Forum Discussion
Best pc cleaning software to make my windows 11 run faster?
Hi everyone,
I noticed my PC has been getting slower over time. Startup takes longer, apps are lagging, and overall performance isn't what it used to be. I'm thinking of using some tool to clean up the computer, but there are so many pc cleaning software out there, and I don't know which one is actually safe, effective, and won't mess anything up. Could you help on this?
7 Replies
- CherylkoinIron Contributor
Windows takes care of this automatically with Storage Sense, which you can configure in Settings. This voids using any 3rd-party pc cleaning tool.
- EWilson380Iron Contributor
Using PC cleaning software can help optimize your Windows 11 system, but there are some common errors to avoid to ensure you don't cause unintended problems or data loss.There are too many PC cleaning tools for us to choose from. Stick to well-known, reputable programs, or Microsoft’s built-in tools. Many tools show what they plan to delete—review these options carefully.
Avoid: Running cleaning software too frequently or selecting all options indiscriminately.
Why: Over-cleaning can remove useful files, cache, or cookies that improve performance or user experience.
Solution: Use PC cleaning software periodically (e.g., monthly) and customize settings to avoid removing necessary data.When used carefully and responsibly PC cleaning software generally won’t damage Windows 11. They are designed to optimize performance without harming your system if you follow best practices.
- BrooklynEdgeIron Contributor
I believe manual PC cleaning is usually sufficient. The essential steps are running Windows' built-in Disk Cleanup (to remove temporary files, system files, and empty the recycle bin), clearing your browser cache, and then defragmenting your HDD or optimizing your SSD.
I've been using Glary Utilities Pro (v5) from an old giveaway. Since I have it, I use it, though I'm unsure of its effectiveness as a PC cleaning software on Windows 11.
I recently tested PrivaZer PRO, which I bought for a portable solution for my wife's work laptop. I performed a system backup after two different cleaning routines:
- Using only Glary Utilities: Backup size = 19.3 GB
- Using Glary + PrivaZer PRO: Backup size = 18.7 GB
No registry cleaners were used in either case. The results suggest PrivaZer can free up a bit more space.
- DaxtonRiverIron Contributor
Why I ditched PC cleaner apps and made my OS disposable?
Let's be honest: most free cleaning apps aren't really free. You pay with your data. I stopped trusting them over a decade ago. I found that the biggest hit to my computer's performance wasn't malware—it was Windows' own feature updates, which slowly turn the OS into spaghetti code.
My solution? A 30-minute refresh. I keep my operating system completely separate from my files. All my documents, downloads, and applications live on a second drive. When things get slow, I simply wipe the main drive and perform a clean Windows install. Using a tool like Rufus and a streamlined OS image, I'm back up and running in minutes. It’s the ultimate clean slate.
- RakkxunsuopIron Contributor
Using PC cleaning software to improve Windows 11 performance can have both benefits and drawbacks. While some tools can help optimize your system, PC cleaning software may delete files or registry entries that are actually necessary for system stability, leading to errors or crashes. Some cleaning operations might accidentally remove important files or cookies, causing data loss or issues with saved preferences. Running these software can sometimes consume system resources, temporarily slowing down your PC during scans or cleanup processes.
Best Practices:
- Use reputable PC cleaning software from trusted sources.
- Always back up important data before performing cleaning operations.
- Combine cleaning with other maintenance tasks: updating drivers, removing bloatware, and running security scans.
- Avoid excessive cleaning or registry tweaks unless you understand what they do.
- MaverickNovaIron Contributor
It is really frustrating to find out the computer is running slow at sometime. Fortunately, there are many ways to fix the issue and free up space in Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Here is a simple script to let you clean up the computer without using any pc cleaning software. All of the tools come with Windows 11 by default.
off echo Running Disk Cleanup... cleanmgr /sageset:1 cleanmgr /sagerun:1 echo Clearing Recycle Bin... powershell -command "Clear-RecycleBin -Force" echo Running System File Checker... sfc /scannow echo Running DISM to repair Windows image... DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth echo Cleanup complete! pause
- OregonPineIron Contributor
It's great that you want to improve your PC's performance! When choosing PC cleaning software for Windows 11, it's important to pick reputable tools that are safe and effective. You can consider the Microsoft’s Built-in Tools :
1. Use Storage Sense to automatically free up space.
2. Run Disk Cleanup (type "Disk Cleanup" in Start menu).
3. Use Task Manager to disable unnecessary startup programs.If you're unsure or want a more tailored approach, consider using Windows' built-in tools first before trying third-party PC cleaning software. If performance issues persist, checking for malware or hardware issues might also help.