Best Apps to Organize Windows 10
Nobody likes an operating system full of unnecessary random files, 20 annoying applications that run when you turn on your computer, and other nonsense that slows down your system, makes your desktop feel disorganized, or gives you headaches whenever you trying to work (or play). Fortunately, there are a number of free applications that can help you clean up your Windows PC.
At Lifehacker, we take spring cleaning very seriously. We are far from missing out on an opportunity to refresh, reorganize and streamline our home life. We’re also very excited to hit the reset button with our technology, take a close look at our finances, and get the better of our day-to-day habits that have gotten a little musty. Welcome to Spring Cleaning Week as we clear away the winter cobwebs and set the stage for the sunny days ahead. Let’s clean up, okay?
Disk cleanup
One of the first apps you can try to use to manage a messy Windows PC is the native Windows Desk Cleanup app, built right into the operating system and free to use anytime. In Windows 10, simply open the Start menu and start typing Disk, which will make it easier to download the utility. Select the drive that Disk Cleanup should look at, probably the main c: \ drive of your system, and click OK.
Once the scan is complete, Disk Cleanup will tell you about all the different types of files you can safely delete from your system, including the Edge browser cache, everything in your recycle bin, temporary files left over from apps or app installs, and thumbnails of files that you may not need it anymore – just to name a few. You can also click on the “Clean up system files” option to have the application check the log files created by Windows during the OS installation, as well as any previous Windows installations that might be lurking on your hard drive (and take up gigabytes of space).
Once you’ve made your choice to delete, click OK and then Delete Files to start the process.
(You can also use a utility like BleachBit to clean up your disk more thoroughly. Just don’t use it to clean up the Windows registry; registry cleaners generally have no noticeable effect unless they completely ruin your system. , deleting what they shouldn’t be.)
Decrapifier for PC
While this application is more useful for the desktops or laptops you just purchased, it is a great tool for removing more obvious malware on your system that you might just have forgotten about (or never had time to clean).
After downloading the app, you don’t need to go through any installation procedures. Just run it and let it analyze your system. It will divide all the apps it finds into three categories: apps that are definitely recommended to be uninstalled, questionable apps that people usually remove from their systems, and all other apps. Each application list indicates whether it is a regular application that you download yourself or one that launches when your computer starts up, a percentage that indicates how many other PC Decrapifier users have also uninstalled that application, and sometimes a small question mark icon that takes you to the internet. to find out more about a specific application.
All you have to do is choose what you want to uninstall, confirm it on the next screen (which also allows you to create a Windows restore point if you’re nervous), and let the app flush unneeded apps down the digital drain. …
AdwCleaner
Toolbars, spyware, and other malware can ruin your computer. However, even if you’re a semi-knowledgeable computer user, you’re probably good at avoiding common pitfalls: apps that ask you to add crappy third-party elements to their normal installation process, or websites that talk you into trying an app that sounds like a scam. etc.
However, it never hurts to run a quick scan from time to time to make sure there is nothing on your computer that shouldn’t be. You probably don’t need to pay for a real-time malware scanning app if you have something like AdwCleaner, a lightweight app that doesn’t require installation to efficiently (and efficiently) scan your system for crap.
AdwCleaner is owned by a company that makes the popular anti-malware application Malwarebytes. While you can always switch to the former for added protection given its reputation, the app seems a little more bloated and definitely loves to let you know about its premium services.
Steam cleaner
This is for you gamers. You may not even be aware that the main online distribution services – Steam, Origin, Uplay, and GoG – can leave trash on your hard drive even after you’ve deleted the game you’re finished playing. Although called “Steam Cleaner,” this app does a great job of scanning each service’s default folders and detecting leftover files from past games that you can safely delete. With a simple scan, you can save gigabytes of space .
(For common applications, consider using a program like Revo Uninstaller to ensure that all traces of the program are removed whenever you want to remove it from your system.)
MiniBin
Having to go to the Windows desktop to fiddle with the recycle bin is annoying. While it’s easy to delete (or Shift-delete) files from File Explorer, it’s always a good idea to have your trash can ready. This tiny utility places the Trash directly into the system tray, making it much easier to drag and drop files into oblivion, empty the trash, and restore what you’ve accidentally deleted.