Windows tuning software: System Mechanic or?

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OldGeek

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#268331 12-Mar-2020 20:58

For some years now I have been using System Mechanic (subscription renewal due shortly), before that AVG Tune-Up. All I am looking for is software that will reliably maintain Windows in a healthy state on my home PCs. Any recommendations welcomed.

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OldGeek.

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#2437183 12-Mar-2020 21:11

Windows does a pretty good job of this itself these days imo.

Technofreak

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#2437184 12-Mar-2020 21:14

I've never used any such software and never had a problem.

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ANglEAUT

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#2437237 13-Mar-2020 00:05

Technofreak:

I've never used any such software and never had a problem.

How often do you re-install Windows / buy a new machine? I've seen home PC's running for 8+ years & software is only installed, never removed.
How much maintenance do you do yourself? Even if you set it up only once so that it can run on a regular schedule? C:\Windows\Temp & C:\Windows\WinSxS are not good for keeping your PC well running.

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bigalow

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#2437238 13-Mar-2020 00:28

Ccleaner and Glary Utilities are good both have free and paid versions

nathan

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#2437270 13-Mar-2020 07:53

OldGeek:

For some years now I have been using System Mechanic (subscription renewal due shortly), before that AVG Tune-Up. All I am looking for is software that will reliably maintain Windows in a healthy state on my home PCs. Any recommendations welcomed.

which Windows OS?

tehgerbil

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#2437298 13-Mar-2020 08:37

+1 Glary Utilities. Been using it for a couple years now (free). It's unobtrusive, quick and easy to use.

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wratterus

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#2437313 13-Mar-2020 08:58

Wouldn't touch most of those programs to be honest. Even CCleaner is junky now since Avast bought Piriform although it does still work OK at a basic level, as long as you're fine with Avast probably selling your temp file information to someone!

As long as you don't go willy nilly installing free software from all around there is really no need for any 3rd party cleanup software.

gehenna

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#2437334 13-Mar-2020 09:28

The native Disk Cleanup utility in Windows is fine for most things, Storage Sense probably covers the rest. No idea why you'd want a 3rd party tool for this in 2020.

OldGeek

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#2437347 13-Mar-2020 09:42

nathan:

which Windows OS?

Windows 10

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geekiegeek

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#2437348 13-Mar-2020 09:49

OldGeek:

nathan:

which Windows OS?

Windows 10

Even less reason to use these tool. I'm actually surprised that anyone still uses these types of tool on modern operating systems. Have you done any testing to see if the tools makes a noticeable difference?

fearandloathing

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#2437349 13-Mar-2020 09:50

I wouldn’t bother, in my experience they are all snake oil.
To increase performance, delete your user profile.
Every year or so wipe and load the operating system.

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OldGeek

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#2437354 13-Mar-2020 09:57

gehenna:

The native Disk Cleanup utility in Windows is fine for most things, Storage Sense probably covers the rest. No idea why you'd want a 3rd party tool for this in 2020.

Thanks for that - I was unaware of Storage Sense. Looks just the ticket but does not handle automated registry cleaning.

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fearandloathing

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#2437358 13-Mar-2020 10:07

OldGeek: Looks just the ticket but does not handle automated registry cleaning.

This is my comment about snake oil. Reg cleaning does nothing.

gehenna

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#2437408 13-Mar-2020 10:25

Only reason I could possibly think of cleaning the registry is if you have an app that's freaking out and you want to be sure that all references to it are completely uninstalled before reinstalling. But even then it's usually not the reg keys that are the problem.

Technofreak

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#2437488 13-Mar-2020 12:13

ANglEAUT:

Technofreak:

I've never used any such software and never had a problem.

How often do you re-install Windows / buy a new machine? I've seen home PC's running for 8+ years & software is only installed, never removed.
How much maintenance do you do yourself? Even if you set it up only once so that it can run on a regular schedule? C:\Windows\Temp & C:\Windows\WinSxS are not good for keeping your PC well running.

Current laptop bought new in circa 2013 never had Windows reinstalled. All I ever do is run the disk clean up facility built into windows.

Sony Xperia XA2 running Sailfish OS. https://sailfishos.org The true independent open source mobile OS
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
Dell Inspiron 14z i5

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