Most people don’t search for a cleanup tool because they love tweaking Windows. They search because their PC feels slower than it used to.
That’s usually when Avast Cleanup Premium 26.1.18 enters the picture.
I’ve tested it on an older Windows laptop and a mid-range desktop. The results weren’t magic, but they were noticeable — especially on machines that hadn’t been cleaned in years.
This article explains what it actually does, where it helps, and where expectations need to stay realistic.
What Is Avast Cleanup Premium?
Avast Cleanup Premium is a Windows optimization tool designed to remove junk files, reduce background load, and tidy up system clutter.
People mainly use it to:
- Speed up slow startups
- Clear leftover files
- Disable unused apps
- Free disk space
It focuses on convenience. You don’t need to understand Windows internals to use it.
What’s New in Version 26.1.18?
Version 26.1.18 brings quiet improvements rather than big visual changes.
From real use:
- Faster scans on large drives
- Better detection of unused startup items
- Improved Windows 11 compatibility
- Fewer false alerts on active apps
If you used older 25.x builds, this one feels smoother and less pushy.
Avast Cleanup Premium Features Explained Simply
Junk File Cleaning
It removes:
- Temporary files
- Old update leftovers
- Broken shortcuts
On a three-year-old laptop, it cleared over 12 GB without touching personal files.
Startup App Manager
This is where most speed gains come from.
It shows:
- Which apps slow boot time
- Which ones run silently
- Which haven’t been used in months
Disabling unused launchers shaved nearly 40 seconds off startup in one test.
Background App Sleep
Apps that keep running quietly get paused.
This helps:
- Reduce RAM usage
- Lower CPU spikes
- Improve battery life on laptops
You can wake any app instantly if needed.
Registry Cleaning (What It Really Does)
It removes leftover entries from uninstalled programs.
No miracles here, but it keeps things tidy and avoids errors stacking up over time.
Free vs Premium: Real Difference
Free version
- Scans only
- No automatic fixes
- Mainly a preview
Premium version
- One-click fixes
- Automatic cleaning
- App sleep and startup control
If you don’t want manual work, Premium is the only option that makes sense.
Does Avast Cleanup Premium Really Work?
Short answer: yes, but within limits.
It helps most when:
- PCs are cluttered
- Startup is overloaded
- Storage is nearly full
It won’t turn a 10-year-old PC into a gaming machine. But it can make everyday tasks feel smoother.
Is Avast Cleanup Premium Safe?
From hands-on use, yes.
It:
- Doesn’t delete personal files
- Lets you review changes
- Allows undo options
Problems only happen when users disable apps they still rely on, like printer services or sync tools.
Performance Impact (Real Observations)
After using it for a week:
- Startup felt faster
- Fewer background freezes
- More stable browser sessions
On newer PCs, gains are smaller. On older ones, they’re easier to feel.
Who Should Use Avast Cleanup Premium 26.1.18?
Best for:
- Non-technical Windows users
- Older laptops and desktops
- People tired of manual cleanup
Not ideal for:
- Power users who tweak Windows manually
- Fresh systems with clean installs
Daily Use Thoughts
Avast Cleanup Premium doesn’t ask for constant attention. Set it once, let it run quietly, and check results occasionally.
That’s probably its biggest strength — it stays out of the way.
1. Does Avast Cleanup Premium actually speed up a slow PC?
Yes, it can speed up a slow PC, especially systems with many startup apps, background processes, and junk files built up over time.
2. Why does Avast Cleanup Premium keep asking to close apps?
It does this to safely clean background processes and free memory. Closing apps lets it apply changes properly.
3. Is Avast Cleanup Premium safe to use on Windows 11?
Yes. Version 26.1.18 works smoothly on Windows 11 and doesn’t damage system files when used normally.
4. What’s the difference between Avast Cleanup Free and Premium?
The free version only scans and reports issues. Premium actually fixes them automatically.
5. Can Avast Cleanup Premium break installed software?
In normal use, no. Problems only appear if users manually disable apps they still need.