System Mechanic is a Windows maintenance utility for removing unwanted files, managing startup programs and tuning how a PC uses its resources. It combines tools you can run after reviewing a scan with automatic maintenance that works while the computer is idle. Its standard edition concentrates on cleanup and performance; the Pro and Ultimate Defense editions add security and recovery applications.
ActiveCare
Smart ActiveCare carries out cleaning and repair during idle periods, allowing routine maintenance to take place between sessions of work. Its repair information receives ongoing updates, and the maintenance frequency can be adjusted in the settings.
The activity history provides a record of that background work. You can open individual events for further details, making it possible to see what the maintenance process has been doing even when you did not start it yourself.
Junk cleanup
A manual analysis searches the computer for junk and obsolete files, including temporary files left behind by applications. The results show how many files were found. Details can be opened in a wizard before you select the cleanup items to process and confirm their removal.
System Mechanic separates Windows Cleanup from Internet Cleanup. The former deals with temporary system files, while the latter removes browsing leftovers and history. DeepClean extends the search across more than 50 categories of junk.
Startup programs
Startup Optimizer identifies programs configured to launch when Windows starts and lets you manage that startup activity. Blocking an unwanted entry stops it from joining every boot session and consuming resources in the background. System Mechanic also identifies potentially unwanted programs and helps remove them, addressing nuisance applications as well as unnecessary startup activity.
LiveBoost
LiveBoost adjusts the use of processor, memory and drive resources while applications are running. For demanding work, such as video editing or gaming, its processor tuning makes parked CPU cores available. Memory Mechanic releases RAM in real time, and AppPrioritizer directs resources toward the application you are actively using.
NetBooster and the Network Scanner
NetBooster tunes Windows internet settings used by the connection, targeting the handling of downloads, web browsing and streaming. Its changes take place in the PC’s network configuration. A separate Network Scanner identifies devices on the home network, providing a view of which devices are connected.
System Mechanic, Pro and Ultimate Defense
The standard System Mechanic edition includes the optimization tools without a full antivirus suite. System Mechanic Pro adds System Shield for real-time antivirus protection, Malware Killer for finding and removing existing infections, and Search and Recover for recovering deleted files. File De-Duplicator, which finds duplicate files for review and selected deletion, is also limited to Pro and Ultimate Defense.
Ultimate Defense adds Privacy Guardian’s tracking and digital fingerprinting protection and the ByePass password manager.
