Note that Microsoft's operating system has many built-in tools for improving your PC's performance, though they're scattered throughout the OS (unlike the third-party tune-up utilities mentioned here).

We tested all the tune-up utilities in this story on a junked-up Windows 10 test bed. For example, Iolo System Mechanic cleans gunked-up PCs with its real-time system monitoring Ashampoo offers a file-deletion tool and backup app and AVG offers a driver updater. Some tune-up utilities perform just those basic functions, while more elaborate ones add numerous features that improve your computer in interesting ways.

It performs several functions, including defragmenting your PC's hard drive, repairing the incredibly problematic Windows Registry, and freeing up disk space by deleting useless and duplicate files. What Is a Tune-Up Utility?Ī PC tune-up utility is an application that digs deep into your computer and fixes trouble areas. Instead, you can get often that fresh-out-the-box performance for tens of dollars-instead hundreds or even thousands-thanks to a relatively inexpensive tool: the PC tune-up utility. But that's a drastic solution, and one that's frequently unnecessary. When our machines become so impaired through use and neglect that we can no longer use Microsoft Word or play PC games with the same speed and efficiency to which we have become accustomed, we often ponder buying new computers. It doesn't matter how diligent you are, or what sort of productivity software you use to get the most out of your time if end up sitting around and waiting for your computer to catch up to you. Toolbars and other plug-ins can precipitously slow our browsers to a crawl. Outdated drivers cease to work correctly. Eventually, our full hard drives choke the OS as it tries to run. Programs build up enormous caches behind the scenes that we don't even know about. Their hard drives fill up with forgotten files we've abandoned in folders whose existence we've forgotten.

The operating system gets gunked up as apps are added and incompletely deleted, leaving behind drivers and all sorts of other system detritus. In those instances, you should invest in a tune-up utility.Īll computers eventually lose that day-one luster, becoming lethargic, unresponsive, and, at worst, unreliable. Eventually, every PC slow downs, either gradually or suddenly. Inevitably, however, that out-of-the-box performance fades away. After all, we want our PCs to run at peak performance, regardless of whether we have a budget laptop or a beast gaming desktop. Swift boot times and speedy operations are among the greatest joys of unboxing and firing up a brand-new PC.

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Avg tuneup vs system mechanic