
I stopped using CCleaner after finding a free open-source cleaner that finds more junk
xda-developers.com/stopped-using-ccleaner-after-finding-open-source-cleaner-finds-more-junk/

The Best Way To Check Your PC For Malware: If you suspect malware, Windows Defender is a good place to start. But if it's not enough, there are plenty of other ...
engadget.com/2257817/best-way-check-pc-malware/

You should deep clean your Windows PC every year to keep it running smoothly — here's how I do it
xda-developers.com/you-should-deep-clean-your-windows-pc-every-year-to-keep-it-running-smoothly-heres-how-i-do-it/

You should deep clean your Windows PC every year to keep it running smoothly — here's how I do it
xda-developers.com/you-should-deep-clean-your-windows-pc-every-year-to-keep-it-running-smoothly-heres-how-i-do-it/

You should deep clean your Windows PC every year to keep it running smoothly — here's how I do it
xda-developers.com/you-should-deep-clean-your-windows-pc-every-year-to-keep-it-running-smoothly-heres-how-i-do-it/
Key FactsArticle recommends yearly deep cleaning for Windows 11 PCs
Aug 1, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
- To remove unwanted programs, the author recommends BCUninstaller, which can also find portable apps and leftover files.
- A debloat script such as Chris Titus Tech’s Windows Utility may be useful again after Windows updates, while startup tasks should be reviewed in Task Manager and Task Scheduler.
- Drivers can be updated through optional Windows updates or the websites of Nvidia, AMD, Intel, and the device manufacturer, while Malwarebytes offers a free deep scan without real-time protection.
- Temporary files can be removed under Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files, but the Downloads folder and browser data should be handled carefully, with only cached files generally selected.
The only things I wouldn't touch are the update settings and MicroWin, as you really shouldn't disable Windows updates, and MicroWin is used to create a new Windows installation.— João Carrasqueira, author of the article about the yearly deep clean of a Windows PC and the associated maintenance recommendations.

How to find and remove viruses on your Windows PC - 12 free methods that I can attest to
zdnet.com/article/how-to-find-and-remove-pc-viruses-for-free/

How to find and remove PC viruses for free: 12 reliable methods that work for me: Viruses now operate quietly in the background, but thankfully ...
zdnet.com/article/how-to-find-and-remove-pc-viruses-for-free-12-reliable-methods-that-work-for-me/

12 ways to find viruses on your PC for free (and how to remove them): Viruses operate covertly these days, hiding in the background instead of attracting ...
zdnet.com/article/12-ways-to-find-viruses-on-your-pc-for-free-and-how-to-remove-them/

Malwarebytes Premium Security: Multi-layered detection catches most malware
uk.pcmag.com/antivirus/3773/malwarebytes-premium

You should deep clean your Windows PC every year to keep it running smoothly — here's how I do it
xda-developers.com/should-deep-clean-pc-every-year-keep-running-smoothly-heres-how-do-it/