How each tool works, in plain words.
What every Brightfix tool does, when to use it, what it changes, and how to put it back. Every tool on this page is free.
- Only looksChanges nothing on your PC.
- Safe changeA low risk change. You see the full list first.
- Asks firstShows exactly what will change and waits for you to choose.
- Extra checkAsks a second time, in plain words, because this one is harder to reverse.
Installing Brightfix for the first time? See If Windows says “Windows protected your PC”.
Check my PC
One check that looks at everything and tells you what is worth a look.
Free up space
Clear out what Windows and your programs leave behind. Your files are never touched.
Temporary Files
Safe changeClears out leftover temporary files that programs forgot to delete. Your documents and downloads are never touched.
Windows Caches
Safe changeClears caches Windows keeps for itself: update downloads, thumbnails and crash reports. Windows rebuilds all of it as needed.
Browser Caches
Safe changeClears cached web pages and images. Your passwords, bookmarks, history and sign ins are not touched.
Deep Cleanup
Extra checkFrees the large amounts of space that ordinary cleanup cannot: the Recycle Bin, old Windows update files, and the copy of your previous Windows version.
What's Taking Up Space
Only looksShows which folders on a drive are the biggest, so you can decide what to move or delete yourself. It only looks.
Speed up
Fewer programs starting with Windows, and devices working the way they should.
Startup Programs
Asks firstLists the programs that start with Windows and suggests which ones can be off, with a reason for each. One button turns off the suggestions.
Memory and Devices
Only looksChecks your memory, screens, printers, drives and other devices for real problems and explains what it finds.
Set Up Apps
Asks firstInstalls common free programs you pick from a short list, and can remove trial apps that came with the PC. Nothing is ticked until you choose.
Fix a problem
Pick what is going wrong. Quick fixes come first, slower ones later.
Printer stuck or icons wrong
Asks firstTwo quick fixes: clear a stuck print queue, and rebuild the icon cache when icons go blank or show the wrong picture. Both take a few seconds.
Internet not working
Extra checkChecks how this PC connects to the internet and offers the standard fixes, gentlest first.
Start menu or search not opening
Asks firstFor a Start menu or search box that will not open. Restarts them first, and can register them again for your account, which is Microsoft's own fix.
PC broke after an update
Extra checkChecks whether a recent Windows update is behind crashes or failed installs, explains update errors in plain words, and can remove the last update if it is causing trouble.
Windows Update will not install
Extra checkFixes Windows Update when it is stuck, failing, or downloading the same update over and over. It clears out its working files and lets Windows build them again.
Windows acting strange
Asks firstChecks Windows' own files for damage and repairs anything it finds. Your files and settings are not touched.
Files go missing or the PC freezes
Extra checkBooks Windows to check the main drive for errors the next time the computer starts.
Protect
Make sure your protection is on, spot scam leftovers, and keep programs and drivers up to date.
Security Sweep
Asks firstChecks that the things protecting this computer are actually switched on: antivirus, the firewall, and the warnings Windows shows before running something risky.
Scam Shield
Only looksLooks for what tech support scams leave behind: remote access programs, risky browser extensions, and websites allowed to pop up alerts. It explains each one. You decide what to remove.
Browser Hijack Check
Asks firstLooks for what browser hijackers and adware leave behind: forced settings, a changed search engine or home page, a proxy, blocked security sites and altered browser shortcuts.
Privacy Settings
Asks firstTurns off the suggestions, tips and personalised ads Windows shows you. Nothing here affects how well the computer works.
Microsoft Defender Scan
Asks firstGets a second opinion from Microsoft Defender: updates its virus definitions and runs a quick, full or offline scan, then says what it found.
Update your programs
Extra checkChecks which of your installed programs have a newer version and installs the ones you pick. Free in every edition.
Driver and firmware updates
Asks firstShows the driver and firmware updates Windows Update has for your PC, in plain words, and matches them to devices that are not working. You choose what to install.
History and undo
Every change Brightfix makes is listed, and most can be undone.
Want it to happen on its own?
Brightfix Plus runs the safe upkeep on a schedule, keeps the apps you choose up to date, and tells you when something important changes.
See Plus