Best free utility apps that can improve your PC`s performence

1. Windows Pc Manager:

PC Manager (specifically, Microsoft's PC Manager for Windows 10/11) is a newer, free utility designed to optimize and maintain your PC, offering a range of tools to improve system performance, clean up storage, and enhance security. Microsoft launched it to provide a lightweight, user-friendly solution for managing and optimizing Windows PCs, especially for users who want simple, effective tools without installing multiple third-party apps.

website: Pc manager

Key Features of Microsoft PC Manager:

Here are the most Key features you can expect from a PC Manager tool:

System Optimization
- Clean up junk files, temporary files, browser cache, and other redundant data that take up space.
- Optimize system performance by disabling unnecessary startup programs and background services.
Disk Cleanup
- Scan and clean disks for old files, large files, or unneeded data.
- Defragment hard drives (for HDDs) to optimize data access speed (not necessary for SSDs).
Performance Monitoring
- Display system resource usage such as CPU, RAM, and disk usage in real-time.
- Alert users about system overloads or abnormal resource usage.
Security and Privacy Tools
- Check for security vulnerabilities like outdated software or missing patches.
- Protect privacy by clearing browser history, cookies, and cache.
- Provide antivirus or anti-malware features (or integrate with third-party antivirus software).
Software Management
- Help you manage installed applications, check for software updates, and uninstall unnecessary programs.
- Offer one-click updates for drivers, software, and system components.
Battery and Power Management
- Monitor battery health and offer power-saving tips.
- Optimize battery performance and charging.
System Health Checks
- Run diagnostic tools to detect issues with the hardware, operating system, or software.
- Offer a detailed system report and recommendations for fixing common issues.
Backup and Recovery
- Schedule system backups to safeguard important files and settings.
- Offer easy access to system restore points for troubleshooting.

Pros of Using PC Manager:

Simple & Easy to Use: PC Manager is designed for users who are not tech-savvy. Its straightforward interface and "One-Click Cleanup" make it an attractive choice for beginners.
No Ads: Unlike many third-party optimization tools, PC Manager is ad-free, which is a big plus for users who don't want to deal with pop-ups or excessive prompts.
Free: The app is completely free to use, with no premium or paid version, which makes it accessible for everyone.
Integrated with Windows: Since it’s developed by Microsoft, it’s well-integrated with Windows 10 and 11, so it feels more native to the system and is less likely to cause compatibility issues.

Cons of Using PC Manager:

Limited Features: While it’s a good tool for basic cleanup and performance management, it lacks the more advanced features found in other third-party optimization tools like CCleaner or Advanced SystemCare. For example, it doesn't offer deep registry cleaning, real-time system monitoring, or extensive customization options.
Less Powerful than Full-Fledged Alternatives: PC Manager is still relatively new compared to established third-party apps, and it doesn’t offer the comprehensive optimization options that other tools provide. If you're looking for more granular control over your system's performance, PC Manager may feel a bit too basic.
Not a Full Security Solution: While it provides some basic security advice, it’s not an antivirus program and doesn’t offer full protection against malware or other threats. You still need Windows Defender or a third-party antivirus for comprehensive protection.

Is It Worth Using?

PC Manager is great for casual users who want a simple, easy-to-use tool for improving performance, freeing up disk space, and managing basic system tasks without a lot of technical knowledge. If you're looking for a lightweight solution to maintain your system, it can be a good option, especially because it's free and doesn't clutter your system with ads or unnecessary features.

However, if you're looking for advanced tools, deeper performance tweaks, or real-time monitoring, PC Manager might not be sufficient. In that case, you might want to combine it with more robust third-party tools like CCleaner, Malwarebytes, or Glary Utilities for a more comprehensive system optimization approach.

2. Best ways for performance improvement:

There are several ways you can speed up Windows 10. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help improve performance:

1. Disable Startup Programs

Many programs automatically start when you boot your computer, which can slow down startup time. To disable unnecessary startup programs:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
Go to the Startup tab.
Right-click and disable programs that you don't need to start automatically.

2. Adjust Visual Effects for Performance

Windows 10 has a lot of eye-catching animations and effects. You can disable some of them to speed up your PC:

Right-click the Start menu and choose System.
Click on Advanced system settings on the left.
Under the Performance section, click Settings.
In the Performance Options window, select Adjust for best performance or manually uncheck options you don’t need, like animations and shadows.

3. Uninstall Unnecessary Programs

Remove any programs you no longer use. These can take up resources and slow down your PC:

Go to Settings → Apps → Apps & Features.
Browse through the list of installed apps and uninstall anything you don’t need.

4. Free Up Disk Space

Use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool to remove temporary files, system files, and other items that take up space:

Type Disk Cleanup in the search bar and open it.
Select the drive you want to clean (usually C:).
Choose what to clean, such as Temporary files, System files, etc.
Click OK and then Delete Files.

5. Defragment Your Hard Drive

If you are using a traditional HDD (Hard Disk Drive), defragmenting it can improve speed. For SSDs (Solid State Drives), defragmentation isn't needed, but you can optimize them:

Type Defragment and Optimize Drives in the search bar and open the tool.
Select your hard drive and click Optimize.

6. Update Windows

Outdated software can cause performance issues, so make sure you’re running the latest version of Windows 10:

Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update.
Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

7. Check for Malware

Malware can significantly slow down your computer. Run a full scan with Windows Defender or your preferred antivirus software:

Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Security → Virus & Threat Protection.
Click on Quick Scan or Full Scan for more thorough results.

8. Increase Virtual Memory (Paging File)

If your physical RAM is low, you can increase virtual memory to improve performance:

Right-click Start and select System.
Click Advanced system settings → Settings (under Performance).
Go to the Advanced tab, then click Virtual Memory.
Increase the paging file size to a value higher than the default (usually 1.5 times your RAM size).

9. Disable Background Apps

Some apps run in the background and consume system resources. To disable them:

Go to Settings → Privacy → Background apps.
Turn off apps you don’t need running in the background.

10. Upgrade Your Hardware (If Possible)

If your computer is still slow after trying all these steps, it might be time for a hardware upgrade. Consider:

Upgrading RAM to improve multitasking and overall speed.
Switching to an SSD if you’re using an HDD; SSDs are much faster for booting and accessing files.

11. Perform a Clean Boot

Performing a clean boot helps identify if a third-party program is slowing down your system:

Type msconfig in the search bar and press Enter.
Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, and click Disable all.
Go to the Startup tab and disable unnecessary startup items.
Restart your computer.

12. Reinstall Windows (Last Resort)

If nothing else works and your system is still sluggish, a fresh install of Windows can remove all the accumulated bloat and restore peak performance:

Make sure to back up your files.
You can reinstall Windows 10 using the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.

13. Use the "Windows 10 Performance Troubleshooter"

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter to help identify and fix performance issues:

Open the Control Panel.
Go to Troubleshooting → System and Security → Improve performance.
Follow the on-screen instructions.

By following these tips, you should see a noticeable improvement in your Windows 10 PC’s performance. Let me know if you need more detailed instructions on any of these steps!

3. Best utility tool for performance improvement:

There are several third-party apps that can help improve Windows 10 performance by optimizing system resources, cleaning up unnecessary files, and offering advanced tools for managing startup items, memory, and more. Here are some of the best apps to enhance your Windows 10 performance:

1. CCleaner

Function: Cleanup, registry fix, and system optimization.
Key Features:
- Clean temporary files, system cache, and browsing history.
- Remove unused or broken registry entries.
- Manage startup items to improve boot time.
Why It's Good: CCleaner is a popular and easy-to-use tool for cleaning up your system. It can also help you manage installed apps and startup programs.
Website: CCleaner

2. Advanced SystemCare

Function: All-in-one PC optimization tool.
Key Features:
- Clean up junk files, fix system vulnerabilities, and optimize startup programs.
- Boost your system performance with a single-click optimization.
- Includes additional tools like disk cleaner, privacy sweep, and deep registry cleaner.
Why It's Good: It’s a powerful all-in-one tool designed to fix a variety of performance issues on your system.
Website: Advanced SystemCare

3. IObit Uninstaller

Function: Uninstall unnecessary apps and remove leftover files.
Key Features:
- Cleanly uninstall apps, including removing leftover files, folders, and registry entries.
- Force uninstall programs that cannot be removed through the usual method.
Why It's Good: Removing programs without leaving remnants behind is essential for maintaining system performance.
Website: IObit Uninstaller

4. Malwarebytes

Function: Malware and antivirus scanning.
Key Features:
- Scans for and removes malware, adware, and other unwanted programs that can slow down your PC.
- Real-time protection and scheduled scans.
Why It's Good: Malware can drastically slow down your computer. Malwarebytes is known for its excellent ability to detect and remove threats that other antivirus programs may miss.
Website: Malwarebytes

5. WinDirStat

Function: Disk usage analyzer.
Key Features:
- Visualize disk space usage to identify large files and folders that may be taking up unnecessary space.
- Quickly clean up large files or redundant data.
Why It's Good: It’s a powerful tool for understanding which files are hogging your disk space, allowing you to clear up clutter.
Website: WinDirStat

6. Razer Cortex

Function: Game and system optimization.
Key Features:
- Optimize your PC for gaming by temporarily shutting down unnecessary processes and background tasks.
- Boost gaming performance by reallocating system resources.
Why It's Good: Great for gamers, Razer Cortex helps free up memory and resources when playing games, enhancing performance during gameplay.
Website: Razer Cortex

7. System Mechanic

Function: Comprehensive system optimization.
Key Features:
- Fix issues like broken registry entries, slow startup times, and fragmented drives.
- Tune up system performance by optimizing RAM, CPU, and internet settings.
- Includes tools for managing startup programs, cleaning up junk files, and monitoring system health.
Why It's Good: System Mechanic is a full-featured utility for overall system performance improvement.
Website: System Mechanic

8. O&O ShutUp10

Function: Privacy and performance tweaks.
Key Features:
- Disable unnecessary telemetry and background processes that can slow down Windows 10.
- Control privacy settings, prevent data collection, and stop unnecessary Windows features.
Why It's Good: If you’re looking to speed up Windows 10 by disabling unnecessary background services and privacy-related features, this tool gives you complete control.
Website: O&O ShutUp10

9. Wise Care 365

Function: System cleanup and optimization.
Key Features:
- Clean junk files, fix registry errors, and defragment the system.
- Includes a startup manager and privacy cleaner.
- Memory optimization and real-time performance monitoring.
Why It's Good: Wise Care 365 is a comprehensive tool with multiple features for improving PC performance and ensuring system health.
Website: Wise Care 365

10. Glary Utilities

Function: PC maintenance and optimization.
Key Features:
- Clean junk files, fix registry issues, and remove tracking cookies.
- Manage startup programs and uninstall unwanted apps.
- Includes tools for disk cleanup, memory optimization, and file encryption.
Why It's Good: It provides a broad range of tools for cleaning, optimizing, and protecting your computer.
Website: Glary Utilities

11. PerfectDisk

Function: Disk defragmentation and optimization.
Key Features:
- Automatically defrag hard drives to improve file access speed.
- Offers SSD optimization features.
- Regular scheduling for disk optimization tasks.
Why It's Good: If you’re using an HDD, PerfectDisk can significantly improve the read/write speed of your disk by keeping it defragmented.
Website: PerfectDisk

12. Process Lasso

Function: CPU and process optimization.
Key Features:
- Manage CPU usage by automatically optimizing processes and reducing CPU spikes.
- Prioritize or limit the resources certain apps can use to ensure smoother performance.
Why It's Good: If your system is bogged down by background processes, Process Lasso can help you take control over which processes get the most CPU power.
Website: Process Lasso

Conclusion: Optimizing Windows 10 with Free Utility Apps

When it comes to improving the performance of Windows 10, there are a number of free utility apps that can help you clean up your system, manage resources, boost speed, and ensure overall system health. These tools range from basic cleanup utilities to more comprehensive system optimizers. Here’s a summary of how they work together and what you can expect:

For Basic Cleanup and Maintenance:

CCleaner (Free) and Wise Care 365 (Free) are excellent starting points for cleaning up junk files, optimizing the registry, and managing startup items. These apps provide easy-to-use interfaces and basic features that will quickly remove unnecessary files, free up disk space, and help your PC run smoother.
PC Manager (Microsoft's Free Tool) is a newer, simple tool that integrates with Windows and focuses on essential tasks like clearing temporary files, managing storage, and offering performance enhancements. It’s ideal for users who want something light and easy, but it lacks advanced features.

For Deep System Optimization:

Glary Utilities (Free) and Advanced SystemCare (Free) provide a broader range of system optimization tools, including disk cleanup, performance tweaking, and memory optimization. These are great options if you want an all-in-one solution without diving into too many technical details.
O&O ShutUp10 allows users to disable unnecessary telemetry and background processes, improving privacy and reducing unnecessary system overhead. It’s perfect if you want more control over Windows 10’s built-in services.

For Malware and Security:

Malwarebytes (Free) is a must-have for security, especially when combined with Windows Defender. It detects and removes malware, adware, and other threats that could be slowing your system down. While it's not a full antivirus solution on its own, it complements Windows Defender effectively.

For Startup Management and Process Optimization:

Autoruns and Process Explorer offer advanced users the ability to fine-tune startup programs, monitor running processes, and optimize system resources. They’re powerful tools that give you a lot of control over which programs and processes are using up your system’s memory and CPU.
Revo Uninstaller (Free) is an excellent tool for thoroughly uninstalling programs, ensuring that leftover files and registry entries don’t clutter your system.

For Disk Space Management:

WinDirStat and TreeSize Free are useful for visualizing disk space usage and identifying large, unnecessary files that can be deleted to free up space. They help you make decisions about which files or directories to remove for better performance.
Defraggler (Free) is useful if you’re still using an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). It helps defragment files and optimize your hard drive for faster read/write speeds. However, if you're using an SSD, defragmentation isn't necessary.

Final Thoughts:

The best approach to improving Windows 10 performance is to combine a few of these free utility apps based on your needs:

Basic Cleanup: Use CCleaner or PC Manager for quick cleanup and storage management.
Full System Optimization: Pair Glary Utilities, Wise Care 365, or Advanced SystemCare with Malwarebytes for security.
Startup & Resource Management: Use Autoruns and Process Explorer for fine-grained control over system performance.
Disk Space & Defragmentation: Use WinDirStat and Defraggler to free up space and optimize your hard drive.

These free apps can dramatically enhance the performance, stability, and security of your Windows 10 PC, without needing to invest in expensive software. While they may not offer all the advanced features of premium tools, they’re an excellent starting point for keeping your system in top shape and ensuring a smoother, faster experience overall.