Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' review
In our duties reviewing software for Download.com we install and uninstall a lot of programs. As we're sure you can imagine, this creates a bit of a mess on our PC. Many programs leave files behind when they're uninstalled, and since we're constantly downloading and deleting things, we end up with a lot of invalid shortcuts, broken registry entries, etc. For this very reason, we were excited about trying WinUtilities Free Edition, a suite of tools designed to free up disk space and improve system performance. We were quite pleased with the program's results.
Some of what WinUtilities does--disk defragmenting and cleanup, for example--can be accomplished using the System Tools that come with Windows. But we liked the way the program combined these and other functions into one clean, intuitive interface, making all of the most useful Windows maintenance utilities easy to access. The program contains a full complement of features to help you manage your computer's performance and security, including a file shredder, duplicate file finder, task scheduler, and much more. The program's One-Click Maintenance feature allows users to run a variety of customizable buttons with the click of a single button. The program's built-in Help file is well written and thorough. Overall, we were quite impressed with WinUtilities, and we think it's a great tool for keeping your system in good shape and free of performance-hindering junk.
WinUtilities Free Edition is free. The program installs and uninstalls without issues. We highly recommend this program to all users.
Publisher's Description
From YL Software:
WinUtilities (Free Edition) is a multi-functional system performance and optimization suite for Microsoft Windows. This collection of tools lets you supercharge your PC's performance, enhance its security, tweak and optimize its settings, and customize and personalize your screens. Registry Cleaner makes your system more stable by cleaning out the bad Registry entries that build up each time you install and uninstall software. The program's Registry Optimizer defragments and rebuilds your Registry, making your entire system run more smoothly and quickly. The program includes powerful tools to clean and optimize your hard drives. The Disk Cleaner removes clutter and unnecessary files from your PC, allowing it to run more quickly. The DiskDefrag module defragments your hard drive, keeping it running efficiently. WinUtilities's Windows Optimizers keep Windows running faster. The Memory Optimizer ensures that memory is released properly when you stop running each program on your system.
What's new in this version: Version 9.98 includes updated Database, improved Duplicate File Finder module and Windows Tools module, and Minor bug fixes.
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All versions:
3.7 starsout of 622 votes
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Current version:
3.9 starsout of 15 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"A great product providing tools to clean your computer."
Version: WinUtilities Free Edition 9.98
Pros
The options are many.
The tools are effective.
You can let scans pretty much handle themselves.Cons
It might be hard for some people to understand the many different options available.
Summary
This product is definitely worth a try. It is free, and one of the most comprehensive softwares that I have ever seen.
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"Quick and trouble free"
Version: WinUtilities Free Edition 9.98
Pros
I use WinUtilities to clean my hard drive and registry and find the program to be fast and effective. Large numbers of unneeded files and registry entries are gone in a flash with no problems.
Cons
I have found no particular shortcomings with this program.
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"DANGEROUSLY OVER-AGGRESSIVE"
Version: WinUtilities Free Edition 9.98
Pros
Less than one.
Cons
Is so indiscriminate in its operation, it's worse than useless.
Summary
Luckily, I only tried one of its modules first as a test: removal of "BROKEN SHORTCUTS." It was supposed to remove shortcuts to programs that no longer function. Instead, it removed my desktop shortcuts to my 2nd Internal HD, both of my DVD drives etc. These shortcut icons worked before I installed this program. They vanished off my desktop immediately after its test use. If it can't discriminate between "broken" shortcuts and essential ones, it is less than useless -- it's outright destructive. I am SO glad (a) I never attempted to use its registry cleaner etc or my PC would have been rendered unusable (b) I could use my last Windows Restore point to undo the damage. Individual utilities like CCleaner (with its very UNagressive registry cleaner), MyDefrag, Revo Uninstaller etc are much better free choices.
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"Awesome tool!"
Version: WinUtilities Free Edition 9.98
Pros
All functions work as advertised.
Cons
None for this free tool.
Summary
If you have nothing else, this is great.
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"Great application"
Version: WinUtilities Free Edition 9.98
Pros
Simple even to novices
Cons
None at this time
Summary
Just one-click is what's required, nothing simpler than that
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"too slow to use"
Version: WinUtilities Free Edition 9.98
Pros
it does not speed up my system, just slow it down when use it. the boot is quite slow now.
Cons
take almost one night to defrag the system.
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"compels you to install the ask toolbar."
Version: WinUtilities Free Edition 9.98
Pros
not tested because of this deal breaker
Cons
ask toolbar is a pest to remove
Summary
never put software with ask or toolbars which are compulsory
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"Easy to use, does a good job"
Version: WinUtilities Free Edition 9.98
Pros
Cleans up the registy & disk very well
Cons
Duplicate file finder - do not use. I don't know where it found the "duplicate" file, but when I deleted some of them - they were gone for good. Disk defrag took over 8 hours to complete
Summary
As long as you don't belive the duplicate file finder & do a disk defrag just before leaving on vacation - this is an easy to use, multi-purpose utility that definitely sped up my computer.
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"am highly pleased with this app.."
Version: WinUtilities Free Edition 9.98
Pros
It does the job!!
Cons
I don't have any...
Summary
this app does a wonderful job...
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"Possibly the Best All-In-One free Utility Suite"
Version: WinUtilities Free Edition 9.98
Pros
Has tons of tools to clean and optimize and seems to be particularly effective at registry cleaning and repair.
Cons
Browser-related tools limited to Internet Explorer (bummer), but it's not a deal-breaker. Otherwise no cons to report.
Summary
This program has taken me some time to explore since it is of the "swiss army knife" genre of utility programs. Whoa ! this thing is comprehensive! So far, every feature (web browsers wipes excepted) has impressed me with it's safety, ease of use and effectiveness. Definitely a winner !
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