It is completely free and works with all versions of Windows, but two additional things really stand out.
Keeps cookies that it knows you probably don’t want to delete (like webmail logins).
Unobtrusive context menu addition to the Recycle Bin.
Long history of regular program updates (and can update automatically).
A backup file is created before any changes to the registry are made.
Can avoid scanning registry keys and values you tell it to skip over.
Available as an Android and Mac app.
Standard download page is confusing and makes the program appear to cost money,which it does not.
The regular installer will add another program to your system unless you explicitly deny it.
Advertises professional features in the free version.
It also runs on all versions of Windows 2008 and 2012 Server.
Four installation methods are available:
CCleaner is actually more than just aregistry cleanertool.
It’s probably more accurately called asystem cleanerbecause it actuallycleansa lot more than just your registry.
For example, CCleaner will removeregistry keysandregistry valuesthat point to programs and files that no longer exist in Windows.
There are malicious programs that look and sound like CCleaner, but charge for the cleaning.
Read more about this in ourRegistry Cleaners FAQ.
My Thoughts on CCleaner
If it’s not obvious already, I love CCleaner.
It’s tiny, fast, and thorough.
But it does what it does, and that’s good enough.
I very much like that there are a few ways to “install” CCleaner.
If you’re planning on using CCleaner for general system cleaning, this is a really handy feature.
My only real complaint is the confusing download page, whichyou can see here.
I get regular emails about CCleaner being not free.
It should be clear that while CCleaneriscompletely free, it’s only free for home users.
Business versions of CCleaner are required if you plan to use the program in anything but a home/personal scenario.
I’ve seen another Piriform program and Avast!
Free Antivirus advertised here, but others might be, too.
It’s simply a fantastic program.
How to Use CCleaner
CCleaner is easy to install.
Just head to theirbuilds pageand choose the installation option you’d like.
Choose the standard installer or slim version to install CCleaner as you would any normal program.
You’ll need to unzip the program before running it in that case.
confirm all of the options are checked.
One of the great things about CCleaner compared to its competition is that it doesn’t go overboard.
You’re probably safe removing anything that it finds.
Choose an appropriate place to save theREG fileand then pickSave.
This REG file can be used to undo the changes CCleaner is about to make to the registry.
SeeHow to Restore the Windows Registryif you later decide to use the REG backup.
On the next screen, chooseFix All Selected Issues.
SelectCloseafter all the changes are complete.
It’s now safe to close CCleaner or perform some other system cleaning task with the program.
is necessary for delete those new orphaned entries.
CCleaner isfully documented on its websiteand is a great resource if you need some help.
