The 8 Best Tune-up Utilities for Windows in 2024 [Detailed List]

Is your computer becoming sluggish over time? It’s a common issue, but there’s good news. You don’t have to settle for a slow computer or buy a new one. Simple tools called PC tune-up utilities can help speed things up.

Over time, even the most powerful computers and gaming setups can slow down. Files pile up, and programs begin to demand more from your system. Luckily, you can give your computer a boost without spending much.

In this guide, we’ll explain a PC tune-up utility, highlight some of the best options available, their pros and cons, and share the best ways to use these tools for optimal performance. This is your go-to resource for making your computer run smoothly again.

What is a PC tune-up utility?

A PC tune-up utility is a program that helps your computer work better. It does things like removing unnecessary files, organizing how apps run in the background, deleting apps you no longer use, and cleaning up the registry (a key part of your computer’s system).

While you could do some of these tasks yourself if you know a bit about computers, the best part about these utilities is they can do everything with just one click. But be careful – some of these programs might try to add unwanted software like adware or spyware.

It’s important to note that Windows advises against using tools that clean the registry. The good thing is that all the programs we discuss let you choose what tools you want to use. So, if you’re not comfortable with a registry cleaner, you can turn off that option.

READ MORE: How to Disable Access to the Windows Registry for Standard Account? ➜

What are the best PC tune-up utilities?

When boosting your computer’s performance, some top actions include organizing your hard drive and cleaning up the Windows registry. This often leads to a faster and more efficient computer. Let’s look at some of the best tools for tuning up your PC.

1. AVG TuneUp

AVG TuneUp is a user-friendly tool that helps speed up your computer. It’s known for its clear interface, showing you exactly what can be improved on your PC. The tool offers a range of features, like cleaning up your registry, finding and removing unnecessary software, removing duplicates and temporary files, and updating your software automatically.

A standout feature is its live optimization, which helps your computer run more efficiently. AVG TuneUp also includes a Sleep Mode technology. This feature puts less-needed apps into hibernation, boosting your computer’s speed and performance.

It helps clean up your disk and browser to create more storage space. The tool regularly maintains your PC, reducing bugs, crashes, and freezes. It even has a Software Uninstaller to remove unwanted programs and a Disk Cleaner to free up space on your hard drive. This makes AVG TuneUp a comprehensive solution for keeping your PC running smoothly.

↪ Pros

• Try it free for 7 days without needing a credit card.
• Easy-to-use interface.
• Cleans your registry automatically.
• Live Optimization feature for real-time performance enhancement.
• Top-notch software for updating drivers.

↪ Cons

• The free version has fewer features.
• It is pricier than many other options available.

READ MORE: How to Uninstall AVG using AVG Removal Tool ➜

2. IOLO System Mechanic

IOLO System Mechanic is a well-known tune up utility that makes your computer run smoother and faster. It’s especially good for protecting your computer from dangers like password theft and malware. During its trial period, you can use various tools to improve your computer’s security and speed.

This software scans your PC and fixes problems that slow it down. It removes unnecessary files, clears your browsing history, and removes unwanted programs that slow down your computer’s startup. It also makes your internet faster, which is great for streaming, gaming, and downloading.

It frees up memory and manages how your computer uses its processing power. System Mechanic is easy to use and can fix over 30,000 different issues. It works in the background when your computer is idle.

It even has a feature called NetBooster to make your internet speed faster. You’ll need a Windows computer with at least 512 MB RAM and 100 MB free hard disk space to use it. An internet connection is also needed to activate the license.

↪ Pros

• Comes with extra features for privacy protection.
• Can be used on every PC in your house.
• Compatible with all versions of Windows.
• Offers good value for the price.
• Provides live-chat support for help and queries.

↪ Cons

• Some competitors might have a few more advanced options.
• The Internet booster feature provides only slight improvements.

3. CCleaner Professional

CCleaner Professional is an effective tool for cleaning and speeding up your PC, making it faster and more secure. It’s a popular choice, trusted by many, thanks to its straightforward operation. This program removes unnecessary files, updates old software drivers, and pauses less-used apps to enhance your computer’s performance.

A standout feature is the Performance Optimizer, which reduces background activity to give your PC a fresh feel. It also has a Driver Updater for better visuals and sound, ideal for gaming and creative use. The Health Check feature assesses your PC and suggests ways to make it run better and more securely.

CCleaner also offers one-click software updates to minimize security risks, cleans up browsers for safer internet use, and reduces startup times.

Impressively, CCleaner clears 35,000,000 GB of junk each month and has been downloaded 2.5 billion times. It’s available in 60 languages and sees 5,000,000 new desktop installations weekly, highlighting its global popularity and effectiveness in PC optimization.

↪ Pros

• Performance Optimizer to boost your PC’s speed.
• Driver Updater to keep your PC components updated.
• Updates all your software with just one click.
• Reduces errors and crashes for a more stable PC.
• Speeds up your computer’s startup time.
• Recover lost or deleted files.
• Offers priority customer support.

↪ Cons

• Offers only average control over which files get removed.
• The user interface isn’t the easiest to use compared to others.

READ MORE: How to Fix It When CCleaner Won’t Open ➜

4. DefenceByte

DefenceByte Computer Optimizer is a powerful tool designed to speed up and enhance the performance of your computer. It’s packed with features that clean your computer’s registry, remove unnecessary files and software, and manage resources better. This results in a brand new computer, as if it’s just been unboxed.

The software offers great security features, too. It blocks unwanted websites, schedules regular scans to keep your computer clean, and is easy to set up. With DefenceByte, you’ll see a noticeable lift in your PC’s performance. It removes empty registry keys, erases uninstalled entries, deletes invalid paths and programs, and eliminates useless file extensions and non-existent shared DLLs.

Using DefenceByte not only speeds up your computer but also makes it more stable. You’ll enjoy quicker startup times, more free space, and improved privacy, especially with internet browsing. It’s a comprehensive solution for optimizing and protecting your PC.

↪ Pros

• Shows all running programs and how much CPU they use.
• Compatible with many versions of Windows: XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10, in both 32-bit and 64-bit.
• Offers 24/7 live chat support.
• Includes tools for cleaning up your browser.
• Removes invalid paths in your system.
• Requires only 500 MB of space to install.

↪ Cons

• The custom scan feature, which is supposed to scan specific folders or files, does not work very effectively.

5. Ashampoo WinOptimizer

Ashampoo WinOptimizer is a comprehensive tool designed to speed up and optimize your Windows PC. It works with various versions of Windows, including 11, 10, 8, and 7. This software makes your computer faster by removing junk files and fixing common issues. It offers a suite of features for system maintenance, performance enhancement, and customization of Windows settings.

The program helps you regain system resources by turning off unnecessary services and cleaning up your startup folder, leading to quicker boot times and more disk space. It also protects your privacy by eliminating web browsing traces and offers individual configuration options for different browsers.

Ashampoo WinOptimizer provides a detailed analysis of your hard drive and system performance. It includes modules like AntiSpy and Win10 Privacy Control to customize Windows, enhance privacy, manage telemetry, and update settings.

The software is equipped with a File Wiper for secure deletion of sensitive data, and it can also recover accidentally deleted files. It even lets you defragment your registry, manage installed fonts, and set up power-saving schemes.

↪ Pros

• Boosts your computer’s speed and performance.
• Comes with additional helpful features like a tool for securely deleting files and an app for backups.
• Has a user-friendly and visually appealing interface.
• It provides a sensible file deletion tool.

↪ Cons

• The performance improvement might not be as significant as what other similar products offer.

6. Norton Utilities Ultimate

Norton Utilities Ultimate is a tool designed to make your Windows computer run like it’s new again. It’s a cleaner and optimizer that enhances your PC’s performance, making it faster, cleaner, and more reliable.

This software can turn off programs that automatically run in the background, which slows down your PC during startup and affects its overall speed. It also cleans up “system junk” – those obsolete files that accumulate over time and take up disk space, even after uninstalling apps.

Norton Utilities Ultimate includes an Uninstaller to help you identify and remove software you don’t need, freeing up space for the programs you actually use. It even has an Uninstall Simulator to show you how your PC would be affected if you removed certain apps.

With automatic cleaning, you can schedule regular cleanups of your PC, including browser data, to maintain privacy online. The tool helps in file recovery, allowing you to retrieve deleted files, and includes a File Shredder to erase files, making them unrecoverable permanently.

↪ Pros

• Good at boosting your computer’s performance.
• Keeps an eye on your system all the time.
• Comes with a tool to delete files securely.
• Compatible with Windows 7 and newer versions.
• Offers support over the phone.

↪ Cons

• Only a few licenses are available.
• Norton Utilities is expensive, particularly for individual users.

READ MORE: How to Fix Norton VPN Failing to Connect ➜

7. iObit Advanced SystemCare 17

iObit Advanced SystemCare 17 is a versatile tool designed to speed up your computer, clean it up, and protect your private data. It uses AI technology to make these tasks easier and more efficient.

The AI in Advanced SystemCare creates a personalized plan for your PC, scanning and clearing out a lot of unnecessary files, logs, caches, and leftovers from various software and browsers, including Windows 10. It adapts to your optimization habits and the performance of your PC to identify and fix problems.

A notable feature is its ability to clean up junk files from popular applications like Dropbox, Steam, and Spotify. It can significantly speed up your PC by managing startup items, freeing up memory, and defragmenting your hard disk.

The software also prioritizes your privacy, clearing traces like saved passwords and disguising fingerprints in over 200 programs and browsers. It updates your programs, enhances Windows security, and blocks suspicious access to your sensitive data.

Advanced SystemCare boosts your internet speed by optimizing network bandwidth, which is especially useful for smooth video streaming and fast download speeds.

↪ Pros

• AI Mode enhances PC performance intelligently.
• Firewall Protection secures the Windows system.
• Software Health updates critical programs.
• Real-time tune-up boosts PC resources.
• Anti-tracking safeguards online activities.
• Large File Cleaner frees up space.

↪ Cons

• The customer support is not very helpful.
• The Pro version includes ads encouraging you to purchase more services or products.

8. Glary Utilities Pro

Glary Utilities Pro is a comprehensive tool that thoroughly cleans and repairs your computer. With over 20 tools, it offers deep cleaning and automated maintenance to enhance your PC’s performance.

It gets into your system and Windows Registry to find hidden junk, significantly boosting your system. For convenience, it has a one-click maintenance function that integrates essential tasks like cleaning junk files, fixing system errors, clearing privacy records, and optimizing performance.

The Disk Cleanup tool searches for and safely deletes old temporary files and other unnecessary data, freeing up space on your hard drive. Glary Utilities also prevents errors or crashes by safely cleaning registry errors and fixing disk corruption.

It helps speed up your computer by managing startup programs and uninstalling seldom-used software. The software protects your privacy by deleting browsing history and permanently erasing files to prevent recovery.

Glary Utilities keeps your software updated, ensuring better functionality and security. It can also recover lost or deleted files and analyze disk space usage, showing which files or folders occupy the most space. It finds and removes duplicate files to free up more disk space.

↪ Pros

• Provides options for automatic computer maintenance.
• Quick and thorough scanning with analysis capabilities.
• Works with all versions of the Windows operating system.
• Efficiently clears registry files and unnecessary system files.
• Strong features for protecting your privacy.
• Comes with a built-in tool for updating drivers.

↪ Cons

• Need to subscribe for automatic maintenance features.

Best practices while using a tune-up utility

Using a PC tune-up utility can significantly improve your computer’s performance, but using these tools wisely is important to ensure the best results. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

• Understand the Utility’s features: Before running any tasks, familiarize yourself with the utility’s functions and settings to avoid unintended changes to your system.
• Create a system restore point: Always create a restore point before making significant changes. This allows you to revert your system to its previous state if something goes wrong. For this, type “Create a restore point” in the search bar, select it from the results, go to the System Protection tab, and select Create. Now type a description, and then select Create.
• Run one Utility at a time: Avoid using multiple tune-up utilities simultaneously to prevent conflicts and system overload.
• Review results before applying changes: Carefully review the changes suggested by the utility, especially when cleaning registries or uninstalling applications.
• Use Disk Cleanup and Defragmentation features carefully: Overuse of these features, especially on SSDs, can reduce their lifespan.
• Seek professional advice for major issues: Consulting a professional may be safer than relying solely on a tune-up utility if your PC has significant performance issues.

READ MORE: How to Remove Junk Files on a Windows Computer ➜

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best tune-up utilities for your PC is crucial for maintaining its health and performance. Each utility we’ve discussed offers unique features, from AI optimization and privacy protection to registry cleaning and system speed boosts.

Using these tools wisely is key. Understand their features, create system restore points, and use them one at a time. Be cautious with disk cleanup and defragmentation, especially on SSDs, and seek professional advice for complex issues. By selecting the right tune-up utility, you can keep your computer running smoothly, extend its lifespan, and enjoy an efficient, clutter-free experience.