5 best free software to speed up your PC

 

5 best free software to speed up your PC, laptop

Is your Windows PC running a little slowly? It's not your imagination: over time hard drives accumulate all kinds of things that slow things down.

Software can't solve obsolescence - if your computer is struggling to meet the system requirements for your OS or apps that need more RAM or the addition of an SSD - but if the slowdown is software-related, it can really help.
It's worth noting that you can do much of what these apps do yourself using Windows' built-in system maintenance tools, but that's time consuming; what's really being sold here is convenience.

Iolo System Mechanic

It removes junk files and unwanted apps, blocks bloatware and unwanted auto-run settings, clears out RAM and wipes various logs, browser histories and caches. Not only does this free up key system resources, it also eliminates traces of your browsing activity to protect your privacy.

IObit Advanced SystemCare

IObit Advanced SystemCare comes in two forms: a free version that covers basic house cleaning, and a Pro version that adds internet speed-boosting, real-time optimization, privacy protection, deep registry cleaning and 24/7 technical support.

Whichever edition you choose, the interface is well designed, easy to use and unlikely to frighten even the newest PC user. Like most of the tools here, it cleans up files and folders you don't need, neatens up the Windows registry and corrects errors on your hard drive - all via a simple, slick dashboard

Piriform CCleaner

Piriform CCleaner has been around for a long time and part of the reason for its ongoing popularity is that it cleans the parts of your PC that many other free apps don't.

There's a paid-for version that adds real time protection and cleanup scheduling, but the free version covers the important stuff such as removing temporary files, getting rid of browser caches, removing unwanted cookies while keeping the useful ones and so on.

If your PC just feels sluggish then this is the app to try first. It doesn't have all the advanced features of apps like System Mechanic, but the stuff it does clear is famous for slowing down PCs.

PC Decrapifier

PC Decrapifier is particularly useful on brand new PCs, which are often either full of exciting opportunities to discover new apps or stuffed to the gills with a load of useless junk, depending on your point of view.

If you tend to the latter then then this free app is well worth a look. It analyses your system, shows you the apps it thinks you should get rid of - based not just on its developers' opinions but on other users' feedback - and then removes the ones you choose. It's so focused on cleaning PCs, it doesn't even install itself.

Razer Cortex: Boost

If your system struggles when you're trying to get your game on, Razer Cortex: Boost could well be the answer. The free app suspends unnecessary system processes, clears out memory and defrags your system to get the very best games performance possible.

It's available for Windows 7, 8 and 10, and while the differences won't make you jump up and down in astonishment - for most people the results will mean slightly smoother visuals rather than astonishing performance improvements - it does automate the fiddly process of turning off unnecessary software and services when it's time to play.