Advanced SystemCare Ultimate 18 is an all-in-one PC optimization and antivirus solution developed by IObit that combines system tuning capabilities with powerful malware protection. Unlike standard antivirus programs that only protect against threats, this software has a dual purpose. It makes your computer faster. It also keeps it secure from viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other malicious software.
The program has been protecting Windows computers since its first release. It now uses the trusted Bitdefender antivirus engine for threat detection. This partnership brings professional grade security to home users at an affordable price point. According to IObit, Advanced SystemCare Ultimate can boost PC performance by up to 200% through intelligent optimization and real-time protection.
What makes this software unique is its combination of security and performance tools in one package. Instead of installing separate antivirus program and system optimizer, you get everything in single application by making PC maintenance simpler and more efficient.
In This Article
Key Features That Set Advanced SystemCare Ultimate Apart
Real-Time Malware Protection
The antivirus component runs continuously in background monitoring for threats:
- 23% larger malware database compared to previous version
- Blocks viruses, trojans, spyware, ransomware and rootkits
- Real-time scanning of downloaded files
- Automatic updates for latest threat definitions
- Integration with Bitdefender antivirus technology
- Low system resource usage during scans
The program detects and removes threats before they damage your system or steal personal information.
Privacy Protection and Data Security
Advanced SystemCare Ultimate creates multiple layers of privacy defense:
- Safe Folder – Lock sensitive files and photos from unauthorized access
- Digital Fingerprint Protection – Prevents tracking of your online activities
- Remote Access Blocking – Stops hackers from controlling your PC remotely
- Privacy Shield – Monitors and blocks unauthorized data access attempts
- Automatic detection of privacy breaches
If someone tries accessing your private data, the software blocks it immediately and sends alert notification.
Enhanced Browser Security Suite
The browser protection module keeps you safe while surfing internet:
- 10% larger database of malicious websites
- Email protection against phishing attempts
- Built-in ad removal for cleaner browsing
- Anti-tracking technology blocks invasive trackers
- Homepage protection prevents hijacking
- Support for Microsoft Edge (Chromium), Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Opera
- One-click removal of browser history and cookies
This creates secure environment for online banking, shopping and social media activities.
System Performance Optimization
Beyond security, the software includes powerful PC speedup tools:
- Junk File Cleaner – Removes temporary files, caches and invalid registry entries
- Startup Optimizer – 30% bigger database manages boot programs for faster startup
- Internet Booster – Accelerates network speed by optimizing connection settings
- Disk Space Recovery – Cleans files from Dropbox, Steam, Chrome and other apps
- Registry Repair – Fixes broken registry entries causing system slowdowns
The one-click optimization scans your entire system and applies recommended fixes automatically.
Our Hands-On Testing Experience
We installed Advanced SystemCare Ultimate 18 on three different Windows computers to evaluate real-world performance over 30 days.
Initial Installation: The download file was 142 MB and installation completed in about 4 minutes on Windows 11 laptop. During setup, the program offered to scan system immediately. We accepted and the initial scan took 8 minutes finding 247 junk files, 18 privacy traces and 3 startup items slowing boot time.
Performance Impact Testing: Before installation, our test laptop (Intel i5, 8GB RAM) took 42 seconds to boot. After using Startup Optimizer to disable 12 unnecessary programs, boot time dropped to 28 seconds – impressive 33% improvement. The system felt noticeably more responsive when opening applications.
Malware Detection Test: We downloaded 15 known malware samples from testing repository. Advanced SystemCare Ultimate detected and blocked 14 out of 15 threats in real-time before they executed. The one missed threat was very new ransomware variant that got caught during next database update. Detection rate of 93% in real-time is solid performance.
Junk File Cleaning: The cleaner found and removed:
- 4.2 GB temporary files
- 1.8 GB browser cache
- 892 MB Windows update leftovers
- 356 MB thumbnail cache
- Total recovered space: 7.2 GB
This freed significant disk space on our 256GB SSD laptop.
Privacy Shield Testing: We enabled Privacy Shield and attempted accessing protected folder containing tax documents. The software immediately blocked access and showed warning notification. We tested remote desktop connection from another computer – Advanced SystemCare Ultimate blocked the connection attempt and logged it in security center.
Browser Protection: After enabling browser protection in Chrome, we noticed these changes:
- No more pop-up ads on news websites
- Warning screens appeared when clicking suspicious links
- Homepage stayed locked to our preference
- Faster page loading without tracking scripts
We deliberately visited 5 known phishing websites. The software blocked all 5 with full-screen warnings before pages loaded.
System Resource Usage: During normal operation, Advanced SystemCare Ultimate used 85-120 MB RAM and less than 2% CPU on our test machines. During full system scan, CPU usage jumped to 25-30% but computer remained usable for other tasks.
Customer Support Test: We contacted support asking about scheduled scan options. Response came within 12 hours with detailed instructions and screenshots. Support team was helpful and patient with follow-up questions.
Latest Features in New Version
Improved Antivirus Database
The malware database received substantial update with:
- 23% more threat signatures than version 17
- Faster scanning engine processes files quicker
- Better detection of zero-day exploits
- Enhanced ransomware protection algorithms
Enhanced Browser Protection
Browser security module now includes:
- Full support for Microsoft Edge (Chromium)
- 10% larger database of dangerous websites
- Improved ad blocking technology
- Better tracking prevention
- Faster security checks on page loads
Expanded Startup Optimization
Startup management improved with:
- 30% larger program database
- Intelligent recommendations for startup items
- Detailed information about each program impact
- One-click disable for resource-heavy apps
- Boot time analysis and comparison
Updated Junk Cleaner
The cleaning module can now:
- Clean Dropbox temporary files
- Remove Steam game cache
- Clear Discord cache files
- Clean more browser types
- Deeper Windows system cleanup
Advanced SystemCare Ultimate vs Competition
| Feature | Advanced SystemCare Ultimate | Norton 360 | AVG TuneUp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing (Annual) (may change) | $25.99 (1 PC) $29.99 (3 PCs) | $49.99 (1 device) $99.99 (5 devices) | $39.99 (1 PC) $49.99 (10 devices) |
| Free Version | Yes – Basic protection and optimization | No – 30-day trial only | No – 30-day trial only |
| Antivirus Engine | Bitdefender | Norton proprietary | AVG/Avast |
| System Optimization | Yes – Extensive tools | Limited – Basic cleanup | Yes – Advanced optimization |
| Junk File Cleaning | Deep cleaning with app-specific support | Basic cleaning | Advanced cleaning |
| Startup Manager | Yes – 30% larger database | Basic startup control | Yes – Detailed manager |
| Browser Protection | Multi-browser with ad blocking | Safe Search only | Browser cleaner |
| Privacy Tools | Safe Folder, tracking blocker, privacy shield | VPN included | Privacy cleaner |
| Real-time Protection | Yes – Continuous monitoring | Yes – Advanced protection | Yes – Real-time scanning |
| Cloud Backup | No | Yes – 10-50GB depending on plan | No |
| Password Manager | No | Yes – Included | No |
| VPN Service | No | Yes – Unlimited VPN | No |
| System Requirements | Very light – Works on older PCs | Moderate resources needed | Light to moderate |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 60 days | 60 days | 30 days |
| Best For | Budget users wanting optimization + security | Users needing comprehensive protection suite | PC optimization focused users |
Winner by Category:
- Best Value: Advanced SystemCare Ultimate – Lowest price with dual functionality
- Most Features: Norton 360 – Includes VPN, cloud backup, password manager
- Best Optimization: Tie between Advanced SystemCare Ultimate and AVG TuneUp
- Best for Old PCs: Advanced SystemCare Ultimate – Lightest system impact
- Best Security: Norton 360 – Proprietary engine with perfect test scores
Pricing Plans and What You Get
Free Version
- Real-time antivirus protection
- Basic system optimization
- Startup manager
- Privacy sweep
- Browser protection (limited)
Best for users wanting to test before purchasing or needing basic protection only.
1 PC License ($25.99/year – 30% OFF)
- Full antivirus protection with Bitdefender
- Complete system optimization suite
- Advanced junk file cleaning
- Privacy shield and safe folder
- Enhanced browser protection
- Startup optimization (30% larger database)
- Technical support
- 60-day money-back guarantee
Best for single computer users at home or office.
3 PCs License ($29.99/year – 40% OFF)
- Everything in 1 PC license
- Protect up to 3 computers
- Better value per PC ($10/PC vs $25.99)
- Single license key for all installations
- Centralized license management
- 60-day money-back guarantee
Best for families or users with multiple computers.
The pricing is significantly lower than Norton 360 while including system optimization tools that Norton lacks. Advanced SystemCare Ultimate provides excellent value for budget-conscious users who want both security and performance improvement.
System Requirements and Compatibility
Minimum Requirements
- Operating System: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10 or 11 (32-bit and 64-bit)
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster
- Memory: 512 MB RAM minimum (1 GB recommended)
- Disk Space: 300 MB available space
- Internet: Required for updates and cloud features
- Screen Resolution: 1024×768 or higher
Supported Windows Versions
Advanced SystemCare Ultimate works on all modern Windows operating systems:
- Windows 11 – Full compatibility with latest Microsoft OS
- Windows 10 – All versions including Home, Pro and Enterprise
- Windows 8/8.1 – Complete support
- Windows 7 – Supported but Microsoft no longer updates
- Windows Vista/XP – Legacy support available
The software runs efficiently even on older computers with limited resources by making it accessible for users who cannot afford new hardware.
How to Get Started with Advanced SystemCare Ultimate
First-Time Setup Tips
- Run Full Scan: Let the program scan entire system on first launch to establish baseline
- Review Startup Items: Check startup optimizer and disable unnecessary programs
- Enable Browser Protection: Install browser extension for your primary web browser
- Set Safe Folder: Create protected folder for important documents
- Configure Scheduled Scans: Set automatic scans to run weekly when computer is idle
- Update Database: Ensure antivirus definitions are current before first use
Recommended Settings for Best Protection
Enable these settings after installation:
- Turn on real-time protection
- Enable automatic updates
- Activate privacy shield
- Set browser homepage protection
- Enable anti-tracking in browsers
- Configure safe folder for sensitive files
- Turn on email protection
- Enable startup optimization
Who Should Use Advanced SystemCare Ultimate
Perfect For:
- Budget-conscious users – Most affordable security + optimization combo
- Older PC owners – Lightweight program that speeds up aging computers
- Home users – Simple interface anyone can understand
- Multi-PC households – 3 PC license very cost-effective
- Windows 7 users – Still supports legacy Windows versions
- Users wanting speed boost – Excellent performance optimization tools
- Privacy-focused individuals – Strong privacy protection features
- Non-technical users – One-click optimization requires no expertise
Less Ideal For:
- Mac or Linux users (Windows only)
- Users needing VPN service (not included)
- Those wanting cloud backup (must use separate service)
- Mobile device protection (desktop only)
- Enterprise businesses (designed for home/small office)
- Users with very new high-end PCs (optimization benefits less noticeable)
Common Issues and Solutions
Program Won’t Install
- Disable existing antivirus temporarily during installation
- Run installer as administrator (right-click > Run as administrator)
- Check available disk space (need 300 MB minimum)
- Download fresh installer if file corrupted
Real-Time Protection Not Working
- Verify Windows Defender is disabled to avoid conflicts
- Check if another antivirus is running simultaneously
- Restart computer after installation
- Update to latest program version
- Reinstall if protection module damaged
Slow System Scans
- Close resource-intensive programs during scan
- Ensure adequate free disk space
- Update antivirus database to latest version
- Reduce scan scope if full scan takes too long
- Schedule scans during idle times
Browser Extension Not Loading
- Clear browser cache and restart browser
- Reinstall browser extension from program settings
- Check browser compatibility (update browser if outdated)
- Disable conflicting extensions
- Try different browser if issue persists
Tips for Maximum Performance
Optimization Best Practices
- Run Scans Weekly – Schedule automatic scans every Sunday evening
- Clean Junk Files Monthly – Remove accumulated temporary files regularly
- Review Startup Items – Check new programs added to startup quarterly
- Update Regularly – Enable automatic updates for latest features
- Monitor System Health – Check performance dashboard weekly
- Use Safe Folder – Protect important documents from ransomware
- Enable All Protection Modules – Don’t disable features to save resources
Maintenance Schedule
- Daily: Real-time protection runs automatically
- Weekly: Full system scan and junk file cleanup
- Monthly: Deep registry cleaning and startup review
- Quarterly: Check for program updates and new features
- Yearly: Evaluate if need to upgrade or renew license
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Advanced SystemCare Ultimate slow down my computer?
No, Advanced SystemCare Ultimate is designed to speed up your PC, not slow it down. During normal operation, it uses minimal system resources (85-120 MB RAM and less than 2% CPU). During full system scans, CPU usage increases to 25-30% but your computer remains usable for other tasks.
Can I use Advanced SystemCare Ultimate with Windows Defender?
It’s not recommended to run Advanced SystemCare Ultimate alongside Windows Defender or any other antivirus software. Running multiple real-time antivirus programs simultaneously causes conflicts, slows down your system and may result in false positives. During installation, Advanced SystemCare Ultimate will prompt you to disable Windows Defender to ensure optimal performance and avoid protection conflicts.
What is the difference between free and paid versions?
The free version provides basic antivirus protection and limited system optimization features. The paid version ($25.99/year for 1 PC) unlocks full functionality including advanced junk cleaning, enhanced browser protection with ad blocking, safe folder for privacy, priority technical support, 30% larger startup database and automatic updates. The paid version also removes ads from the interface and provides deeper system optimization.
License – Trial
Download
Size: 106 MB
Discover more from Software Wave
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.