Note (October 2026): This guide originally described CCleaner Professional Plus as free; it is a paid edition, and the free CCleaner is licensed for home use. Several version numbers named below have also been superseded, as noted in each section.
To optimize PC performance on Windows, start with the free steps Microsoft recommends: install Windows updates, run a malware scan, free up disk space with Storage Sense, uninstall unused apps, disable startup apps in Task Manager, set Power mode to Best performance and restart. Paid optimizer suites such as Auslogics BoostSpeed or CCleaner bundle these jobs into one interface, but they are optional.
Key Takeaways
- Windows 11 already includes the main speed-up tools: Storage Sense, Task Manager startup control, Optimize Drives and Windows Security.
- Microsoft does not support registry cleaning utilities and warns that problems they cause may not be repairable, so back up before using one.
- All seven suites in this list are still sold as of October 2026, but most version numbers in the original article are outdated.
- CCleaner Professional Plus is paid; the free CCleaner edition is for home use.
- Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, so an unsupported Windows 10 PC needs more than an optimizer to stay safe.
PC performance determines how quickly a computer opens programs, loads files and finishes everyday tasks. Running many programs at once, especially apps that launch at startup or keep working in the background, is one of the most common reasons a Windows PC slows down.
How to Optimize Your Slow Windows Computer
Upgrading your computer is usually the most common solution, but it’s not the only thing you can do. Windows itself includes free tools that handle most cleanup, and third-party optimization suites add convenience and scheduling on top of them.
This guide covers seven well-known optimization suites, what each one does, and the free built-in Windows steps Microsoft recommends trying first.
1] Auslogics BoostSpeed 11
Auslogics BoostSpeed is a long-running Windows optimization suite. As of October 2026 the publisher lists version 14 (14.2.0.6) for Windows 7 to 11, so the version 11 named here is an older release. Auslogics BoostSpeed 11 is a paid suite that bundles junk cleaning, registry cleaning, settings tweaks and scheduled maintenance; how much it helps varies from one PC to another.
Let’s look at some of its best benefits to expect.
a) Performs an In-Depth PC Diagnosis
If you are looking for software whose computer checkup will help to identify the junk files and other severe issues affecting speed and overall PC performance, then Auslogics BoostSpeed 11 is what you need.
As with any cleanup tool, review what it plans to delete before confirming and create a restore point first, because no optimizer can guarantee that removing an item has no side effects.
b) Gets Rid of Junk
Junk files are usually a major factor affecting PC performance. So, clearing out any junk file on your PC will give you more space hence allowing the computer to run much faster. Some of the most stubborn junk files that using the Auslogics BoostSpeed 11 will help you clean include.
- Leftover Windows Update files.
- Unnecessary user and system temporary files.
- Unused error logs.
- Microsoft word cache.
- Browser cache.
- Temporary Sun Java files.
c) Increases Stability
Invalid entries and corrupt keys in the Windows registry are often blamed for slowdowns, although registry bloat is far less of a performance issue in modern versions of Windows than it once was. Auslogics BoostSpeed 11 includes a registry cleaner for these entries. Microsoft does not support the use of registry cleaning utilities and warns that problems they cause may not be repairable, so back up the registry before using one.
d) Boosts Speed
Sometimes, the cause of a slow computer is usually the system settings. Using this optimization software enables you to analyze different settings and adjust them like a pro to help speed up your PC.
The original article claimed better music and movie quality, faster downloads and smoother browsing after using Auslogics BoostSpeed 11; settings tweaks can help responsiveness on some PCs, but they cannot improve the quality of music or video files themselves.
e) Ensures Proper Security
A computer without basic protections is easier for attackers to compromise. The Auslogics BoostSpeed 11 software has unique and effective features that help to ensure you stay safe when browsing and also get rid of any details on the web that might make it easier for cybercriminals to trace your critical information.
Privacy cleanup is not a substitute for security software: Microsoft advises keeping Windows updated and running a malware scan with Windows Security, and no single tool removes every internet threat.
f) Offers Automatic System Maintenance
Sometimes, you just don’t want to see any tool optimizing your PC when you are using it, as it can be annoying. Auslogics BoostSpeed 11 lets you schedule maintenance for a time you choose.
That way, the process will start at the set time, and you’ll find your PC already cleaned up and accelerated when coming back.
Auslogics BoostSpeed is one option among several; whether it is worth paying for depends on whether the free Windows tools already cover your needs.
Readers with questions about the software, including how to switch to its game mode, can Ask a Question through Auslogics support; response times are not guaranteed.
When this article was first published in June 2020, readers were offered a 40% discount on this software with the following promo code, which may no longer be valid, so check the current price on the publisher’s site: SRCJWEBW40BS.
2] Advanced SystemCare 13 PRO
Advanced SystemCare, made by IObit, cleans junk files and invalid registry entries to free up space. As of October 2026 the current release is Advanced SystemCare 19, offered as a free edition (version 19.6.0) and a paid Pro edition, so the version 13 named here is several releases old.
Also, using this optimization software can allow you to speed up your browsing and stay safe on the internet to avoid cybercriminals from attacking your device.
3] Ashampoo WinOptimizer
Ashampoo WinOptimizer removes browser cookies, invalid registry entries and junk files with its One-Click Optimizer. As of October 2026 the current edition is Ashampoo WinOptimizer Pro 29, for Windows 11, 10 and 8.
Ashampoo WinOptimizer can also clean out program residuals and defragment hard disks.
Ashampoo WinOptimizer even allows you to set up a specific schedule of when your PC should be optimized automatically.
In addition, you can include other modules in your software to handle tasks like process management, privacy and start-up tuning, service management, and about 30 more.
4] Iolo System Mechanic® Ultimate Defense
Iolo System Mechanic® Ultimate Defense is iolo’s all-in-one suite that combines PC cleanup, antivirus, a password manager and privacy tools. As of October 2026 iolo still sells it for Windows 11, 8.1, 8 and 7 as well as Windows 10 users. Using this tool allows you to repair DLL, solve registry issues, and remove bloatware to help speed up the PC.
5] CCleaner Professional Plus
CCleaner Professional Plus is a paid edition of CCleaner, which is now owned by Gen Digital; the free CCleaner edition is licensed for home use. CCleaner clears browsing history and other online tracks, which helps privacy but does not by itself protect a PC from being hacked.
You can also take advantage of the automation tool to ensure your device gets checked often. That way, CCleaner Professional Plus will keep getting rid of any issues affecting your PC performance, thus keeping it at its best state.
6] Glary Utilities Pro 5
Glary Utilities Pro is an all-in-one maintenance suite with more than 20 tools. As of October 2026 the publisher lists version 6.48, so the version 5 named here is outdated. Glary Utilities Pro includes junk and registry cleanup, disk space analysis, duplicate-file removal and one-click maintenance. Also, this tool can help you fix start-up, registry, security, and privacy issues.
7] Norton Utilities
Norton Utilities is the PC tune-up line from Gen Digital; the current product is Norton Utilities Ultimate, which Norton says runs on Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8 and 7 (not on Windows on ARM or S mode) and on macOS Big Sur or later.
Therefore, you can use this optimization tool to help clean out junk files, remove useless software, and fix corrupted registry and other issues affecting the computer’s performance. Norton Utilities Ultimate also includes a browser cleaner, a data shredder and an Undo Center for reverting changes.
If you are struggling with an extremely slow computer, then your issue might even be minimal and easily solvable. This article lists several tools that can help, but try the free Windows steps below first.
The original authors of this article favored Auslogics, but there is no independent ranking showing that any one of these suites is best, and no optimizer can guarantee it will cause no problems. However, also check out other listed tools in this article to help see which one suits you best.
How to Optimize PC Performance for Free in Windows
Microsoft’s own support guide lists free steps that fix most slowdowns without extra software. Work through them in this order on Windows 11:
- Install updates: Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates, including optional driver updates.
- Scan for malware: Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Quick scan.
- Free up disk space: Settings > System > Storage > Storage Sense > Run Storage Sense now.
- Uninstall unused apps: Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Uninstall.
- Disable startup apps: press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, choose Startup apps and disable programs you do not need at boot.
- Stop background apps: in an app’s Advanced options, set “Let this app run in the background” to Never.
- Adjust visual effects: search for “Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows” and choose Adjust for best performance.
- Set Power mode: Settings > System > Power & battery > Power mode > Best performance.
- Optimize drives: search for “Defragment and Optimize Drives” and select Optimize.
- Watch resource use: check the Processes and Performance tabs in Task Manager to see which program is using CPU, memory or disk.
- Restart: close unused apps and restart the PC.
If the PC is still slow after these steps, the bottleneck is usually hardware, such as too little memory or an old hard disk, and the tips in this guide on ways to speed up your laptop cover upgrades. A Windows update that never finishes can also slow a machine; see how to fix a stuck Windows update.
PC Optimizer Tools Compared
The table below summarizes the seven suites as listed on each publisher’s site in October 2026.
| Tool | Publisher | Version in this article | Current version (October 2026) | Free edition? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auslogics BoostSpeed | Auslogics | 11 | 14 (14.2.0.6) | Paid Pro version |
| Advanced SystemCare | IObit | 13 Pro | 19 (free 19.6.0, Pro) | Yes |
| Ashampoo WinOptimizer | Ashampoo | Unnumbered | WinOptimizer Pro 29 | Paid |
| System Mechanic Ultimate Defense | iolo | Unnumbered | Still sold | Paid |
| CCleaner Professional Plus | Gen Digital (Piriform) | Unnumbered | Still sold | Free CCleaner for home use |
| Glary Utilities Pro | Glarysoft | 5 | 6.48 | Paid Pro version |
| Norton Utilities | Gen Digital | Unnumbered | Norton Utilities Ultimate | Paid |
Prices change often and many publishers run rolling discounts, so check the publisher’s own page for the current price before buying.
Are Registry Cleaners Safe?
Registry cleaners are the most debated feature of PC optimizer suites. Microsoft’s support policy states that Microsoft does not support the use of registry cleaning utilities, that problems caused by them may not be repairable, and that lost data may not be recoverable. Microsoft advises changing only registry values you understand and backing up the registry first.
Wikipedia’s article on registry cleaners notes that Microsoft once distributed its own registry cleaner, RegClean, but no longer supports such tools, and that slowdown from registry bloat is far less of an issue in modern versions of Windows. If an optimizer offers registry cleaning, it is reasonable to skip that module and use the junk-file and startup tools instead.
What to Check Before Installing an Optimizer
- Download only from the publisher: Microsoft warns that some free programs online contain spyware, adware or viruses.
- Watch for bundled software: in July 2020 Windows Defender began flagging the free CCleaner as a potentially unwanted application because of software bundling; Piriform later made third-party installs optional.
- Remember supply-chain risk: in September 2017, CCleaner 5.33 shipped with the Floxif trojan and reached about 2.27 million machines before version 5.34 removed it, according to Wikipedia’s CCleaner article.
- Create a restore point and a backup before the first cleanup run; see this list of backup software for Windows.
- Keep real security software: an optimizer’s privacy cleaner is not antivirus. Windows Security is built in, and a rootkit virus scan can find deeper infections.
Windows 10 PCs After End of Support
Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. According to Microsoft, Windows 10 PCs still work, but they no longer receive technical support, software updates or security fixes. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 11 or enrolling in its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. An optimizer can tidy a Windows 10 PC, but it cannot replace missing security updates.
For deeper storage problems, such as a full or badly partitioned drive, a partition tool helps more than a cleaner; this guide to disk management with MiniTool Partition Wizard explains the basics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to speed up a slow PC?
The fastest free fix is to open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc, disable unneeded startup apps, then restart. Microsoft also recommends installing updates, running Storage Sense to free disk space and setting Power mode to Best performance.
Do PC optimizer programs actually work?
PC optimizer programs mainly automate jobs Windows can already do, such as removing junk files, managing startup apps and scheduling cleanups. They can save time, but results vary by PC, and their registry cleaners are not supported by Microsoft.
Is CCleaner free?
CCleaner has a free edition for home use. CCleaner Professional and Professional Plus are paid editions, owned today by Gen Digital.
Should I use a registry cleaner on Windows 11?
Microsoft does not support registry cleaning utilities and warns that problems they cause may not be repairable. Registry bloat is far less of a performance issue in modern Windows, so most users can skip registry cleaning.
Does Windows 11 have a built-in PC optimizer?
Windows 11 has no single optimizer app, but it includes Storage Sense for disk cleanup, Task Manager for startup apps, Optimize Drives for disk maintenance, Power mode settings and Windows Security for malware scans.
