There are some terrific freeware packages for almost every software category. These are 12 of the best freeware programs for 2019 that you can run on Windows 10 and other platforms. Windows freeware to install in 2019 on your PC 1. CCleaner – best registry cleaner. For the sake of clarity, I will present the best free ELM327-compatible software for Windows, Android, and iOS devices. Best ELM327 Software for Windows Smartphones Please note, if you’re looking for OBD2 software for Windows Laptop/PC, these will not work.
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A free file search tool is exactly what it sounds like—freeware that searches files on your computer. These free file search tools are robust programs, many with dozens more features than the built-in search function your computer has now.
If you've always been great at naming and organizing the hundreds or thousands (or more) files on your computer, you might need one of the programs. On the other hand, if you have files all over the place, across several hard drives, a free file search tool is a must.
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Wise JetSearchWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
Wise JetSearch is a free file search utility that can search for files on any attached drive in Windows.
It can search for files on NTFS or FAT drives and supports wildcard search terms for a more flexible search. All connected drives can be searched through at once, including external drives.
Wise JetSearch doesn't provide instant searching, so you have to wait a few seconds to see the results. However, initiating a new search with the quick search feature is really easy.
Quick search is a small hidden bar that hovers at the top of your screen. You can search from anywhere by just focusing your mouse on it to reveal the search box. Results open in the full Wise JetSearch program.
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EverythingWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
Everything is another free file search tool for Windows with a super clean program interface that supports tons of awesome features.
You can use Everything to search from the Windows right-click context menu and find files across several NTFS drives at once, both internal and external ones.
As you begin searching for files, the results show up instantly -- there's no need to wait or press Enter. Newly added or modified files are added to Everything in real time, so there's no need to manually re-index the database. According to the Everything website, it takes one second to index around a million files.
There's a toggle in Everything's settings you can use to exclude any custom, system, or hidden file and folder from search results to narrow down what you're looking for.
Everything also includes an HTTP and FTP server so you can access the files of networked computers that also have the program installed.
It would seem the features would stop here, but Everything is even free for commercial use, includes a portable download option, and lets you save searches as bookmarks for easy recall.
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Duplicate File FinderWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
There are lots of programs out there that can search for files, but not all of them are made to find duplicate files. This program from Auslogics, aptly called Duplicate File Finder, does just that.
It's really easy for a hard drive to become overwhelmed with videos and music since those types of files take up lots of space. It's also simple to accidentally download music you already have, and if you suspect you've done that, or that you have old backups you no longer need, a duplicate file finder can clean up the copies.
This file search program can look for duplicates of all file types, or you can pick just images, audio files, videos, archives, and/or application files.
After you pick the file type to look for, the search criteria page lets you specify some settings to make the search really customized. You can ignore files smaller and/or larger than a certain size, ignore file names and file dates, ignore hidden files, and search for files that have certain words in the file name. All of these settings are optional.
You can also specify what should happen to the duplicates that you delete: send them to the Recycle Bin, store them in the built-in Rescue Center in case you want them again later, or delete them permanently.
When it's time to delete the files, you can sort the duplicates by name, path, size, and date modified. The program automatically selects one of the duplicates so that deleting is just a couple buttons away.
Note
Be sure to decline any third-party software offers during installation if you only want the file search tool.
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Quick SearchWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
Quick Search is the free search utility provided by the Glarysoft software company.
Files are indexed quickly with Quick Search and can be searched through using instant search so you don't even have to press the Enter key to see them.
When you open Quick Search, a minimized version of the full program is displayed on the bottom of the screen. When you look for files from this search area, the results show in a small popup screen for quick access. You can press the Ctrl key to show/hide the search bar.
Alternatively, open the full program to select a filter option to show just shortcuts, folders, documents, pictures, videos, or music from the results page.
Quick Search indexes files and folders from all attached drives, which means you can traverse all drives to find what you're looking for.
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SearchMyFilesWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
Despite its tiny 100 KB file size, SearchMyFiles is a portable file search utility for Windows that hosts tons of detailed features.
Regular searches are obviously supported, but SearchMyFiles also includes a duplicate file finder to make it easy to remove cloned files.
The following are several search functions you can modify when searching for files with SearchMyFiles: exclude folders, use wildcards to find subdirectories and files, exclude files by extension, exclude files if they don't contain certain text, search for files larger and/or smaller than a particular size, include/exclude files identified as read-only, hidden, compressed, encrypted, and archived, as well as search by date created/modified/accessed.
SearchMyFiles can also save the criteria of any search so you can easily open it again in the future, export search results to an HTML file, and integrate itself into the Windows right-click context menu.
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FileSeekWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
FileSeek offers an Exclude paths section in addition to a regular Paths text area so you can really narrow down results before even beginning a search. You can also refine the search parameters with date and file size filters.
In the advanced search area is where you can enable case sensitivity, disable searching in subfolders, and more.
FileSeek can be installed as a regular program or downloaded in a portable form.
Note
During setup, FileSeek requires a trial of the professional version to be enabled. You can revert to the free version from the program settings else it will automatically take over after 30 days.
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UltraSearchWhat We Like
Another free file and folder search tool is called UltraSearch, which features instant search, context menu integration, and an exclude filter.
The exclude filter lets you dismiss files by name, path, and parent folder using wildcards or specific text/phrases.
UltraSearch is really quick and can sort tons of results by details like last modified date or file size in nearly an instant — much quicker than some of the other programs in this list.
You can get UltraSearch as a portable program in a ZIP file or as a regular installer.
Note
You must know the specific type of Windows installation you have before downloading UltraSearch: 32-bit or 64-bit.
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LAN Search ProWhat We Like
What We Don't Like
As the name suggests, LAN Search Pro is a file search program that searches for files over the network instead of on local hard drives.
Any networked computer that you have login credentials for can be searched with LAN Search Pro. There's a section in the program to store credentials in case you're not a system administrator on the networked computers.
Depending on the download link you choose, LAN Search Pro can be installed like a regular application or downloaded and used as a portable program.
With our pick of the best free PC optimization software, you can give your PC's performance a noticeable boost.
Free PC optimization software can't solve obsolescence – if your computer is struggling to meet the system requirements for your OS or apps that's a job for more RAM or the addition of an SSD – but if the slowdown is software-related, it can really help.
Best Windows Utility Software 2018
It's worth noting that you can do much of what these free PC optimization apps do yourself using Windows' built-in system maintenance tools, but that's time consuming; what's really being sold here is convenience.
If you want more features, many of these free PC optimization tools also have premium counterparts that can perform more advanced tasks, and offer additional tools like secure file deletion and scheduled scans.
1. Iolo System Mechanic
Enjoy a faster, cleaner PC with the best PC optimization tool
Clear, detailed analysis
Iolo System Mechanic removes junk files and unwanted apps, blocks bloatware and unwanted auto-run settings, clears out RAM and wipes various logs, browser histories and caches.
Not only does this free up key system resources, it also eliminates traces of your browsing activity to protect your privacy.
Its PC optimization toolkit really does make a difference; whenever we've tested System Mechanic we've found a significant speed improvement, especially at startup. The free edition is excellent, but the two premium versions – System Mechanic and System Mechanic Pro – are well worth considering if you find yourself using it regularly – and Iolo is offering a 70% discount with the voucher code TECHRADAR.
The genuine performance boost we saw after running System Mechanic made it our favorite system optimization tool. Read on for four more of the best apps around for speeding up your Windows PC.
2. IObit Advanced SystemCare Free
A hands-off approach to optimization that's ideal for novice users
One-click and auto cleanup
IObit Advanced SystemCare comes in two forms: a free edition version that covers basic house cleaning, and a Pro version that adds internet speed-boosting, real-time optimization, privacy protection, deep registry cleaning and 24/7 technical support. That's US$20 (about £15, AU$25) for a year, and the license covers three PCs.
Whichever edition you choose, IObit Advanced SystemCare's interface is well designed, easy to use and unlikely to frighten even the newest PC user. We'd deduct points for an installer that wants to add additional programs - that's hardly in keeping with the philosophy of keeping unwanted stuff off your computer - but they're easy to avoid if you choose a custom installation.
Like most of the free PC optimization software here, it cleans up files and folders you don't need, neatens up the Windows registry and corrects errors on your hard drive – all via a simple, slick dashboard.
3. Piriform CCleaner
Eliminate unnecessary files, clean the registry and manage apps
Frees up disk space
Duplicates many Windows tools
Piriform CCleaner has been around for a long time, and part of the reason for its ongoing popularity is that it cleans the parts of your PC that many other free system optimization tools don't.
There's a paid-for version of the optimization toolkit that adds real time protection and cleanup scheduling, but the free edition of CCleaner covers the important stuff such as removing temporary files, getting rid of browser caches, removing unwanted cookies while keeping the useful ones and so on.
If your PC just feels sluggish then this is the free PC optimization software to try first. It doesn't have all the advanced features of apps like System Mechanic, but the stuff it does clear is famous for slowing down PCs.
4. Ashampoo WinOptimizer 2019
A fast scanner plus a suite of well designed maintenance tools
Descriptive interface
Ashampoo WinOptimizer 2019's biggest selling point is its flexibility – you can scan for junk files, broken registry entries and browser cookies with a single click, and erase them all with one more.
Alternatively, you can dive deeper by selecting the 'Details' button to review the results of your scan one by one. Unlike some PC optimization tools, Ashampoo WinOptimizer gives you a full description of each issue it's identified, explaining exactly what it is, and why you should consider removing it. You can then make an informed decision about whether to erase or keep it.
WinOptimizer also includes a suite of 'modules' for routine maintenance tasks like defragging hard drives and optimizing startup processes. These are all tasks that could be accomplished within Windows itself, but having them all in one location is much more convenient than trawling through menus.
(In case you're wondering, Ashampoo takes its name from this optimization software, which cleans your PC 'like a shampoo'.) Free single player pc games.
Best Windows Utility5. Razer Cortex
Made to help gamers wring extra performance from their PCs
Frees up RAM for games
Contains some unnecessary extras
If your system struggles when you're trying to get your game on, Razer Cortex could well be the answer. This free PC optimization software suspends unnecessary system processes, clears out memory and defrags your system to get the very best game performance possible.
Razer Cortex is available for Windows 7, 8 and 10, and while the differences won't make you jump up and down in astonishment - for most people the results will mean slightly smoother visuals rather than astonishing performance improvements - it does automate the fiddly process of turning off unnecessary software and services when it's time to play.
Best Windows Programs 2018
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