Your Guide to a Fast, Clean PC (No Paid Apps Needed)

This information is also available on my YouTube Channel at: https://youtu.be/eefaBi-Cbp0

If you prefer, you can also listen to this information on my Podcast at: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/norbert-gostischa/episodes/Your-Guide-to-a-Fast--Clean-PC-No-Paid-Apps-Needed-e38peri/a-ac68vqu 

When it comes to keeping your computer running smoothly, you should save your money. For most people, paid PC cleaning apps are simply not worth the cost. Not only do modern versions of Windows (like 10 and 11) already have all the tools you need, but those third-party apps often create more problems than they solve.

Why You Can Skip the Paid Cleaners

It's tempting to use an app that promises a "one-click fix," but here's why you should pass:

They Don't Beat Windows Tools - Microsoft has greatly improved its built-in maintenance features. Paying for another program to clear junk files or manage startup items is often just redundant.

The Registry Myth - Many paid cleaners focus on "fixing" the Windows Registry. In truth, deleting old Registry entries does not make your PC faster. This feature can be risky and may even cause system errors, which is why official Windows tools leave it alone.

The Annoying Sales Pitch - Most free or trial cleaning apps use alarming messages about "thousands of errors" to pressure you into buying the paid version. Skipping these apps avoids constant pop-ups and ensures you don't install unnecessary clutter on your PC.

Your Free, Built-In Windows Cleaning Toolbox

You have everything you need to speed up and clean your PC right now. The best way to maintain your computer is to use these simple, built-in features:

1 - Clear Out Junk Files (Disk Space)

To easily and automatically get rid of the useless temporary files that build up over time, the simplest tool to use is Storage Sense. You can find this by searching for Storage settings in the Windows search bar. Once you turn it on, Storage Sense will automatically handle cleanup tasks like deleting old temporary files and emptying your Recycle Bin. If you prefer a manual approach, you can still use the traditional Disk Cleanup utility to pick and choose exactly what files you want to remove.

2 - Boost Startup Speed (Performance)

To make your computer boot up noticeably faster, you need to stop programs from launching automatically when you turn the PC on. The best place to manage this is in the Task Manager under the Startup tab. Here, you can see which applications are slowing down your start time and simply disable the ones you don't need running immediately.

3 - Manage Programs and Files (Deep Cleaning)

For deeper cleaning, you should regularly use the Apps & Features section in Settings (or the Control Panel) to completely uninstall any programs, games, or apps you no longer use. If you’re running out of space and can’t figure out why, the main Storage settings will show you a clear, visual breakdown of where all the disk space went. This makes it simple to locate and delete huge files like old videos or downloads.

💡Quick Maintenance Tips

Here are a few short, simple actions that can make a big difference:

Restart Weekly - Simply restarting your PC once a week clears your computer's short-term memory (RAM) and closes background programs that might be slowing things down.

Check Your Browser - Your web browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox) is a major collector of junk - Go into your browser's settings and clear your cache and cookies every few weeks for better privacy and speed.

Update Your Drivers (Carefully!) - Never use a third-party app to update your drivers. Instead, use Windows' built-in Device Manager or go directly to your PC manufacturer’s website (like Dell, HP, or Lenovo) for safe updates.

(AI was used to aid in the creation of this article.)

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