Therefore, having a cleaning and optimization tool Effective maintenance is key to keeping Windows running smoothly. In this article, we'll take a closer look three of the benchmarks in the sector: CCleaner, Glary Utilities and Advanced SystemCare.
The truth is, over time, any computer, no matter how new, loses speed. Between installations, uninstallations, and simple daily use, the system ends up dragging unnecessary files, outdated registry entries, and small errors that, without you realizing it, end up slowing down your computer.
Why do you need cleaning and optimization software?
Many people think that Windows alone should be enough to keep their computer running at its best. However, the reality is that the operating system accumulates digital garbage Over time: temporary files, cache, program remnants, useless registry entries, error logs, and other useless, space-consuming traces.
The main function of programs like CCleaner, Glary Utilities or SystemCare is detect these hidden elements and remove them safely, freeing up space and, most importantly, helping your PC regain agility. Plus, most include extra tools: startup program management, secure deletion, broken shortcut repair, and privacy control, to name a few.
CCleaner: The classic that's still going strong
Talking about programs to clean the PC is practically talking about CCleaner. This software has been the absolute reference for years for millions of users around the world, especially because it offers quick, easy cleaning and allows you to see in detail each element you are going to delete.
Key Advantages of CCleaner:
- Cleaning temporary and junk files on disk and common applications.
- Management of Windows' register with automatic repair and backups in case something goes wrong.
- Powerful program uninstaller, capable of removing every last trace.
- Modules to remove traces of privacy (browser history, cookies, app caches, etc.).
The CCleaner interface stands out for being intuitive and suitable for any user levelWhether you want to clean your computer in a couple of clicks or fine-tune every aspect, you can do it without any hassle.
Models and prices: CCleaner has a free version that's sufficient for most users (file, privacy, and registry cleanup), and a Professional (€24,95/year) and Professional Plus (€39,95/year for three devices) versions that add a performance optimizer, software updater, priority support, and file recovery, among other Pro features.
Aspects to consider:
- CCleaner's popularity has played a trick on it: it's faced controversy over data collection and somewhat intrusive advertising, especially since its acquisition by Avast. If privacy is one of your priorities, it's a good idea to carefully review the options or opt for the portable version.
- Its registry cleanup, while safe, can remove entries that, in very specific cases, affect a secondary app. It's recommended to activate the backup provided by the program before proceeding.
Glary Utilities: Versatility and power for any user
Glary Utilities It is another essential name when talking about maintenance and optimization of Windows computersIts proposal is ambitious: a control center packed with tools ranging from basic cleaning to advanced system tuning.
Glary Utilities' strengths:
- More than 20 utilities grouped into a single interface.
- Disk cleaning, caches, junk files and removing invalid shortcuts.
- Advanced startup management (programs that start with Windows).
- Search and cleaner duplicate files, defragmenter, registry repair.
- Tools of privacy protection: secure deletion, cleaning traces and emptying the trash.
- Deep uninstaller, update manager, and system optimization.
The philosophy of Glary Utilities is to offer power and flexibility for both novice and advanced usersYou can activate "1-click maintenance" and let the program clean everything automatically, or customize each utility to perform specific tasks. This makes it a well-balanced option for any profile.
Advanced SystemCare: Smart Optimization and Enhanced Security
IObit Advanced SystemCare It is a real “heavyweight” in the world of PC optimization. It is considered one of the most complete, modern and easy-to-use programs, ranging from basic cleaning tasks to threat protection and overall performance enhancement.
Key Features of Advanced SystemCare:
- Automatic and deep cleaning of junk files, registries and broken shortcuts.
- Turbo Boost Mode to stop unnecessary processes and free up RAM in real time.
- Privacy protection and browsing trace removal modules.
- Inclusion of antivirus and protection against spyware and malware in its most advanced versions.
- “Internet Accelerator” tool to improve network speed.
- Fully automated and programmable maintenance tasks.
Direct comparison: CCleaner vs Glary Utilities vs Advanced SystemCare
Ccleaner, Glary, or SystemCare? After analyzing each feature one by one, it's time to compare their results, capabilities, and details that make the difference using independent test data and opinions from leading users.
Level of cleanliness and amount of garbage detected
- Advanced SystemCare It manages to detect and remove a large number of junk files, broken shortcuts, and residual entries in a single pass. In tests, it was able to locate over 339 MB of junk files and over 370 obsolete registry entries on an average installation.
- CCleaner It also achieves great results, with up to 271 MB of temporary files and almost 340 registry entries removed, although it is less detailed in its scanning information than SystemCare.
- Glary Utilities It stands out for the variety of types of junk it can clean, although the amount detected is usually somewhat lower than that of its most direct competitors (in tests, about 81 MB of junk files deleted and good privacy control).
Registry Cleanup and Security
- They all allow you to clean the Windows registry, although Advanced SystemCare vs Glary Utilities They have additional mechanisms to avoid deleting critical entries, adding automatic backups before any changes.
- CCleaner, while safe at basic levels, has been criticized for being able to delete entries that are necessary in advanced usage situations (hence the need to back up).
Ease of use
- CCleaner It is unbeatable in simplicity and speed, with an ultra-direct interface.
- Glary Utilities offers a more complete experience, but the number of options can be overwhelming for those just looking for a quick clean.
- Advanced SystemCare It strikes the perfect balance: you can activate cleaning and optimization in one click, but there are plenty of options if you want to further customize the process.
Additional tools
- Glary Utilities It stands out with modules to manage drivers, clean duplicates, defragment disks and schedule periodic cleanups, all without the need for external apps.
- SystemCare It wins in the security section, integrating antivirus, real-time protection and internet accelerator.
- CCleaner It maintains its strength in secure deletion and efficient uninstaller, although in the Pro versions it may fall short compared to the other two alternatives.
How to choose the best cleaner for your case
Narrowing down the choice to three options (Ccleaner, Glary, and SystemCare), when making your decision, it's worth looking at the following details:
- Reliability and privacy: that the program comes from a secure website, respects your data, and does not install additional software without permission.
- Features included: Basic cleaning, registry, privacy, deep uninstaller, startup optimization, duplicate management, etc.
- Easy to use: The interface should be intuitive and without hidden options, both for beginners and for those who want full control.
- Automation: possibility of scheduling periodic cleaning or maintenance, so you can forget about the issue.
- Price: Consider whether you need the free version or if the paid options are worth the investment.
The importance of updating and maintaining your software
Whichever tool you choose, it's essential to keep it up to date. The developers of CCleaner, Glary, and SystemCare release regular updates. to adapt to changes in Windows, improve garbage detection, and fix minor security flaws.
Don't forget to keep your operating system up to date, and whenever you change versions (for example, when upgrading to Windows 11), check the compatibility of the cleaning software. The latest versions of CCleaner and SystemCare are always ready for the latest updates, but using older versions may cause them to stop working properly.
Practical aspects and tips to get the most out of them
Below we share some simple tips to help you get the most out of your cleaning software:
- Make a backup first important before the first registry cleanup, just in case.
- Don't overuse daily automatic cleaning.; once a month is usually sufficient except in extreme cases (very heavy games, video editing, etc.).
- Check startup programs and disable the ones you don't use: both Glary and SystemCare do this in two clicks and you'll notice your PC is faster from startup.
- Schedule cleanings at times when you are not using the computer., so you won't interrupt your work.
- Pay attention to notificationsIf the program reports persistent errors, there may be a hardware problem or a more serious infection.
- On laptops, more cleaning = more battery: Freeing up unnecessary RAM and processes helps save power.
Is it worth paying for a Pro version?
Most of the tools reviewed here have both a free and paid version. What do you get when you pay?
- Advanced optimization features (automatic maintenance, real-time monitoring, extra privacy protection).
- Automatic Updates and early access to improvements.
- Specialized support (faster responses to problems).
- In the case of CCleaner Professional Plus, you also have the ability to use a single license on multiple devices and recover accidentally deleted files.
Is it essential? For most home users, the free version is more than adequate. However, if you have multiple PCs at home, are concerned about security, or like to automate absolutely everything, the investment may be worth it. In professional or business environments, opting for the Pro edition is almost mandatory.
With the right tools and good practices, you will achieve a Windows is agile, secure, and free of digital junk.And best of all, without any unnecessary complications or risks. Give your computer a second life and forget about the hassle!