The bonus tools in some PC optimization software can feel like pointless extras tacked on to make the program seem like better value than it is, but everything here is genuinely useful and well considered. The many options include a permanent file shredder that overwrites unwanted files repeatedly so they can't be retrieved, a file recovery tool, a utility for encrypting files, a customization tool for right-click context menus, and much more. Perhaps surprisingly, the resulting menu doesn't feel cluttered, and it's easy to find the tool you're looking for.

Unlike Windows, which spreads such utilities throughout a sometimes confusing system of control panels, WinOptimizer puts them all in one easily accessible place. WinOptimizer 16 also includes a huge selection of tools for maintaining and analysing your system, improving performance and customizing Windows. Our favorite is Auto-Clean, which helps protect your privacy by wiping all traces of your browsing activity, including tracking cookies that advertisers would otherwise use to follow you around the web and build a picture of you based on your behavior. These are easy to use – just click once to toggle them on and off.

One-click performance boostsĪshampoo WinOptimizer 16 also offers three automated tools: Auto-Clean, which clears away browsing history, temporary files and cookies when you close your browser Live-Tuner, which speeds up program launches and can end or change the priority of running processes and Game-Booster, which ends non-essential background services, processes and applications while you're playing. You can even set Ashampoo WinOptimizer 16 to scan and optimize your PC whenever it's launched, which could be a real time-saver that'll keep your machine running smoothly with no extra effort on your part. So if you've customized your autostart settings don't want Ashampoo WinOptimizer to suggest any changes, just uncheck the appropriate box. The analysis is also fully customizable – an unusual but welcome option. Everything is divided up in a sensible way, unlike some system optimization tools, which simply provide an enormous list of files with no explanation of their purpose. Selecting the magnifying glass for a closer view will let you see individual files and uncheck any that you want to keep. You can drill right down through the results, which are clearly organized.

Once the scan has finished, you can select any category to see what it found.

Ashampoo winoptimizer 17 review