CCleaner – System Optimization and Privacy Cleaning Tool

What is CCleaner?

CCleaner is a system optimization and privacy tool developed by Piriform, now owned by Gen Digital (formerly NortonLifeLock), that helps users clean unnecessary files, remove temporary data, and optimize Windows and macOS computers for better performance. Since its initial release in 2004, CCleaner has been downloaded over 2.5 billion times, making it one of the most popular PC maintenance utilities ever created. The software helps reclaim disk space, protect privacy by removing browsing traces, and keep systems running smoothly through registry cleaning and startup optimization.

CCleaner works by scanning your computer for files that are safe to delete—temporary files, browser caches, cookies, download history, clipboard contents, and remnants left behind by applications. These accumulated files can consume gigabytes of storage and potentially slow down your system. With a single click, CCleaner removes this digital clutter while preserving important data. The software also includes tools for managing startup programs that slow down boot times, uninstalling applications cleanly, and analyzing disk usage to identify space-hogging files and folders.

Beyond cleaning, CCleaner serves as a privacy tool by eliminating traces of your online and offline activities. Browser history, saved passwords, cookies, and recently opened file lists can reveal personal information to anyone with access to your computer. CCleaner lets you selectively remove these traces from all major browsers and Windows applications, giving you control over what evidence of your computer usage remains. The free version provides core cleaning and optimization features, while paid versions add real-time monitoring, automatic updates, and priority support.

Key Features

• System Cleaning: Removes temporary files, cache, cookies, and junk from Windows and installed applications to reclaim disk space.
• Browser Cleaning: Clears history, cache, cookies, download history, and saved form data from Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, and other browsers.
• Registry Cleaner: Scans and repairs Windows registry issues including broken file associations, missing DLLs, and obsolete entries.
• Startup Manager: View and disable programs that launch at Windows startup to improve boot times.
• Software Uninstaller: Cleanly remove programs and their leftover files, including built-in Windows apps.
• Disk Analyzer: Visual breakdown of disk usage helps identify large files and folders consuming space.
• Duplicate Finder: Locate and remove duplicate files wasting storage across your drives.
• Driver Updater: Scan for outdated drivers and update them for better performance and stability (Pro feature).
• Software Updater: Check installed programs for available updates to maintain security (Pro feature).
• Scheduled Cleaning: Automatically run cleaning tasks on a schedule to maintain system health (Pro feature).
• Real-Time Monitoring: Continuous monitoring cleans junk files automatically as they accumulate (Pro feature).
• Secure File Deletion: Overwrite deleted files to prevent recovery using drive wiper tool.
• Browser Plugin Manager: View and manage extensions installed in all browsers from one interface.
• System Restore Management: View and remove old system restore points to free up space.
• Custom Cleaning Rules: Add specific files, folders, or registry entries to include or exclude from cleaning.

What’s New in CCleaner 2024/2025

• Performance Optimizer: New feature puts unused apps to sleep to free up system resources and improve performance.
• Enhanced Driver Updater: Expanded driver database with faster scanning and more reliable driver installations.
• Improved Software Updater: Better detection of outdated software with one-click update capabilities for more applications.
• Updated Cleaning Rules: New cleaning support for latest browser versions, Windows 11 features, and popular applications.
• Faster Scanning: Optimized scanning engine completes analysis more quickly on systems with many files.
• Better Windows 11 Integration: Full compatibility with Windows 11 including new system locations and apps.
• Privacy Improvements: Enhanced cookie management with smart cookie retention to stay logged into important sites.
• Health Check Redesign: Simplified one-click optimization that combines multiple maintenance tasks.
• Reduced Installer Size: Smaller download and installation footprint.
• Cloud Drive Cleaning: Support for cleaning cached files from OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox sync folders.

System Requirements

Windows

• Windows 10 or Windows 11 (Windows 7/8.1 supported in older versions)
• 32-bit or 64-bit processor
• 512 MB RAM minimum (1 GB recommended)
• 50 MB available disk space
• Internet connection for updates and some features

macOS

• macOS 10.13 High Sierra or later
• Intel or Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) processors
• 512 MB RAM minimum
• 50 MB available disk space

Android

• Android 8.0 or later
• 50 MB available storage
• CCleaner for Android focuses on app cache and junk cleaning

How to Get Started with CCleaner

1. Download: Visit ccleaner.com and download the free version for Windows or macOS.
2. Install: Run the installer, customize installation options, and decline any bundled offers if present.
3. Launch CCleaner: Open CCleaner from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.
4. Run Health Check: Click “Health Check” for a quick one-click analysis and optimization of your system.
5. Custom Clean: Select “Custom Clean” to choose exactly which items to scan and remove.
6. Review Results: Before cleaning, review what CCleaner found to ensure nothing important is selected.
7. Run Cleaner: Click “Run Cleaner” to delete the selected temporary files and free up space.
8. Clean Registry: Use “Registry” tab to scan for and fix registry issues (create backup when prompted).
9. Manage Startup: Go to Tools > Startup to disable programs slowing down your boot time.
10. Uninstall Programs: Use Tools > Uninstall to remove unwanted software cleanly.
11. Analyze Disk: Try Tools > Disk Analyzer to find large files consuming your storage.
12. Configure Options: Customize settings in Options for automatic cleaning, exclusions, and cookies to keep.

CCleaner vs Alternatives

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Easy to Use: Simple, intuitive interface makes system cleaning accessible to anyone.
• Effective Cleaning: Thoroughly removes temporary files, cache, and junk that accumulate over time.
• Privacy Protection: Clears browsing traces and activity history across all browsers and applications.
• Startup Management: Easy control over programs that slow down Windows boot time.
• Free Version Capable: Core cleaning and optimization features available without payment.
• Trusted Brand: Long track record and billions of downloads indicate reliability.
• Regular Updates: Continuously updated cleaning rules for new software and Windows versions.
• Cross-Platform: Available for Windows, macOS, and Android devices.
• Portable Version: Run from USB without installation for cleaning multiple computers.
• Customizable: Detailed options let advanced users control exactly what gets cleaned.

Cons

• Bundled Offers: Installer may include offers for other software—watch during installation.
• Registry Cleaning Risks: Registry cleaning can occasionally cause issues if not used carefully.
• Upgrade Prompts: Free version frequently promotes paid upgrades.
• Past Security Incident: 2017 supply chain attack distributed malware through CCleaner—since resolved with improved security.
• Less Needed on SSDs: Modern SSDs and Windows 10/11 reduce the performance benefits of cleaning.
• Aggressive Cleaning: Default settings may remove items some users want to keep.

Who Should Use CCleaner?

CCleaner is ideal for:

• General PC Users: Anyone wanting a simple tool to clean junk files and free up disk space.
• Privacy-Conscious Users: Those who want to remove browsing history and activity traces regularly.
• Users with Limited Storage: People with smaller SSDs who need to reclaim every gigabyte.
• Slow Computer Owners: Those experiencing sluggish performance from accumulated temporary files.
• Shared Computer Users: Families or workplaces wanting to clear personal data between users.
• IT Support Technicians: Professionals using the portable version to quickly clean client computers.
• Windows Power Users: Those who want control over startup programs and installed software.
• Computer Sellers: People preparing computers for sale by removing personal data.
• Older Computer Users: Those with older systems where cleaning provides more noticeable benefits.
• Beginners: Users who want one-click optimization without understanding technical details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CCleaner safe to use?

CCleaner is generally safe when downloaded from the official ccleaner.com website. The 2017 security incident where attackers briefly distributed malware through CCleaner has been fully addressed with enhanced security measures. The software itself is designed to safely remove only unnecessary files, though the registry cleaner should be used cautiously—always accept the backup prompt before cleaning the registry. Avoid downloading CCleaner from third-party sites where modified versions may contain malware.

Does CCleaner really speed up my computer?

CCleaner’s impact on speed depends on your situation. On older systems with traditional hard drives and accumulated years of junk files, cleaning can noticeably improve performance. On modern systems with SSDs and Windows 10/11’s automatic maintenance, the speed difference is often minimal. The startup manager typically provides more noticeable speed improvements than file cleaning. CCleaner is most valuable for reclaiming disk space and protecting privacy rather than dramatic speed increases.

Should I use the registry cleaner?

Registry cleaning is controversial. Microsoft and many experts suggest the Windows registry doesn’t benefit significantly from cleaning, and improper cleaning can cause problems. If you choose to use CCleaner’s registry cleaner, always create the backup when prompted. For most users, the file cleaning features provide more benefit with less risk than registry cleaning.

Is CCleaner free or do I need to pay?

CCleaner offers a fully functional free version that includes all core cleaning features, startup management, uninstaller, and basic analysis tools. The paid CCleaner Professional ($29.95/year) adds automatic cleaning, real-time monitoring, scheduled cleaning, priority support, and driver/software updaters. Most home users find the free version sufficient for occasional cleaning.

Final Verdict

CCleaner remains one of the most recognized and user-friendly system cleaning tools available, offering genuine utility for users who want to reclaim disk space and protect their privacy without technical expertise. The simple interface belies the comprehensive cleaning capabilities underneath, making it accessible to beginners while providing enough options for power users. While modern systems with SSDs may not experience dramatic speed improvements from cleaning, the privacy features and disk space recovery remain valuable.

The free version provides everything most users need for occasional system maintenance, though those wanting automated, hands-off cleaning may find value in the Professional version. Given the past security incident, always download exclusively from ccleaner.com and keep the software updated. For users who want a trusted, easy-to-use tool for removing digital clutter and browsing traces, CCleaner continues to deliver on its two-decade promise of making PC maintenance simple.