Ashampoo WinOptimizer 2020

Ashampoo WinOptimizer 2014 lets beginners and experts benefit from its PC tweaks, deep cleaning, and protection. This freeware is suitable for Windows XP to 8.

WinOptimizer’s setup process asks if your system boots from an SSD or HDD. We selected SSD, which deactivated the Hibernation and Windows Search/Indexing options, leaving only the option to delete old backups. WinOptimizer’s initial scan found issues in all three of its primary features: Clean, 1GB of junk; Optimize, 384 issues to resolve; and Protect, 362 security issues. Instead of log files, WinOptimizer’s scan results describe each category and how it affects Windows. Advanced users can still view log files, but less-experienced users will definitely welcome WinOptimizer’s no-nonsense descriptions of what it does and why. We clicked “Fix Now,” and WinOptimizer quickly processed each category, starting with Protect, then Optimize and finally Clean. We were surprised no reboot was required. To verify WinOptimizer had done no harm, we rebooted anyway and were pleased to see our PC boot fast, safe, and clean. WinOptimizer also boasts backups, password protection, and tools ranging from System Benchmarking to File Wiper to Encryption and Decryption.

WinOptimizer 2014 wins our strong approval by delivering expert system tweaks, maintenance, and protection to users of every skill level. With its extensive collection of extra system tools, it has something for everyone.