We list the best PC cleaners, to make it simple and easy to help your computer run faster again.
Some of the best free PC optimizers offer feature-packed toolkits containing everything you need to purge unnecessary files, fine-tune your computer settings and protect your privacy at the same time. However, if your needs are more straightforward, we've also rounded up four other excellent tools that will give your PC a thorough spring clean without offering an intimidating number of options.
It's worth noting that you can do much of what these free PC optimizers do yourself using Windows' built-in system maintenance tools, but that's time consuming; what's really being sold here is convenience.
If you want more features, many of these free PC optimizers also have premium counterparts that can perform more advanced tasks, and offer additional tools like secure file deletion and scheduled scans.
There are many free PC cleaners and optimizers that claim to deliver noticeably faster performance, but not all live up to the hype. That's why we've tested all the most popular options and rounded up the ones that we believe will give your PC a noticeable speed boost, with no hidden extras or intrusive ads. Below we list the ones we think are the best free PC cleaners.
We've also reviewed the best free download managers.
The best PC cleaner of 2026 in full:
Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you're buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Best PC cleaner overall
✅ Slow performance slows you down: Fortect's junk file scan found and deleted 439 MB of unnecessary files in our test, delivering tangible improvements in system responsiveness and free space.
✅ Privacy and security matter to you: Fortect can detect and remove malware and offers tools to erase browsing data, helping keep your PC and personal information secure.
✅ Complex software frustrates you: With its clear dashboard and straightforward controls, Fortect makes PC optimization accessible for users of any experience level.
❌ You use Mac or Linux systems: Fortect is only available for Windows PCs, so it won't suit households using multiple desktop platforms.
❌ Mobile device cleaning matters to you: Since Fortect doesn't support smartphones or tablets, you'll need a different solution for non-Windows devices.
❌ You expect a broad utility toolkit: If you need advanced modules like registry defragmentation or secure file deletion, Ashampoo WinOptimizer offers a broader set of tools than Fortect.
Fortect stands out as a PC optimizer that identifies and deletes junk files to boost performance, paired with an interface that's genuinely straightforward, even for less tech-savvy users. The setup process is simple, and the main dashboard makes it clear how to start optimizing right away.
In hands-on testing, Fortect’s junk file scan uncovered and removed 439 MB of unnecessary files from our main test PC, showing concrete gains in reclaimed disk space and overall responsiveness. The scan ran quickly without dragging down system resources, making routine cleanups feel seamless rather than disruptive.
Fortect also helps protect your system from malware. During our evaluation, it detected and removed a potentially unwanted program that had slipped past our browser’s defenses. The tool includes options to erase browsing data and clear privacy traces, so you can tidy up your digital footprint with just a few clicks.
Compared to Iolo System Mechanic, Fortect’s interface is easier to navigate, making it less intimidating for everyday users. However, it doesn’t offer the same startup speed boosts as Iolo or the comprehensive toolkit Ashampoo WinOptimizer provides. Fortect’s strength is in being accessible and reliable, not overwhelming you with advanced modules.
The main drawback: Fortect is Windows-only and offers no mobile compatibility. If you need a tool that works across platforms, CCleaner is a more flexible solution. Multi-device households or those who switch between Windows and Mac will find this limitation worth considering.
On the practical side, Fortect offers a range of license options, including single-PC and family packs, so you can match your subscription to your needs. For anyone seeking an easy, effective, and safe way to keep a Windows PC clean, Fortect remains a strong, dependable pick.
Read our full Fortect review.
Best PC cleaner for performance
Update: A recent change to Iolo's checkout process means you will be automatically subscribed to a $19.99 per month support package when you purchase a product. So make sure to double-check before entering your payment details that this is actually what you want to add to your purchase.
Iolo System Mechanic 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.
Its PC optimization toolkit really does make a difference; whenever we've tested System Mechanic we've found a significant speed improvement, especially at startup. The free edition is excellent, but the two premium versions – System Mechanic and System Mechanic Pro – are well worth considering if you find yourself using it regularly – and Iolo is offering a 70% discount with the voucher code TECHRADAR.
The genuine performance boost we saw after running System Mechanic made it our favorite PC optimizer. Read on for four more of the best apps around for speeding up your Windows PC.
Read our full Iolo System Mechanic review.
Best PC cleaner for tools
Ashampoo WinOptimizer's biggest selling point is its flexibility – you can scan for junk files, broken registry entries and browser cookies with a single click, and erase them all with one more.
Alternatively, you can dive deeper by selecting the 'Details' button to review the results of your scan one by one. Unlike some PC optimizers, Ashampoo WinOptimizer gives you a full description of each issue it's identified, explaining exactly what it is, and why you should consider removing it. You can then make an informed decision about whether to erase or keep it.
WinOptimizer also includes a suite of 'modules' for routine maintenance tasks like defragging hard drives and optimizing startup processes. These are all tasks that could be accomplished within Windows itself, but having them all in one location is much more convenient than trawling through menus.
Read our full review: Ashampoo WinOptimizer.
Best PC cleaner for gamers
If your system struggles when you're trying to get your game on, Razer Cortex could well be the answer. This free PC optimizer suspends unnecessary system processes, clears out memory and defrags your system to get the very best game performance possible.
Razer Cortex is 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.
Read our full review: Razer Cortex.
Best PC cleaner for new users
IObit Advanced SystemCare comes in two forms: a free edition 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, and the license covers three PCs.
Whichever edition you choose, IObit Advanced SystemCare's interface is well designed, easy to use and unlikely to frighten even the newest PC user. We'd deduct points for an installer that wants to add additional programs - that's hardly in keeping with the philosophy of keeping unwanted stuff off your computer - but they're easy to avoid if you choose a custom installation.
Like most of the PC optimizers 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.
Read our full IObit Advanced SystemCare Free review.
Best general PC cleaner
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 system optimization tools don't.
There's a paid-for version of the optimization toolkit that adds real time protection and cleanup scheduling but the free edition of CCleaner 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 free PC optimizer 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.
Read our full Piriform CCleaner review.
Best PC cleaner FAQs
Which PC cleaner is best for you?
When deciding which free PC optimizer is best, first consider what your actual needs are, as sometimes free platforms will only give you access to tools on a one-time basis, but for regular PC cleaning you may find a paid subscription is much more worthwhile. Additionally, budget software options can sometimes prove limited when it comes to the variety of tools available, while higher-end software can really cater for every need, so do ensure you have a good idea of which features you think you may need.
How we tested the best PC cleaner
Each of the best PC cleaner we’ve listed here have been rigorously tested by us. And that process starts the instant we sign up to each software choice. Is it easy to download? Is the feature-set clear? Are optional paid extras clearly signposted and not hidden away? Then we move on to the software itself.
During the initial phase, we used a well-used PC, monitoring how well it cleared out older files, junk files, and other baggage prone to slowing down a computer. We then assessed how well each app optimized the performance of the machine. Alongside this, we also compared the overall experience of using each piece of software. Like any other software, from small business apps to PDF editors, we want to see an intuitive interface, with tools that are easily located and work as expected. Our goal during this testing process is to gauge the performance of each of the basic features, and the effectiveness of more advanced tools.
We've been testing the best free torrent client - and these are the ones we recommend.
Get in touch
- Want to find out about commercial or marketing opportunities? Click here
- Out of date info, errors, complaints or broken links? Give us a nudge
- Got a suggestion for a product or service provider? Message us directly
- You've reached the end of the page. Jump back up to the top ^
