CCleaner

About CCleaner

CCleaner (Crap Cleaner) is a system optimization utility for Windows that removes temporary files, clears browsing history, and manages startup programs. Developed by Piriform (acquired by Avast), CCleaner is one of the most popular PC optimization tools with 2+ billion downloads. The software includes both free and premium versions with features ranging from basic file cleanup to advanced registry optimization.

Key Features

• Temporary File Cleanup: Remove Windows temp files, recycle bin, browser cache
• Browser Cleaning: Clear browsing history, cookies, cached files from all major browsers
• Registry Cleaner: Scan and repair invalid registry entries (use with caution)
• Startup Manager: Control which programs launch at Windows startup
• Uninstall Manager: Remove programs and clean leftover files
• File Cleaner: Securely delete files beyond recovery
• Duplicate File Finder: Locate and remove duplicate files
• Large Files Locator: Find and delete space-hogging files
• Driver Update (Premium): Update outdated drivers automatically
• Cloud Storage Integration: Clean cloud storage (Dropbox, OneDrive, etc.)

System Requirements

Windows: Windows 7 or later (32-bit and 64-bit)

RAM: 512 MB minimum

Storage: 50 MB for installation

Pricing

CCleaner Free: Completely free with ads. Core cleaning features included.

CCleaner Professional: $24.95/year. Removes ads, adds driver updates, premium support.

Important Considerations

Registry Cleaning Warning: Registry cleaning can potentially harm your system. Use cautiously and backup first. Windows already handles most registry cleanup automatically.

Alternatives: Windows built-in Disk Cleanup (Settings > System > Storage) is often sufficient for casual users.

Safety: CCleaner is safe when used properly. Avoid aggressive registry cleaning unless experiencing actual issues.

Installation Guide

Download from ccleaner.com, run installer, choose installation location. CCleaner integrates with Windows context menu for quick access.

Advantages (Pros)

• Effective at clearing temporary files
• Good startup manager for disabling unnecessary programs
• Free version has solid feature set
• Very popular with proven track record
• Simple, intuitive interface
• Fast scans and cleaning operations
• Works well with all Windows versions
• Secure file deletion functionality

Disadvantages (Cons)

• Registry cleaning not necessary for most users
• Can slow down system if aggressive settings used
• Privacy concerns with Piriform/Avast (data collection)
• Free version contains ads
• Not available for macOS or Linux
• Registry cleaning can cause issues if not careful
• May remove files users need (backup first)
• 2017 security breach (malware distribution incident)

Safer Alternatives

Windows Built-in Tools: Disk Cleanup and Storage Sense are free, safer options.

BleachBit: Open-source, similar features, available for Windows and Linux.

Glary Utilities: More features but more resource-intensive than CCleaner.

Who Should Use CCleaner

Best for: Windows users with old computers slowing down, users wanting to free disk space, people managing multiple programs, users wanting startup control.

Not needed for: Modern computers with SSDs, users with sufficient disk space, those prioritizing system safety over minor cleanups.

Download CCleaner

• CCleaner – Official Site

Current Version: 6.14

File Size: 8-10 MB installer

Free Version: Supported indefinitely