Windows PCs tend to slow down over time on account of all the digital junk that builds up over time. Startup times become longer, files get messy, and the entire user experience becomes sluggish. And while not all Windows bloat is bad, there's still a ton of it that makes the problem worse.
Before you hand in your PC for repairs at the local repair shop, you'd want to know that there are plenty of free tools that'll clean, optimize, and boost your Windows PC. Once you're done running them, your PC and your wallet will be glad you did.
8 CCleaner
One of the most popular PC cleaners you'll find
If you've ever searched for PC optimization software, you've probably heard of CCleaner, and for good reason. It might not be the best overall system cleanup tool, but it's one of the easiest to start with if you're new to system cleaning or diagnosis. The interface is also quite straightforward—just click, and it scans for junk files, temporary data, and browser clutter that's piling up on your system.
What makes CCleaner stand out is its breadth. It handles everything, including but not limited to disk cleaning, browser data removal, registry optimization, and even driver updates. The free version also covers all the essentials, such as cleaning up temporary files, cache data, and cleaning up registry entries. That's plenty for most people.
7 BleachBit
The open-source cleaner that digs deeper
If you're focused on privacy, CCleaner might not be a comfortable choice, especially considering its previous controversies over data collection and breaches. BleachBit is an excellent free and open-source alternative that's built from the ground up with privacy in mind.
Apart from deleting files, it includes secure file shredding features to permanently erase sensitive data, making recovery impossible. It also wipes free disk space to hide traces of any previously deleted files. The interface is also cleaner and more minimalist compared to CCleaner, but it requires some technical know-how to get the most out of it. Additionally, you can also automate BleachBit via the command line for scripting and even write custom cleaners using CleanerML.
Keep in mind that BleachBit intentionally doesn't include registry cleaning, which Microsoft has actively warned against for modern Windows systems in a support policy update. On the other hand, CCleaner still features a registry cleaner.
6 Advanced SystemCare
One-click optimization for beginners
IObit's Advanced SystemCare now uses AI to learn your system habits and create a personalized cleaning plan. Beyond basic cleaning, Advanced SystemCare is great at finding junk files, broken registry entries, and invalid shortcuts. It also includes over 23 different tools buried in the interface, from memory optimizations to internet boosting features.
The tool can both scan your PC and suggest fixes you can implement with one click. If you prefer manual controls, you can pick and choose exactly what to clean as well. There's a lot crammed in here, and not all of its features work as expected all the time. But if you want to spend as little time as possible cleaning your system, Advanced SystemCare can come in handy.
5 Ashampoo WinOptimizer
Packed with features, but easy to use
For those of you who are intimidated by PC maintenance, Ashampoo WinOptimizer is brilliantly designed with accessibility in mind. When it finds issues, it walks you through each problem, explains what it is, tells you how it affects your PC, and recommends actions you can take. It's not quite the fast, one-click approach CCleaner and Advanced SystemCare take, but it's the one that explains the problem the best.
The free version splits everything into three simple categories: clean up, optimize, and protect. Everything is clearly labeled and laid out, so you don't have to go around Google what each feature does before running it.
4 Wise Disk Cleaner
Quick, simple, and surprisingly powerful
If you specifically need to free up disk space, Wise Disk Cleaner is a great option. As the name suggests, it focuses on removing temporary files, outdated updates, log files, and other junk that's just sitting on your drive, eating up storage. It's also lightweight, which means it won't bog down your already struggling PC while it works.
Wise also includes a companion tool called Wise Registry Cleaner, which specifically targets Windows registry errors. When combined with the Wise Disk Cleaner, the two make a powerful system cleaning combination.
3 Glary Utilities
The Swiss Army knife of PC maintenance
Glary Utilities is a full system optimization suite with over 20 tools. You get disk cleanup, registry repair, malware removal, file recovery, and even a software updater, among other features. As you'd expect, there's also a one-click optimization button that handles most common issues in one go.
2 Revo Uninstaller
Uninstall apps without leaving leftovers
Winget is hands down the best way to install apps on Windows, but uninstalling programs the traditional way can leave behind junk files and registry entries. They don't harm your PC in any way and are helpful in case you're planning to reinstall the program. But if you're looking to completely erase all traces of a program from your system, Revo Uninstaller might be worth a look.
It specializes in completely uninstalling programs and any residual files they leave behind. Additionally, you can also use the standalone Revo Registry Cleaner to clean your Windows registry safely. You even have the option of multiple scan depths depending on how aggressive you want to be. The software also backs up everything before making changes, so you can revert if something breaks.
1 Disk Cleanup
The underrated tool built right into Windows
Windows also has some genuinely useful built-in tools that can come in quite handy. Disk Cleanup can actually free up quite a bit of disk space without making the process too complicated. Just press the Windows key, type "Disk Cleanup", and hit enter. It's limited compared to third-party tools as you don't get browser cleanup or registry fixes, but it's a no-download, easy-to-use starter tool.
Get your PC running like new again
Cleaning your system isn't as time-consuming or cumbersome a task as it seems. With the right tools, you can run deep scans and fix multiple problems in one go, or run 10-minute Windows cleanups to get your laptop up to speed again.
I have an annual ritual that keeps my Windows laptops running like new, but you don't have to take apart your entire laptop to restore its performance. Frequent system cleanups and cleaning the fans every now and then go a long way in basic computer maintenance.