WinOptimizer
- Razer Cortex
1. Iolo System Mechanic
Operating system: Windows
- One-click cleaning
- Clear and detailed analysis
- Option to choose scan types
Iolo System Mechanic removes junk files and unwanted applications, blocks Bloatware and unwanted auto-run settings, cleans RAM, and clears various logs, browser histories, and caches.
Not only does it free up key system resources, but it also removes traces of your browsing activity to protect your privacy.
Your PC optimization toolkit makes a difference; Every time we have tried System Mechanic we have found a significant speed improvement, especially at startup. The free edition is great, but the two paid versions, System Mechanic and System Mechanic Pro, are worth considering if you find yourself using the program regularly.
The genuine performance boost we saw after running System Mechanic made it our favorite PC optimizer. Read on for four more of the best apps out there to speed up your Windows PC.
2. IObit Advanced SystemCare Free
Operating system: Windows
- Clean and customizable interface
- Automatic cleaning with a single click
- Individual files cannot be excluded
IObit Advanced SystemCare Free is a reduced version of IObit SystemCare Pro, but it is still a powerful system optimization tool in its own right. With one-click scanning, automatic cleaning, and tons of other tools to improve your PC’s performance and security, it’s an impressive program worth considering if you’re starting to experience any system slowdowns.
The Pro version adds improvements to Internet speed, real-time optimization, privacy protection, deep registry cleaning, and ongoing technical support. It costs $ 20 for a year, and the license covers three PCs.
Whichever edition you choose, IObit Advanced SystemCare’s interface is well designed, easy to use, and unlikely to scare off even the most inexperienced PC user. We would subtract points from the installer for wanting to add additional programs, but it is easy to avoid if you choose the custom installation.
Like most PC optimizers on this list, it cleans up files and folders you don’t need, cleanses the Windows registry, and fixes hard drive errors, all through a simple and elegant control panel.
3. Piriform CCleaner
Operating system: Windows, macOS, Android
- Free up disk space
- Easy to use
- For desktop and mobile use
Piriform CCleaner has been around for a long time, and part of the reason for its continued popularity is that it cleans parts of your PC that many other free system optimization tools do not clean.
CCleaner removes unnecessary or redundant files, fixes bugs, and optimizes software to speed up your PC and protect your privacy. It also has a registry cleaner to remove unused entries and correct errors that could slow down your PC, as well as a safe file destroyer to erase confidential information.
There is a paid version of the optimization toolkit that adds real-time protection and cleanup scheduling, but the free edition of CCleaner covers the important things like removing temporary files, removing browser caches, removing unwanted cookies while the useful ones are kept and so on.
If your PC is feeling slow then this is the free PC optimizer that you should try first.
4. Ashampoo WinOptimizer
Operating system: Windows
- Quick and comprehensive scans
- Descriptive interface
- Extensive toolset
The biggest appeal of Ashampoo WinOptimizer is its flexibility: you can search for junk files, broken registry entries and browser cookies with a single click, and delete them all with one more.
Alternatively, you can explore in-depth by selecting the “Details” button to review your scan results one by one. Unlike some PC optimizers, Ashampoo WinOptimizer gives you a complete description of each identified problem, explaining exactly what it is about and why you should consider removing it. Then you can make an informed decision about whether to delete or keep it.
WinOptimizer also includes a set of “modules” for routine maintenance tasks, such as defragmenting hard drives and optimizing startup processes. These are all tasks that could be performed within Windows itself, but having them all in one place is much more convenient than going through the menus.
(In case you were wondering, Ashampoo takes its unusual name from the fact that its software cleanses your computer “like a shampoo.”)
5. Razer Cortex
Operating system: Windows
- Free up RAM for gaming
- Provides FPS statistics
- Frequently updated
If your system is having trouble when trying to play, Razer Cortex might be the answer. This free PC optimizer suspends unnecessary system processes, cleans memory, and defragments your system for the best possible gaming performance.
Razer Cortex itself has three parts: Game Booster, System Booster, and Game Deals. Game Booster releases resources when you are playing and automatically activates when you run games from Origin, Steam, or your desktop. System Booster works much like other PC optimization programs like CCleaner, cleaning junk files, defragmenting drives, and ordering the system. Game Deals, as the name suggests, provides a summary of current Steam, HumbleBundle, IndieGala, and other offerings.
System Booster can also defragment the games installed on your PC, which in theory should make them run faster.
Razer Cortex is available for Windows 7, 8, and 10, and while the improvements won’t make you jump for joy (for most people, the results will translate into slightly smoother images rather than surprising performance improvements) It does automate the awkward process of disabling unnecessary software and services when it comes time to play.
