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Ashampoo WinOptimizer 26: Speed up, optimize, and clean your PC with great ease!

Ashampoo WinOptimizer 26 is the newest improved version build of Ashampoo's premier /comprehensive PC optimization suite! Ashampoo WinOptimizer 26 assures boosts in system performance, fixes system issues, and reduces file clutter. This suite has all the tools (with over 30 feature modules) that anyone will ever need to make any Windows system perform to utmost efficiency alongside assuring the user that all intricates of his system is taken care of!

At program launch, Ashampoo WinOptimizer 26's system analysis provides numerous options to optimize and clean your operating system right from the start page. If enabled, "System analysis" will always run at program launch and will provide the status of the user's system, alongside details of current available RAM, CPU and GPU. The cleaners in version 26 are record-breaking both in speed and thoroughness. Auto-Clean, Live-Tuner and Game-Booster keep the user's system clean and ensures that programs launch faster and games run more smoothly. The System Information module gives you a full insight into your PC's hard and software.

As in previous WinOptimizer builds, version 26 retains the dashboards for always up-to-date system overview. The dashboards also act as quick shortcuts to essential modules. The tweaking module (All modules > Customize Windows > Tweaking) not only allows for an individual Windows customization preference of the user but also caters to features / latest tweaks for Windows 11.

Advanced Deep Cleaning
The new and extended in-depth cleaning will not only track down all junk files but also paves the way to resolve all privacy and display issues! Advanced deep cleaning will rid the user of old Windows versions, Windows update backups, and Windows usage statistics. Display issues will be a thing of the past as the DirectX shader cache / preview cache is included in the cleaning. Advanced deep cleaning will regain loads of hard disk space in the process.

Over 30 Top-notch modules / cutting-edge tools for every purpose
Beyond cleaning and optimization, WinOptimizer also offers modules that other companies would rather sell you as separate applications. This includes Process Manager for a better look at what is running on your PC, and Privacy Manager for better privacy protection. These are joined by Icon Saver, (to bring more order to your desktop), and File Wiper, (to permanently erase sensitive data). WinOptimizer covers the whole spectrum of system cleaning, tuning, and optimization!

Next-gen Privacy Protection
Find and delete sensitive data with Privacy Traces Cleaner! This cleaner is specially designed search algorithms that scan files, folders, and the Windows Registry for such traces and eliminate them–after upon user's review and confirmation. For added safety, a built-in Registry backup feature is provided, as well as whitelisting for individual exceptions, and multi-user support so the user can do cleaning for all user profiles in one go.

Tuning Assistant
The Tuning Assistant will ask you few simple questions with far-reaching consequences. Each response will bring the user closer to a faster, more discreet, and more secure Windows machine–it's just like having a casual conversation with the software! Disable unnecessary background services, optimize security settings, and customize Windows for better performance and privacy, risk-free!

New cleaners with improve power and efficiency
Ashampoo WinOptimizer 26's popular cleaners now includes Privacy Traces Cleaner for four-way cleaning action! Junk files, web browsing traces, invalid Registry items, and now privacy-sensitive data are now on the chopping block! Whether Drive Cleaner or Internet Cleaner, results appear almost instantaneously and detection rates are off the charts, while custom file filters help you to adjust and extend the range of supported file types. All cleaners are meticulously tailored to all modern Windows versions and browsers.

Manager modules with new / improved features
UnInstall Manager 2 now also processes, and uninstalls, Windows apps alongside sporting a new look & feel, smart filters, and additional helpers make removing applications even easier and safer. Process Manager features a new and optional tree structure view for better clarity and also displays SVHOST-based processes. SSD Wizard provides additional info that helps to prolong the lifespan of your drives and to enhance their performance. All reports across all modules now feature a modern design that greatly enhances their utility!

Ashampoo WinOptimizer 26 FEATURES AT A GLANCE:

Find and delete sensitive data with Privacy Traces Cleaner
Individually tailored Windows optimization with Tuning Assistant
One-click optimization with four powerful cleaners
System analysis with more in-depth information and visual clarity
Super-fast cleaners with new search algorithms
Windows Notification Center based program notifications
Drive Cleaner with custom file filters
Improved browser handling in Registry Cleaner
Cleaners with support for browser profiles
Uninstall Windows apps with UnInstall Manager 2
UnInstall Manager 2 with new look & feel
Process manager with tree view
Review SVHOST-based processes
Create and print modern-looking reports
SSD wizard with new handling and more details

Ashampoo WinOptimizer 26 settings provides eleven (11) options/settings for full optimization of the user's system.

Basic functions

User can use these settings to select a different program language or a change in look via "skins".
One Click Optimizer

Sets "One Click Optimizer" options on how-to run and specify whether found issues should be fixed automatically.
Drive Cleaner

Sets what information will Drive Cleaner scan and should clean. User may also select files/folders to be excluded from scans.
Registry Optimizer

Sets which file elements to include in scans and what local drives should be scanned. User can also remove exceptions created using the context menu in Registry Optimizer.
Internet Cleaner

Sets what scanned file types to be deleted for each browser. Secure cookie list is also set here.
Clean (NEW in Settings)

This is a new addition from version 25 and this is where the user can define settings for the "Cleanup" section of Ashampoo WinOptimizer 26. Once set the changes will be applied for the next startup. The modules for set are, (i) Run Internet Cleaner, (ii) Run Drive Cleaner, (iii) Run Registry Optimizer, and (iv) Run Privacy Traces Cleaner.

Sets what scanned file types to be deleted for each browser. Secure cookie list is also set here.
Defrag

Specify the level of fragmentation that will be used for a specified drive. If he prefers, user can also activate boot time defragmentation to defragment files usually used by Windows once its launched before the boot process has commenced.
File Associator

These settings allow the user to select the formats that will be listed for each file extension category. To include a file type, user simply add its extension to the desired category (use commas to separate multiple formats).
DiskSpace Explorer

User can adjust the visual representation of file distribution here. "Number of chart sections", how many parts a diagram, (re: a pie chart, can
consist of). User may adjust the lists of formats used for each category such as "Audio Files" or "Documents" and even create his own custom category/group.
Undeleter

This is where the user can set options (folder structures and the like) to be used for effective file restoration.
Duplicate Finder

Set options here to what should be scanned and exclusion of single file formats to make an effective scan of duplicate files.

A. SYSTEM ANALYSIS
The main user interface shows the "System Analysis" view where the status of the user's current system (analyzed) is displayed alongside the details on current available RAM, and GPU information (now located at the bottom-right corner of the interface -- from version 25). The "Analyze" button is now at the top of the "system analysis modules" with the gear button from which the user can set "Analyze at program launch". The CPU usage gauge is still at the top-right corner of the interface. A drive indicator is also seen now at the bottom of the interface.

System analysis given are:

Browsing traces
Unnecessary Registry entries
Unnecessary files
Privacy Traces
Invalid shortcuts
Unnecessary running services
Optimizable security settings
Recycle bin empty

B. EXTENDED
The "Extended" module "extends" more granularity for the user / allows the user to clean individual system areas not affected by regular system analyses. This "extended" option gives mileage to the user to reclaim additional disk space, better protect the user's privacy, and fix some system issues (Windows Explorer, DirectX). Note: Depending on the affected area, applications/updates may initially perform slower after cleaning. The "Extended" module analysis elements are below:

Files belonging to an old Windows version
Old Prefetch files (14 days or older)
File usage (Windows Sub Systems temp files)
Delivery optimization related files
Explorer cache for previews
Windows Updates files (Cache + old updates)
Empty DirectX shader cache
Delete all shellbags from Registry

C. AUTOMATIC
The "Automatic" module gives the user the option to (i) enable/disable the various automatic features of WinOptimizer and, (ii) review most recent actions performed.

The "History" shows ten (10) most recent actions and allows user to also "export" or "delete" history elements. Automatic features offered are: (i) Auto-Clean, (ii) Live-Tuner, and (iii) Game Booster. A tray icon will be shown when automatic features are enabled. User can just right-click the icon to access the settings for each feature.

Auto-Clean

Auto-Clean removes application-related "temporary files" as soon as the applications are closed to regain disk space. Running applications store these temporary File / data and as they run, they continue to take up space even applications are closed/exited.
Live-Tuner

Live-Tuner adjusts process priorities to speed up application launches.
Game-Booster

Game-Booster automatically terminates all processes/applications that are non-essential to the game to free up resources thus preventing slowdown of the user's games.

D. ALL MODULES
The "All Modules" module provides for relevant tools, as per (1) Functions, or (2) All Modules which any user needs to maintain and optimize his system. At the top-right corner of the All Modules tab a "Switch view" toggle is provided.

"Switch view = ON -- Functions" is tailored for the new user. This is the "use-case" method (detailed view of functions) to aid him in what he wants to do.

"Switch view = OFF -- All Modules" is tailored for the familiar or intermediate user (those who know a thing or two about optimization/tweaking). The collection of functions / modules will help the user manage all common PC settings, optimization as well as system information and improved tools (Windows tools based).

The six (6) modules, as per "All Modules" (Switch view > OFF -- "All Modules") are: (i) Maintain system, (ii) Improve performance, (iii) Customize Windows, (iv) Analyze system, (v) File tools, and (vi) Administrative tools. These modules list each tool to effectively and efficiently optimize the user's system. See modules below:

Maintain system
- One Click Optimizer
  
  Offers an easy "one-click" optimization and maintenance of a user's system. It runs Internet Cleaner, Drive Cleaner and Registry Optimizer in succession. Click the magnifying glass icons to open the selected module and adjust the results. Click "Delete now" to remove all found objects.
- Drive Cleaner
  
  Drive Cleaner scans the user's system for files that are no longer needed and displays results grouped by categories. User can click the number of results to display necessary details for each category. Check boxes are provided to select/deselect individual results or use the top buttons to select all/no results from a category. Creation of a report via a text file is also provided via the "Create report" button.
- Registry Optimizer
  
  Registry Optimizer scans the user's Windows Registry database for unneeded entries and displays results grouped by categories. User can click the number of results to display necessary details for each category. Check boxes are provided to select/deselect individual results or use the top buttons to select all/no results from a category. Creation of a report via a text file is also provided via the "Create report" button. User can specify an entry as an exception to exclude it from future scans / searches.
- Internet Cleaner
  
  Internet Cleaner scans the system for unneeded "internet-related” files and displays results grouped by categories. User can click the number of results to display necessary details for each category. User can specify a selected cookie and indicate it as a "secure cookie". When such has been set, this cookie will no longer show up in future search results. User is allowed to keep settings such as login data for webmail account from being deleted every time he uses Internet Cleaner eliminating the need to input it again.
- Privacy Traces Cleaner (NEW)
  
  This module finds and eliminates data that poses a potential threat to the user's privacy. Enable "Search for and clear jumplists" under "Settings" to also delete the list of recently opened file/websites that is displayed when you right-click an application in the task bar.
- Defrag
  
  Defrag or "defragmenting" rearranges file fragments to speed up file access times. Take note that defragmentation’s are ONLY USED with mechanical drives. Modern SSDs provide nearly constant access times irrespective of file fragmentation (thus defrag is not needed).
  
  Improve performance
  - Service Manager
    
    Services are background programs required by Windows and other applications to work properly. This module lists all installed services and provides a rating on their usefulness. It also allows you to modify start types individually.
  - Boot Center
    
    Formerly "StartUp Tuner" in version 25, this module modules not only gives you a detailed overview of processes/services that impact your PC's boot process, including load times, but also the ability to view/edit and enable/disable individual autorun and maintenance-related tasks.
  - Internet Tuner
    
    This module helps you optimize your Internet connection.
  - Process Manager
    
    This module lists all currently running processes and allows you to adjust their priorities or terminate them.
  - Uninstall Manager 2 (IMPROVED)
    
    UnInstall Manager 2 (formerly UnInstall Manager in version 25) now also processes, and uninstalls, Windows apps. This comes with a new look & feel, smart filters, and additional helpers make removing applications even easier and safer. As The module allows for the uninstall of applications and remove entries for incompletely uninstalled programs.
  - SSD Wizard
    
    Use these settings to optimize your Windows for SSD drives.
  Customize Windows
  - Tweaking
    
    Tweaking allows the user to customize various system settings. There are 9 tweaking categories the user can choose to "tweak", (i) Logon, (ii) Devices, (iii) Drives, (iv) System, (v) Desktop, (vi) Explorer, (vii) Other Software, (viii) Windows 8 and higher, and (ix) Windows 11. Tweaking not only allows for an individual Windows customization preference of the user but also caters to features / latest tweaks for Windows 11. To set the tweak user just needs to click "Apply". A restore feature is present to restore the original settings.
  - Privacy Manager
    
    Privacy Manager can adjust all Windows settings that collect or share data about Microsoft. Select the desired category from the entries on the left and use the tabs navigate through each category. Click "Apply" to apply the changes from all categories and (i) "Restore standard settings" to restore the original settings, (ii) "Restore safe settings" to automatically adjust the settings to avoid the most common security risks.
  - File Associator
    
    File Associator allows the user to associate file types with viewer/editor programs. File types that are currently unassociated are marked "red". User can click an entry to select a single file type or, hold down Shift to select multiple entries.
  - Context Menu Manager
    
    This module allows the user to enable/disable various menu items in Windows' right-click context menu. Use "Activate" and "Disable" to turn individual items on/off or use the check marks. User needs to click "Apply" to set / apply modifications.
  - Browser Extension Manager (IMPROVED)
    
    This module lists all browser extensions from all browsers in all available user profiles. This "innovative cookie manager" helps the user safely manage cookies across all of browsers The use of wildcard characters has been incorporated to instantly mark entire domains as safe (–settings will apply to all of browsers and can be exported and imported for easy transfer across devices).
  Analyze system
  - System Information
    
    This module provides various informative details of the user's PC hardware including installed applications. A report can be generated via "Create Report". Details of the report can be viewed in the user's browser (HTML file).
  - DiskSpace Explorer
    
    DiskSpace Explorer analyzes and visualizes the file distribution across the user's drives. User needs to identify the target drive for scanning. Results obtained will aid the user to evaluate his options towards better optimization.
  - Benchmark Center
    
    This module allows the user to benchmark PC performance and analyze results as compared to other systems. It is advised to close running applications to get a better / accurate benchmark result.
    - System
      
      This module includes (i) System performance information, and (ii) Hardware installed information. User needs to click "Run benchmark" to start benchmarking process and (click) "Compare online" to compare your results to other machines.
    - Hard disks
      
      This module can benchmark the read/write speeds of your disk drives. User needs to click "Start" to benchmark the selected drive and "Compare online" to compare your results against other drives.
  - HDD Inspector
    
    This module displays details pertaining to hard disk drive health as well as other information about the user's disk drive.
  - Disk Doctor
    
    Disk Doctor scans your hard disks for errors and can try to fix them. Errors may / can be caused by power cuts, crashes on the user's system (and on external drives). An option to use "Deep scan" is provided.
  File tools
  - File Wiper
    
    When Windows deletes a file, the selected disk space is marked as reusable. As long as it isn't used for new data, the original data is still there and can be recovered easily. File Wiper overwrites these areas with data such as zeros so the data can no longer be recovered.
  - File Manipulator
    
    File Manipulator allows you to split up files into several parts (for easier sharing or archiving). It can also re-assemble these parts or encrypt/decrypt them. Splitting / Joining files will require the user to input the "destination" folder for the "to-be" manipulated file. Otherwise, the new-manipulated file will be placed in the original location. Encrypt allows the user to create a self-decrypting EXE / delete the original file as well as password protect the encrypted file.
  - Undeleter
    
    Undeleter "attempts" to recover accidentally deleted files. User just needs to select a drive and click "Search" and click "Restore" to recover the selected file/s. Take note that user needs to make sure to select a different drive (other than the source) as "destination" to avoid data loss.
  - Link Checker
    
    Link Checker validates file shortcuts and provides the user to "delete" invalid items. These shortcuts allow the user to access the underlying files via double-clicking (mostly seen on the user's Desktop icons). Shortcuts become invalid when the underlying file is moved or deleted.
  - Duplicate Finder
    
    Duplicate Finder scans the user's drives for duplicate files and lists them side by side. This allows the user to "delete" duplicates and regain disk space. User need to click "Search" to begin the operation. Check boxes are there to select/deselect scanned items. User can create a report of the findings via "Create report" (to create a text file).
  - ADS scanner
    
    Alternate data streams (ADS) attach secondary but hidden data streams / files to a file as it is usually shown in Windows Explorer. These streams usually contain additional data used by programs that process the "main” file. However, they can also be used to hide malware. This module scans the initially selected drive for such streams and allows the user to "delete" them, if warranted.
  Administrative tools
  - Tuning Assistant (NEW)
    
    The Tuning Assistant will ask a few simple questions to create a list of optimization settings tailored to your needs. The user just needs to simply answer the questions and click "Optimize now" to apply the settings.
  - System Restore Manager
    
    This module manages system restore points as created by Windows. Restore points allow you to revert your machine to a previous state in the event of system errors.
  - Icon Saver
    
    Icon Saver saves the position of the user's desktop icons and can restore their original layout.
  - User-Rights Manager
    
    Use this module to adjust/restrict user rights, (keep guest accounts at bay or in-check). It is particularly useful in multi-user environments.
  - Energy Manager
    
    User can adjust existing or create new power schemes. Each scheme offers separate settings for battery and grid operation.
  - Task scheduler
    
    This module allows the user to specify a time for the next system analysis or schedule "One Click Optimizer" to run automatically. If needed, the program can shut itself down, once the process is complete. (In conjunction with 1-Click Optimizer, this module allows you to specify an interval at
    which the recycle bin gets emptied.)
  - Statistics
    
    This is a summary of all WinOptimizer activities. A "reset" is provided to reset all values.
E. CLEAN
"Clean" (as the word implies) module helps you Clean the Registry, remove web browsing traces and to track down no longer needed Files. From version 25, the old modules (--a. Registry database, b. Web browsing traces, and c. Unnecessary files) have been replaced by (i) Internet Cleaner, (ii) Registry Optimizer, (iii) Drive Cleaner, and (iv) Privacy Traces Cleaner. The user can set which modules will run at program start via Settings > Clean.

F. OPTIMIZE
User can speed up boot times, defragment mechanical hard disks for faster access times and adjust essential privacy settings for added protection.

G. INFORM
This dashboard provides essential details about your installed hardware and software (-- i. System, ii. Hard Disks, and iii. Software). All relative information can be accessed in this module.

H. BACKUPS
Use this module to undo changes made by WinOptimizer should the changes have led to undesired / untoward system behavior. Backups are done automatically after each optimization. User can set auto-delete backup in the settings.

Ashampoo WinOptimizer v26.00.22(2023/12/11)

PERTINENT LINKS

Ashampoo WinOptimizer 26 Product Site

Download Ashampoo WinOptimizer 26 HERE

Ashampoo Support

Ashampoo WinOptimizer 26

NOTES:

Last time I tested version 25 of Ashampoo WinOptimizer Uninstall Manager was with GOM Media Player uninstall. The comparative app use is Ashampoo UnInstaller 12 and it detected less remnants as compared to version 25 of Ashampoo WinOptimizer. This may be because Ashampoo UnInstaller is more in-depth in its job as an uninstaller as compared to Ashampoo WinOptimizer 25's Uninstall Manager.

A simple comparison of Uninstall Manager 2 and One-Click Optimizer of Ashampoo WinOptimizer 26 versus 1-Click Maintenance of Glary Utilities Pro ver5.206.0.235 is shown here. The target program to be uninstalled is KMPlayer 4.2.2.68.

Action 1:
KMPlayer will be uninstalled using Ashampoo WinOptimizer 26's Uninstall Manager 2 and then One-Click Optimizer is to be used to remove traces/remnants. After which Glary Utilities Pro 5's "1-Click Maintenance" will be used to check for traces/remnants (--remnants after Ashampoo WinOptimizer 26's One-Click Optimizer).

Action 2:
KMPlayer will be uninstalled using Glary Utilities Pro 5"s Uninstall Manager and then 1-Click Maintenance is to be used to remove traces/remnants. After which Ashampoo WinOptimizer 26's One-Click Optimizer will be used to check for traces/remnants (--remnants after Glary Utilities Pro 5"s 1-Click Maintenance).

In "Action 1", Ashampoo WinOptimizer 26's One-Click Optimizer detected 125 objects (remnants). This was optimized accordingly. To check leftover traces/remnants of Ashampoo WinOptimizer 26's One-Click Optimizer, Glary Utilities Pro 5's 1-Click Maintenance was used of which it found 5 issues and 2.26mb of temp files. The "Repair issues" of Glary Utilities Pro 5 was not used to remove detected issues.

So, to verify further, One-Click Optimizer (of Ashampoo WinOptimizer 26) was used of which 7 objects were found. Now this was from the last optimization of Ashampoo WinOptimizer 26's One-Click Optimizer.

In "Action 2", --where KMPlayer was uninstalled by Glary Utilities Pro 5"s Uninstall Manager and cleaned/repaired via it's own "Repair issues", Ashampoo WinOptimizer 26's "One-Click Optimizer" found 96 objects leftover traces/remnants still.

So, it seems here in this raw comparison that there will be always remnants found by other / alternative pc optimization software even after one declares it is as "clean" (remnant free). So, the moral here is to trust your preferred software. Remnants detected also will vary depending on the application used. There will only be some similarly detected remnants but not all. Kindly see image below.

As in version 25, Ashampoo WinOptimizer 26 installation is pretty straightforward. It will ask for a serial before it will continue to allow installation. If the user does not have a "serial/license" he (the user) can avail of the trial via internet connection.

Ashampoo WinOptimizer 26 interface is "still" user friendly, and is commendable. It will not intimidate even the new user. All tools are tucked "neatly" in categories/modules and tabs. The comprehensive tools included are very useful and truly enhances the PC's performance.

Some of the tools included are "noticeably" already offered in Windows, though WinOptimizer's is more fine-tuned. The main interface has been re-arranged from version 25. The CPU gauge is still at the top right-corner. The GPU and RAM is now placed at the bottom right-corner. There is a "gear" (at the left side of the "Analyze / Analyze again" button) of which the user is to set the "auto-analyze" at program launch. The "indicator" to let the user know that it is set to "automatic analyze" has been relocated far at the bottom of the main interface. Bottom left-corner to be exact. Hmmm...

See image below for comparison of version 25 versus version 26 main interface.

Ashampoo WinOptimizer 26 is still a truly comprehensive set of tools anyone (especially the new users) will ever need. The default settings can be good if the user is not finicky about settings. The "Tuning Assistant" is a nice touch as user's sometimes gets confused as to what he needs to do or doesn't not understand what to do. The "Uninstall Manager 2" seems to be the same as of version 25 --though Ashampoo states that it "now removes Windows apps, a new look & feel, with smart filters, and additional helpers..." Not much there...I still prefer Ashampoo's standalone uninstaller, Ashampoo UnInstaller 11 or 12, offering much more capabilities. Still, Ashampoo WinOptimizer 26 is a great recommend!

Ashampoo WinOptimizer 26 (and Ashampoo WinOptimizer 25) is priced at $50 (3PCs). The alternatives like Glary Utilities Pro 5 costs $39.95 (3 PCs - price is subscription based 1-year, renewal price is $19.97). See HERE. Wise Care 365 PRO is at $22 (1-year subscription) and $52.46 (lifetime license). See HERE.

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