Ashampoo WinOptimizer 25 Review

First off, I have to admit that I’ve never been overly fond of one-click optimizers. In my opinion, most try too hard to cover too many areas and end up being a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none. I’ve known about Ashampoo WinOptimizer for many years, of course, but never actually checked it out. Ashampoo has established a strong reputation for quality software so I was keen to see how WinOptimizer worked and also if it meets that high standard. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised.

Ashampoo WinOptimizer 25

The first thing that struck me about Ashampoo WinOptimizer 25 is that it’s equally suited for both inexperienced and advanced users. Automatic (or one-click) optimization is not overdone, which is a good thing, tackling only the main areas while still providing plenty of manual options and tools for more advanced users. This separation of functionality is an effective concept that caters expertly to users of all levels of proficiency.

This is a screenshot of the simple one-click interface (click on any image to enlarge):

Or you can go a step further with a “System analysis” which includes the standard optimization modules:

And these are the numerous optimization options and tools that can each be initiated manually:

Once I delved into WinOptimizer, I was impressed by the sheer volume of features and tools Ashampoo has managed to integrate into a single package; here are just some of the highlights:

• Detailed system information including the Windows license key
• Enhanced gaming performance at the click of a button with Game Booster
• Thorough in-depth cleaning of critical system areas
• Find and delete old Windows versions, updates, and system caches
• Convenient cookie manager for “safe” cookies
• Render deleted files unrecoverable with File Wiper
• Securely encrypt and decrypt files
• Recover accidentally deleted files with Undeleter
• Optimize SSD for increased lifespans
• Extensive drive analysis and hardware review
• Process Manager with in-depth information
• Analyze and accelerate boot times with Boot Center
• Powerful Privacy Manager module to disable Windows telemetry

*The above list barely touches the surface; check out all features at Ashampoo WinOptimizer Home Page

Ashampoo WinOptimizer Efficacy

I compared WinOptimizer’s junk file cleaning ability with the popular CCleaner Free edition on the same machine with the system in the exact same state and CCleaner identified 362MB of junk files for deletion while WinOptimizer identified 984MB of junk files for deletion. Hardly a surprising result considering we are comparing a free junk file cleaner with professional software.

I keep all my systems in pristine condition so they are not suitable for testing WinOptimizer’s effectiveness in terms of optimization. However, it’s not difficult to see how the software’s range of tools and optimization features could help significantly improve system performance.

BOTTOM LINE:

Ashampoo WinOptimizer surpassed my expectations. Personally, I believe it’s the perfect solution for less experienced users, who don’t generally possess the know-how to perform regular maintenance routines, to help them maintain a lean and responsive system. It’s also a great tool for those whose backup strategy includes regularly creating system images. Run WinOptimizer immediately prior to creating each new system image to ensure that backups, if needed, will always be pristine.

What really impressed me about Ashampoo WinOptmizer is the separation of functionality, providing less experienced users with simple one-click wizards while still including plenty of manually-initiated individual tools and features to satisfy advanced users.

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