CCleaner
Popular system optimization tool that cleans junk files, removes temporary data, and improves PC performance through automated maintenance. Trusted by millions of users worldwide for freeing up disk space and protecting privacy by clearing browsing history and tracking files.
Best for
- Older PCs with limited storage space
- Users who want automated system maintenance
- Non-technical users seeking simple optimization
- Systems with traditional hard drives and limited RAM
Not ideal for
- Free version is very limited in functionality
- Registry cleaner provides no performance benefit
- Less essential on modern Windows 10/11 systems
- Tries to bundle Avast antivirus during installation
Try CCleaner Free
Free plan available · 4 plans available
Visit CCleaner →CCleaner Overview
CCleaner vs Top Alternatives
| Software | Rating | Starting Price | Free Tier | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCCleaner | 4.2 ★ | $29.95/yr | Yes | |
| GGlary Utilities | 4.6 ★ | $19.97/yr | Yes | Compare → |
| IIObit Advanced SystemCare | 4.3 ★ | $16.77/yr | Yes | Compare → |
| CCleanMyMac X | 4.2 ★ | $34.99/yr | Yes | Compare → |
CCleaner Features
Pros & Cons
Pros
- User-friendly interface with clear file deletion preview
- Finds more junk files than Windows built-in tools
- All-in-one convenience for cleaning and optimization
- Fast scanning with minimal system resource usage
- Supports Windows 7 through 11
Cons
- Free version is very limited in functionality
- Registry cleaner provides no performance benefit
- Less essential on modern Windows 10/11 systems
- Tries to bundle Avast antivirus during installation
Pricing Plans
Free
- Standard cleaning
- Basic health check
- Standard privacy protection
- Registry cleaner
Professional
- Complete health check
- Performance optimizer
- Driver updater
- Software updater
- Automatic cleaning
- Priority support
Professional Plus
- Everything in Professional
- Up to 3 devices
- Recuva Pro file recovery
- Speccy Pro system info
- Cloud cleaning
Premium Bundle
- Everything in Professional Plus
- Up to 5 devices
- 24/7 premium support
- Kamo privacy protection
CCleaner Integrations
CCleaner connects with 3 services to extend your workflow.
Who Should Use CCleaner?
Individual Home Users
The free version is designed for individual users cleaning a single account on personal computers. Best suited for users who need basic disk cleanup and temporary file removal.
Not idealFamilies with Shared Computers
CCleaner Professional targets users managing multiple user profiles on shared computers, such as parents managing children's profiles. Allows administrators to clean multiple accounts on the same device.
Not idealSmall Businesses (Up to 5 PCs)
CCleaner Business Edition is designed for small businesses managing up to 5 PCs with customizable cleaning options. The centrally managed business version helps clean and speed up Windows computers across SMB organizations.
Not idealIT Professionals Supporting Multiple Users
Used by IT professionals to maintain systems for groups of users, with one charity IT supporter using it to support hundreds of elderly Windows users and keep their machines running efficiently.
Not idealWhen to Consider Alternatives
When you need fine-grained control over file deletion
Version 7's interface overhaul removed critical features like selective cookie protection, and the ability to selectively protect specific cookies was removed entirely. Users who spent years curating protected cookie lists found them deleted after the first run.
When privacy and security are top priorities
Testing revealed that deleted files were not properly overwritten according to settings, even with 7-pass overwriting enabled, making data easily recoverable. CCleaner also has a troubling security history.
When you prefer built-in Windows tools
Modern Windows already includes built-in cleanup tools, making CCleaner largely redundant for most users. As one user noted, 'Windows built in Disk Cleanup does a good enough job now that CCleaner is just meh.'
When you want to avoid registry cleaning risks
CCleaner's registry cleaning feature is inherently dangerous and expert consensus is that registry cleaners are not actually needed. Its registry cleaner has been reported to cause more issues than it solves.
Top CCleaner Alternatives
Glary Utilities
Comprehensive PC optimization suite with over 20 tools for cleaning, maintenance, and performance enhancement. Offers one-click maintenance alongside detailed system management tools for both casual and power users on Windows.
IObit Advanced SystemCare
AI-powered PC optimization suite that cleans, speeds up, and protects Windows computers with one-click maintenance. Features deep junk file cleanup, registry repair, malware protection, and real-time system monitoring for both casual users and IT professionals.
CleanMyMac X
CleanMyMac X is a comprehensive Mac optimization tool that goes beyond basic cleaning to free up storage space, remove malware threats, and boost performance. Designed exclusively for macOS, it offers 25+ tools for system maintenance, app management, and privacy protection in an intuitive interface.