Advanced SystemCare Review
Advanced SystemCare Free, Pro and Ultimate are three programs for the Windows operating system designed to manage, optimize and protect PCs.
All programs are compatible with all recent and not so recent versions of the Windows operating system starting with Windows XP.
Advanced SystemCare 9.2 was the version used.
Advanced SystemCare
Installation
Advanced SystemCare displays several options during installation. First of all, it will install the company's Driver Booster software if you don't uncheck the option.
Additionally, it allows you to change the installation folder and block the creation of a desktop shortcut.
The program installer itself has a size of about 40 Megabytes, and installation itself is uneventful and without surprises.
The installer will display an option to subscribe to the IOBit newsletter in the end which you can skip with a click on "give up my privileges".
The main program interface is launched afterwards, as is a "thank you" page on the IOBit website.
The Program
Advanced SystemCare loads the "Clean & Optimize tab by default. You may use it to run a quick scan of the system based on selections displayed at the bottom of the screen.
The default scan checks for spyware, Registry and file junk, traces, broken shortcuts, and runs the Internet Boost module on top of that.
You may add other components to it, for instance a disk scan, Registry defragmentation, or disk optimization.
Naturally, you may also disable some of the selected components before you hit the scan button.
The scan may take some time depending on the selected components and the performance of the PC.
You can check a box here to have the program fix all issues found automatically, but that is usually not a good option.
A summary of the program's findings are displayed in the end. The PC's security, performance and stability is rated by Advanced SystemCare based on the scan results.
Before you hit fix, which will fix all selected issues (which means all issues by default), you can click on components to find out more about the problems discovered during the scan.
Additionally, you may uncheck issues so that they are not fixed, or change the action the program will undertake when you hit the fix button.
Speed Up
The Speed Up tab displays four tools/options to improve the performance of the system:
- Turbo Boost: This mode, when enabled, tries to improve performance by stopping background apps and services, and releasing RAM. It ships with three modes (work, game, economy), of which you can select one with a click on configure. There you find options to select services, apps and other settings that you want turned off or enabled when the mode is activated.
- Startup Accelerate: Analyzes startup programs and suggests to disable startup for items you don't require at all times to speed up system start.
- Deep Optimization: Suggests optimizations for hard disk, network and system items to improve performance.
- App/Toolbar Cleaner: Launches IOBit Uninstaller. You can use the program to remove programs, toolbars and plugins from the PC.
Protect
Protect is the first tab that displays Pro-only features (if you click through from left to right). The three options provided for free users are the following ones:
- DNS Protect: Protects DNS settings to prevent malware from modifying these settings.
- Win10 Reinforce: Suggests to turn off some features of Windows 10 such as Connect User Experiences and Telemetry, letting apps use an advertising ID, or Remote Assistance Services.
- Surfing Protection: Protects against various online threats.
Toolbox
The toolbox lists a collection of tools that you can run separately. Some of the tools are already used by other sections of the application.
You may notice two things right away: the first column lists IOBit products that are not included but need to be downloaded and installed separately. So, more or less a promotion for these programs.
Then, you will notice that there are quite a few Pro-only tools listed there. We talk about the differences to the Pro versions later on.
Please note that most tools listed on the page need to be downloaded before they can be used.
The toolbox separates tools into three sections: security & repair, system optimize, and system clean.
Security and Repair
- MyWin10: Designed specifically for Windows 10, this tool checks for common issues associated with Microsoft's new operating system and suggests to fix those.
- PCtransfer: Provides you with options to transfer data from one PC to another.
- Disk Doctor: Scans hard drives for errors and issues, and fixes those.
- Undelete: Scans hard drives and storage devices for deleted files to provide you with the means to restore them.
- File Shredder: Delete files securely so that they cannot be recovered anymore.
- Default Program: Set the default browser, email client, image viewer and other default programs.
- IE Helper: Manage Internet Explorer add-ons and context menu entries.
- System Control: Change operating system settings such as the context menu of Windows Explorer, input options, animations and effects, or privacy related settings.
System Optimize
- Startup Manager: Manage startup programs, browser startup items, Windows Services, and Scheduled Tasks.
- Auto Shutdown: Configure your PC to shut down automatically or on schedule.
- Program Deactivator: Disable background apps, scheduled tasks or startup items.
- Registry Defrag: Compact the Windows Registry to speed up system start.
- System Information: Displays information about the system.
- ASC Portable Version: Creates a portable copy of Advanced SystemCare.
System Clean
- Large Files finder: Scans the system for large files giving you options to remove them to improve free disk space.
- Empty Folder Scanner: Scans the system for empty folders so that you can delete them.
- Shortcut Fixer: Scans for broken shortcuts.
- Cloned Files Scanner: Scans for duplicate files.
- Process Manager: A Task Manager alternative.
Action Center
Action Center is divided into two sections. The first suggests to install additional IOBit products for Windows and Android.
The second checks software installed on the system to find out if updates are available.
Advanced SystemCare Free vs Pro vs Ultimate
Advanced SystemCare Free is the basic version of the application. Pro offers all features of the Free edition and then some, and Ultimate all features of Free and Pro, and then some.
Pro version benefits
The Pro version is available for $19.99. It can be installed on three PCs and includes updates for one year.
The following features are only available in Pro or Ultimate editions of Advanced SystemCare:
- Automatic Updates
- Browser Anti-Tracking: Cleans tracks from supported web browsers automatically when they are closed.
- Disk Cleaner: Scans the system for junk and temporary files, and offers to remove those.
- Free Technical Support.
- Full Security Threats Detection
- Internet Booster: Optimizes Popular Web Browsers to speed up Internet browsing.
- Real-Time Optimization
- Real-Time Protector: Protects the system against spyware threats.
- Registry Cleaner: Scans the Registry for unneeded entries and offers to remove those.
- Smart RAM: Active monitors memory usage and optimizes it.
- Win Fix: Analyze Windows issues and fix those.
Ultimate Version benefits
The Ultimate edition is available for $29.99 currently. It offers all Pro versions features, and adds to that real-time protection against malicious software such as viruses.
Closing Words
IOBit makes some bold claims on the program website, for instance that the program makes the computer 300% faster or 200% quicker to start.
While that may be the case for some systems, it is usually not the case. That does not mean that the functionality it makes available is not useful, but it is safe to say that the gains from running the program won't be as impressive for the majority of PCs it is run on.
The Good
- The program is easy to use and displays tooltips for all options so that you can learn about tools and features by hovering the mouse cursor over them.
- You can change the theme and font size of Advanced SystemCare.
- Program creates a rollback option automatically when you make changes.
- Options to turn on or off many of the program's automatic tools.
The Bad
- Some tools need to be downloaded before they become available.
- Promotions to install other IOBit software in three of the five sections of the program.
- Installer includes a checked option to install the company's Driver Booster application.
They not do as told the advance system care slow mine computer, reboot toke over 5 minutes ,watching a movie made me reboot my computer several times ,games freezing up. It was 2 weeks of frustration and not worth mine money. Even with the refund they slow ,immediately your money back takes over a week before you get your money back and even when your request your money back they still ask you to redownload it. I recommend this to no one ,it was the worst experience of my life and mine trust is gone in iobit ,never again.
Hello my users friends.
this software is not helpful at all And it’s a waste of money to buy it
I bought the latest full version.
After two months I deleted it … The reason was that the internet started to slow down and slow down and slow down
Besides, there was no acceleration effect in using the computer
In short, this software is not helpful at all
 And it’s a waste of money to buy it
thank you for reading.
I have not used windows for quite a while and windows 7 was my last os.I would be very cautious with systematic cleaning of the registry in particular and ccleaner seemed to be the safest.
However restoring an image of the registry from a snapshot would be a safer option.
2 cents here:
1) a regular Windows user will run into trouble when trying to get rid of (IObit) Product Updater (32-bit);
2) As usual, ASC successfully install the company’s IObit Uninstaller without alert.
Then, what’s the deal? Read more@ https://storify.com/PUPRemover/can-t-uninstall-advanced-systemcare-free
Most of the negative comments here are based solely on conjecture. The reason why I am ardent about people’s negative opinions of this software is not just because I have been a long time user of it but also because people are putting this software down due to hearsay (word-of-mouth) and not due to real world use, I would recommend that all assume a objective attitude so as to not fall into the appeal of the crowd mentality because we should all know how misleading that can be.
Like you, I have been using Advanced System Care for several years with no problems and find it very helpful. My only gripe is the frequent invitations to upgrade some of its free utilities to the professional version.
To put it bluntly, IObit is peace of shady shit. PLEASE steer clear of it.
I use the free version of Driver Booster and have had no problems. However, I’m quite careful to uncheck the free install of Advanced System Care and to “decline” the “free gift”. I also make certain that I go to the Windows Firewall and deny Driver Booster open access which has to done with every new program version and every use of current version. I don’t like having to do this every time I upgrade or update. It seems to be there for the pro version and automatic upgrades/updates but I don’t want anything having automatic firewall access unless I approve it. I also use the latest version of Autoruns and uncheck Driver Booster in Scheduled Tasks (again, necessary after every upgrade or update). This a hassle but worth it because Driver Booster is the best free version I’ve encountered.
I’ve had problems arise with earlier versions of Advanced System Care and other “all in one” type programs so I just avoid them. Alhough I’m semi-literate when it comes to this stuff, these kinds of programs (with their numerous updates) have way too many “options” one can use or not use and one can get into trouble quickly unless they know what’s what. I never found that the myriad optimizations and what not did much of anything and the risk of mishap too high to use these things.
I have found CCleaner (one can also control start ups here) to be effective enough for my needs. I periodically use Registry Life as well. It picks up stuff missed by CCleaner and seems relatively harmless.
As for uninstallers, once I used Geek Uninstaller I never looked back. Just be sure to do make a Restore Point before any major uninstall.
For driver installers, I like Snappy Driver Installer. I found it reviewed here at ghacks. For uninstaller I like Revo uninstaller. Neither has any bundled adware/malware/bogusware. SDI is completely free, Revo has both a free version and a Pro version with more features.
The only IOBIt product I use is Driver Booster, which I use to keep drivers updated. I’ve never had a problem with it or needed a rollback. This Advanced System Care is another cleanup suite, which I totally avoid anyway. Martin, great review for those who still like to use those suites.
Yikes, we are debating whether to continue paying for Iobit, which I don’t trust, but Driver Booster was toxic for two of our three computers…just that which you praise. Uninstall is very good. But after reading these reviews I feel like we shouldn’t renew. (Longing for the days of Norton Commander).
Look into snappy driver installer. Free and no malware. I found it from a review here on ghacks.
Sadly if you’ve ever visited Gizmo’s Tech Alert, you’ll find scads of reviews of many IObit products which turn out to be stolen software from other companies, shady practices as part of install process, etc.
In my mind, I wouldn’t ever trust any IObit product, not because they are bad/good products, but because of the clear unethical history that IObit has.
You would condemn a software for committing a single incident.
Oh God! not another System Optimiser tool!! Isn’t C Cleaner enough?
Martin, I normally love to read your reviews. However, there are two problems I have with this review… 1) In my opinion this software is snake oil. Every feature that this software provides either has no quantifiable effect on performance, or is done better/cheaper by other utilities. 2) Most of the reviews you do, have more technical descriptions of what the software is doing/does. But, in this case, there are no detailed descriptions of what, for example, “deep optimization” does.
As one of the previous commenters mentioned, 99% of the time I see this software in the wild, it’s on people’s computers who have malware and/or have no clue about how computers work.
Please do not take my criticism other than constructive. You are still my favorite software blog.
Ed, thanks for your comment. I agree with you somewhat. Yes, these programs won’t boost the speed of your PC. They may help with system start, free up space and do a couple of other things though that may be beneficial nevertheless. That’s however only the case if your system is not optimized already, or if you take good care of it.
Deep Optimization tweaks certain system settings (usually in form of Registry values). You find them in most tweak programs for Windows as well.
What I would like to find out from all software reviews is…
Where was it made/created ?
Jim, often, this cannot be answered easily. While you can point out the home country of the company, it does not necessarily mean that the product has been developed there.
@ Jim Cone
I wouldn’t swear to it, but I believe IObits is a company from China.
Somebody can recommend me a good system cleaner and optimizer?
eusing is good and free.
What do you want to achieve? As far as cleaning is concerned, select CCleaner and add CCEnhancer to it. This is better than any of the solutions of these big “optimization suites”.
@ Sid
Totally agree! I too, eliminated all of IObit products for the same reasons. And Martin is simply doing what he does best, reviewing possible software products (among all the other things he does so well.)
And @ Howard Pearce
Not all reviews are for the purpose of recommending or condemning specific software. In this instance, the obvious purpose was to acquaint/describe the software, not because he doesn’t know. In typical fashion, Martin damned by “faint praise†for whatever reasons…though I suspect for the reasons stated above.
Nicely done review! However, I agree with Martin that it may have little to no use on most PCs today.
I personally avoid IObit though, ever since they were caught red-handed stealing Malwarebytes’ anti-malware signatures for their own products.
I find the recommendation totally lacking or not stated because the reviewer doesn’t know.
It seems as if Reviewer is just describing the program and not what he feels about it…you know, like a review has to be, stating somewhat professional opinion, which is hardly readable here.
Hey, nice review Martin.
I always find this program on my customer’s malware infected machines. And indeed, it comes bundled with many adware/malware/bogusware programs listed as PUPs (potentially unwanted programs). These bundles always get installed when someone is looking for a freeware video codec or game or other software. In my view, if a program is installed on a person’s machine without their permission or otherwise snuck in without the user being aware it is the same as malware for all intents and purposes. It’s behavior isn’t much different than the malware or bogusware programs that come up after doing a “system scan” finding all kinds of “errors” that need to be fixed and begging you to buy the full version.
Agree completely. IOBit is one of those shady, just-this-side-of-scamware type outfits, IMO. Everything it does can be done better with free or even open-source tools.
Totally agree. Took a premium multi-user paid version after I felt there was an improvement in the system after using this. All the paid version does primarily is sell upgrade options which has become a pain. From a 5 star rating, it is now a 3 star rating for continuous upselling. If I see this trouble, I may just uninstall – provide a 1 star negative post so that no other person loses his money just buy into a selling platform. As a user, I will not be renewing service.
You’re kidding right?
I call utter BS on the three of you, I trust IObit products to keep the PC that I use and the PCs that I handle spick and span, I also use Avast and Malware Fighter, not once have I come across any adware/malware/bogusware as you have claim.
Just as in real life, common sense would tell you to obtain a program either from the developer’s official site or a trusted third party and not via some free codec advertisement from some dodgy corner of the internet where bundled malicious crap is a given.
I stop slandering a stellar piece of software just because you have an axe to grind.
I also agree. IOBit’s sneaky installers wind up putting a lot of crap on our customer computers. We now install Unchecky which unchecks some of the unwanted programs tick boxes during installation, but not all of them. I don’t like IOBit’s lousy business model.
@Lucas @Jeff-FL
Reference your negative comments about Iobit. I can’t comment on all the products but I can comment on the Uninstaller.
I have been using Iobit Uninstaller (FREE) for a year. In that time, there have been been no problems with PUPS or any other malware/viruses being loaded on my Laptop. Mind you, I do use the Pro versions of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and Emsisoft Internet Security.
Maybe if Lucas’s customers Invested GB £ 50 for both these products (that is less than £ 1 per week) and did regular scans, he would not find rubbish on their PCs/Laptops !
Also, he might teach them to READ THE INSTALL SCREEN (pardon the shout) and untick the options boxes !
Iobit is very effective in uninstalling programs and does a much better job than Windows or CCleaner uninstallers. It finds any registry entries for the uninstalled programs and, if I agree, deletes them.
N.B. I am not an Iobit, MBAM or Emsisoft shill pushing their products
Thanks for this wonderful review Martin. Running PRO 9.1