Available in both free and premium editions, CCleaner has for a long time been well-known as a top-rated PC cleaning tool. For over 20 years it has been a “go to” staple for many Windows users and now, in this latest and highly refined version 7, continues to solidify itself as a top Windows PC cleaning solution.
CCleaner is a highly capable tool for keeping a Windows device clear of the typical junk and old or unwanted data which typically builds up and over time and often becomes burdensome (e.g. unwanted temporary files, cache files plus old web browsing data to name just a few areas of concern). In addition to dealing with such junk, CCleaner now features special tools for helping to tidy up popular cloud storage services (including OneDrive and Google Drive) alongside special performance optimisation tools for keeping devices fully optimised and always performing at their best.
Whilst the popular free edition is a genuinely useful tool offering a good set of core cleaning and performance optimisation tools, the premium edition of CCleaner takes things to the next level. Included in premium editions of CCleaner is use of the PC health check tool, the performance optimizer module, the automatic software and driver updater module, scheduled (and automatic) cleaning plus enhanced privacy protection and priority customer support amongst other benefits.
CCleaner has for a long time been one of my own “go to” tools for helping to keep a Windows PC clean of any junk and running at its best. Time to install the latest version of CCleaner Professional for myself and check out how this longstanding title continues to fare with modern versions of the Windows operating system – vamos.
Key Features
New & Enhanced Features:
- Cloud Drive Cleaner: Take control of popular cloud storage services and free-up valuable space by automatically deleting old and duplicate files.
- Improved Performance Optimisation: Improved performance boosting modules see this latest version of CCleaner capable of boosting PC speeds by up to 34%.
- Driver Updater: Premium editions of CCleaner now feature a highly reliable driver updater module capable of ensuring a device always has the most optimised drivers.
Already Proven Features:
- Fully updated for Windows 11: CCleaner fully supports all modern versions of Windows including the latest Windows 11.
- Automatic scheduled cleaning: Automatically keep a Windows PC clean and clear of junk thanks to the highly configurable automated cleaning tools.
- Performance Optimizer: A powerful automatic performance optimisation module ensures Windows PCs are always running at their best with minimal user input.
- PC Health Check: The user-friendly “PC Health Check” module can quickly analyse a PC and recommend quick fixes to keep it running at its best.
- Windows boot-up optimisation: Automatically optimise the Windows boot-up process by disabling any unnecessary background applications and services.
- Powerful web browser cleaning: Powerful web browser cleaning is a core component of CCleaner thus ensuring all web browsing traces can be securely removed.
- Enhanced privacy protection: Enhanced privacy protection is achieved by eliminating web-based tracking cookies and old browser data.
- Duplicate file deletion: Easily scan individual drives and folder and easily delete any duplicated files within.
- Safe registry cleaning: Safe and effective registry cleaning helps to eliminate registry issues by removing old, broken and unnecessary entries.
- Software Updater: Premium editions of CCleaner can help in automatically updating various popular software titles thus ensuring old and potentially vulnerable versions.
- Improved theming options: Easily switch between light, dark and automatic desktop colour themes.
Licensing & Pricing:
- 100% Free Edition: CCleaner continue to offer a highly functional free edition.
- Pro Subscriptions: Get CCleaner Professional from just $44.95 / year.
- Professional Plus: Get CCleaner Professional Plus (3x PCs) for just $64.95 / year.
- Free upgrades: Get free upgrades to any later versions whilst a CCleaner subscription remains active.
- 30-Day Guarantee: A full 30-day money back guarantee is also available.
CCleaner Usability
In this section, I will be sharing my hands-on experience whilst using the CCleaner application upon one of my own devices. This begins by downloading and installing the CCleaner software for myself before then utilising the various tools and modules for keeping my own device clean of junk.
This process begins via the official CCleaner website where the free edition can be downloaded. A free trial does not exist for premium editions of CCleaner however, all premium users are afforded a 30-day money back guarantee should you find the software unsuitable.
What’s new in CCleaner?
CCleaner boasts of various new and further improved features helping to solidify its position as one of the best PC cleaning and optimisation tools currently available. Some of the more notable additions and upgrades in this latest version (this is now version 7) include:
- New “Cloud Drive Cleaner” module – A brand new module providing a valuable set of tools for helping to keep clean and optimised popular cloud drives including Google Drive and Microsoft One Drive. This drive cleaning tool can connect to these aforementioned cloud storage services and will help users easily identify and remove old and duplicate files thus ensuing valuable cloud storage space is not wasted.
- Improved PC cleaning modules – CCleaner has been around for over 20 years now and with this comes the latest set of PC cleaning modules. Fully optimised for the latest versions of Windows, CCleaner is now capable of cleaning PCs even deeper and improving performance by up to 34% versus older versions.
- Improved application interface – The latest CCleaner application interface has fully upgraded and further refined so as to provide better ease of use and enhanced visual appeal. This makes navigating the application and finding the correct tools for any given job much easier than ever before.
Installing CCleaner
Installing CCleaner begins via the official CCleaner website where the highly functional and well renowned free edition of the software can be downloaded or a premium subscription to CCleaner Professional purchased.
Once downloaded and set running, the installer is mostly automatic with users able to install using default settings (most likely fine for the majority of CCleaner users) in just a few clicks or configure installation paths and the automatic inclusion of desktop and start menu icons as preferred. Once installation is complete the free edition of CCleaner immediately becomes available and for those subscribed to a premium edition, the licence key can be entered in order to activate the additional professional features.
After installation is complete, the main CCleaner desktop application becomes visible and ready for use. At this point the powerful “Health Check” module will also offer to run itself as a part of this initial onboarding providing an overview of the system and its current cleaning and optimisation status (which I will look at more in the next section).
NB – Remember, CCleaner offer a free-to-use edition alongside a full 30-day money back guarantee should you wish to try the Professional edition and see if it works for your own set-up. Click to visit the official CCleaner website for more details on both editions.
CCleaner’s Health Check Module
One of the most powerful general purpose cleaning modules found within CCleaner is that of the “Health Check” module. This powerful yet user-friendly cleaning solution is found in all premium editions of CCleaner and, upon completing installation, is the first tool made available for new users.
Split into 3 user-friendly sections so as to make this (otherwise potentially daunting) first cleaning process more straightforward, the Health Check module will automatically set running an initial cleaning scan when opened. Once complete, the application will show a summary page highlighting what items can be removed from the first section (aimed at improving user privacy) and how much disk space can potentially be saved.
With this initial scan complete, the Health Check module will then categorise the results which can be fine-tuned so as to include or exclude specific entries for cleaning. For example, we could elect to include or exclude an entire category (e.g. all cookies across all installed web browsers) or simply target individual components such as removing all cookies for a specified browser.
With all cleaning options selected, the actual cleaning for this first section (“more privacy”) can be started. CCleaner will proceed to remove all selected items as identified in the scan and, once complete, a detailed summary page will confirm which items were affected and how much free disk space has been reclaimed.
Moving on to the next section in the Health Check cleaning process which focuses on reclaiming disk space and we see another categorised summary for the PC in-use. As can be seen below, this time this section focuses on cleaning temporary system files, the system’s application cache and the contents of the recycle bin (again, each of which can easily be excluded from if required).
The third and final part of the Health Check cleaning process allows for easily updating any compatible software installed upon the device as well as disabling any items which could be contributing to a slower Windows start-up process. This means we can easily include or exclude any of the entities which start-up when Windows does (leading to faster boot-up times) whilst also letting CCleaner attempt to update supported software titles.
With the cleaning of all sections complete, the Health Check module shows a final summary page highlighting all sections cleaned, which items from which sections have been affected plus any free disk space reclaimed during the process. Overall, this is a powerful tool for cleaning up Windows devices, one which remains user friendly and easy to understand whilst still providing all tools necessary to provide a good cleaning of a Windows device and boost its performance.
Custom Clean Module
Whilst the Health Check module provides a guided yet still powerful approach to cleaning and optimising a PC, the “Custom Clean” module provides users with much more control over exactly what is being cleaned upon their device. Split into three tabbed sections (Junk, Browser and Registry), the Custom Clean module allows for both highly focused cleaning in one particular area or, if required, a full and deep clean of the entire PC.
Once all sections to be included in the cleaning have been selected, the scan can be run which will produce a summary page categorising what is to be deleted and a prediction of how much disk space will be reclaimed. Clicking on “Clean” will start the cleaning process and CCleaner will (again) show a summary page once this is complete. This summary page will show a categorised list of all entities cleaned with users able to expand each category and see more detailed cleaning results.
NB – Scan results and details of what is selected for cleaning can be exported to a CSV file via the 3x dots menu at the top left of the scan results page if required for reference.
And with that, the cleaning process using the Custom Clean module is complete. It is useful to note that this module will retain any items selected or excluded in the initial configuration view, this means the next time the custom scan is run it will perform the same level of cleaning as before unless adjusted.
Performance Optimizer Module
Moving past the two main system cleaning modules and we come across the main Performance Optimizer module. As one of the core performance related modules, this tool focuses on improving PC speed by disabling (putting to sleep) any apps and background services which are running but might not actively be required (thus saving valuable system resources in the process).
As can be seen above, upon running an initial scan we see all eligible apps which are currently running in the background listed alongside an assessment of the impact each one is having on the device (this being high, medium or low impact). To the right of each app’s entry in this results page is an option to set this app to sleep (using the “Sleep” button) or, if required, manually exclude an app from this optimisation progress (which will see said app listed under the “Excluded apps” tab).
Moving across to the “Sleeping apps” tab and a list of all apps currently sleeping can be found. We can manually re-activate each app in this list by clicking the “Activate” button to the right of each entry or, as required, use the “Activate all” button to ensure nothing on the device remains sleeping.
NB – To disable apps from starting up during the Windows boot-up process, we can use the “Startup Manager” module which I will look at later on (or the Health Check tool as already seen in action).
Driver and Software Updater Modules
Keeping system drivers plus any installed software packages up to date is an important yet often overlooked task when attempting to keep a Windows PC optimised and secure. In recognition of this issue, CCleaner have included two modules which can be used to automate the process of updating system drives plus any installed software applications thus saving PC users form doing this otherwise arduous task manually.
Starting off with the “Driver Updater” module (see above) and we can easily scan for and list all drivers installed for the current system. This module makes use of two tabs for dividing those drivers which are up-to-date from those which are outdated and require further attention in another.
Updating any outdated drivers is as simple as selecting all applicable drivers form the relevant (outdated drivers) tab and then clicking “Update selected” to set the module working. Should any issues be encountered with a driver update, the “Fix a problem” button (found at the top right of the page) can assist in rolling back to previously installed drivers in an attempt to fix this.
NB – The “Fix a problem” feature will attempt to fix any issues encountered when updating device drivers, but such a fix is never guaranteed. I would always recommend making full disk image-based backups as a solid means of mitigating such issues (a backup type which will also preserve the system state with working drivers in-tact when required).
Moving on to the “Software Updater” module and, after running the initial scan, will produce a list of all installed apps which are currently out-of-date (i.e. a new version of each app is available).
As can be seen above, once the initial scan is complete, we can easily see which outdated apps are installed alongside both the current (installed) version plus the latest version currently available (and an importance factor suggesting how important it is to update each individual app listed here).
With one or more apps selected, the updating process can then begin with CCleaner handling all aspects of updating and installing the latest versions of any supported applications automatically (it can be left to run in the background performing this work which is great to see).
NB – A device restart might be required to complete the software updating process, so keep this in mind when starting off such a task.
The Uninstaller Module
CCleaner’s Uninstaller module is another useful addition which helps in quickly and effectively removing one or more installed applications. Simply opening up the module, selecting one (or multiple) unwanted applications and then selecting to uninstall will see the CCleaner software work in thoroughly removing such items.
Also included in CCleaner’s Uninstaller module is a really useful feature which allows for temporarily removing any installed applications. This is a feature which will be potentially really useful for any Windows users simply wanting to free up some disk space for a certain amount of time or even in diagnosing any potential issues caused by a specific piece of software.
The real benefit to this temporary uninstallation feature becomes apparent when wanting to reinstall any temporarily uninstalled software. As can be seen above, all temporarily uninstalled titles can be seen listed in the “Temporarily uninstalled apps” tab and, after selecting one or more apps, this reinstallation work can be done with just a single click with no need to re-download software installers etc.
The Disk Analyzer Module
The Disk Analyzer module is where CCleaner can be used to scan entire drives (or specific folders within these drives) seeking any duplicate and hidden files which might be taking up unnecessary disk space.
As can be see above, and as is often the case in CCleaner, we see these scan results categorised which means we can easily include or exclude specific areas of the disk to be cleaner further. For example, should we only want to remove duplicate photographs, ZIP files and documents then these categories can be manually selected before cleaning begins.
With cleaning complete, CCleaner will, as usual, provide a detailed summary page showing the details of the cleaning operation and the free disk space reclaimed during this process.
The Startup Manager Module
The Startup Manager module provides a focused and stand-alone tool for easily disabling any of the Windows start-up applications.
By listing all applications starting automatically when the Windows operating system does, CCleaner makes it easy to identify those which might be unnecessary or simply unwanted. It also makes easy the process of stopping such applications starting up automatically by simply switching them off in the above page.
NB – The Health Check tool will also identify and allow for the switching off of unnecessary startup applications during its own cleaning and optimisation process, this module simply provides a more focused interface for targeting applications without the need to run the full Health Check scan again.
Other Features of CCleaner
With the core cleaning and system optimisation features of CCleaner now covered, it’s time to look at some of the other additions which to make this such a popular tool. This begins in the application’s settings section where both the look and feel of CCleaner can be set as well as other important details regarding data privacy, how updates are handled plus details on the account subscription handled (for those using premium editions of CCleaner).
As can be seen above, for those specifically seeking either a dark or light interface, this preference can be set in the first tab of the main settings page (as can an automatic mode which will attempt to automatically match the theming of the host operating system).
On the Updates tab we can manually update CCleaner or set the application to look for and apply updates automatically if this is preferred. The privacy tab is where we can enhance the privacy of the application by choosing to allow the developers to gather app usage data (which can be helpful in further improving the software for those who choose to allow it) as well as allowing the developers to display related premium offers or not.
Finally, as can be seen above, CCleaner have integrated an “Ideas Portal” section which makes it really easy for CCleaner users to share their feedback and new ideas about the tool directly with the developers. This is especially great to see as there can often be a barrier between users and software developers with it often being difficult or even impossible for users of a product to share any frustrations with the developers directly (this addition clearly shows CCleaner are interested in what actual users of the product think which is great to see).
CCleaner Free vs CCleaner Professional
Whilst the core cleaning functionality for which CCleaner is renowned remains at the heart of both the free and professional editions of the tool, premium editions of CCleaner do go much further in their overall cleaning capabilities.
Possibly the most notable additional feature available in professional editions of CCleaner is use of the Health Check module, a toolset which makes easy and straightforward the process of fully cleaning and optimising a PC via a guided and user-friendly interface. Working alongside this is additional functionality for automatically running the core cleaning tools on a schedule (which must otherwise be run manually in the free editions) plus the ability to run elements of the performance optimisation tools automatically as well.
Premium editions of CCleaner also support use of the automatic software and driver updating modules, priority technical support from CCleaner plus use of the newly added “Cloud Drive Cleaner” module which can be used for cleaning cloud storage form Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive.
CCleaner Security
Whilst CCleaner is primarily a system cleaning and performance optimisation tool, it can assist in helping to improve the security and privacy of a device when used regularly.
Keeping any currently installed software up to date (and the removing of old or unused software) can be one of the most important aspects of helping to keep a device secure, both tasks for which CCleaner can assist with. This includes making it easy to disable apps which are rarely used from starting up automatically when Windows boots-up as well as, via the uninstaller module, making the full removal of unwanted apps really easy.
Software Support from CCleaner
CCleaner provide a useful support portal via their official website which features detailed product documentation, video tutorials, FAQs, product downloads, community forums plus tools for recovering lost licence keys automatically.
CCleaner extends the available support options by including several support related tools and features within the desktop application itself. This includes the CCleaner Support Tool which is a specialist tools for checking for common issues and the gathering of information for the support team when required. Also available is access to the “Ideas Portal” whereby CCleaner users can submit ideas regarding the product and vote on ideas submitted by other users for consideration by the development team for future versions of the tool.
CCleaner Pricing
CCleaner is, at its core, 100% free-to-use with several premium editions adding additional functionality, tools and support options also available. Pricing for these premium editions of CCleaner is currently as follows:
- CCleaner Professional: $44.95 / year (1x PC)
- CCleaner Professional Plus: $64.95 / year (3x PCs)
- CCleaner Professional Plus (2-Year): $129.95 (3x PCs / 2-Years)
NB – CCleaner do, from time-to-time, have special offers available on the premium editions of CCleaner, be sure to check out the official CCleaner pricing page for more details on any offers when available.
CCleaner FAQs
Yes, CCleaner is available in a limited free edition which is 100% free-to-use.
Also available are several premium editions of CCleaner featuring additional PC cleaning and optimisation functionality. This includes use of the premium “Health Check” module, automatic driver and software updating plus use of the specialist “Performance Optimizer” module amongst other premium additions.
CCleaner is a highly functional system cleaning tool which focuses on cleaning the junk and unwanted applications which commonly build up over time thus slowing a device down.
Specialist tools available including the Health Check module and the Performance Optimizer tools help to make easy the process of cleaning up such device issues resulting in a faster, cleaner and more privacy enhanced PC in the process.
Yes, CCleaner is 100% compatible with the latest versions of Windows, this includes Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Yes, CCleaner (version 7) features a new cloud drive cleaning module which can connect to and clean up cloud storage drives.
This special cloud drive cleaning tool currently supports connecting to and cleaning up cloud drives from providers including Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive and works by removing duplicate files and photos amongst other related cleaning functionality.
Yes, CCleaner is a very capable tool when it comes to cleaning and removing web browsing history.
This includes the secure removal of tracking cookies which can potentially cause security and privacy-related issues for Windows PC users over time when left unchecked. Whilst all editions of CCleaner can be used to clear such browsing history, Professional editions feature use of the Health Check tool plus other automatic scheduled cleaning options which make safe and secure web browsing history cleaning fast and efficient.
Yes, CCleaner will can be set to scan for and remove any duplicate files (including photos) form with an entire disk or even a specified folder when required.
CCleaner Alternatives
In this section of my review, I will be looking at some good alternatives to CCleaner. This will be focused on system cleaning utilities focused on providing a high degree of deep system cleaning and performance optimisation as well as other closely related system maintenance tools as might be applicable.
Remember, any ratings, reviews and opinions given below reflect my own opinions and these should be treated only as a guide. When purchasing any form of system maintenance software, always be sure to check the details of the offering out for yourself and try and to make use of any free trials, whenever possible, to help ensure the solution is right before committing to a purchase.
1) Ashampoo WinOptimizer
WinOptimizer is the leading Windows system cleaning and performance optimisation suite from expert software developers, Ashampoo.
Fully supporting the latest Windows 10 and 11 operating systems, WinOptimizer provides various new and improved deep cleaning, privacy enhancement and system optimisation tools thus ensuring any Windows device is always running at its best. This includes use of the specialist Windows cleaning profiles which now clean even deeper than ever before whilst also running up to 50% faster alongside specialist modules for efficiently cleaning the Windows registry and ensuring historic browsing data can be safely removed.
The ability to employ automatic, scheduled and real-time cleaning and system optimisation is what really gives WinOptimizer its power. This includes the ability to run pre-configured custom cleaning jobs on an automatic schedule as well as specialist performance optimisation options which can automatically optimise a Windows PC in selected use cases (e.g. automatically closing all non-necessary processes when gaming and re-staring these processes again once the game is closed).
- Real-time PC optimisation
- One-Click Optimiser
- Scheduled cleaning
- Secure data erasure
- Game boost mode
- Uninstall manager
- 30-Day free trial
- From just $14 / year
- Perpetual licence @ $50
WinOptimizer is available as a free-to-use edition with the more powerful full edition priced from just $14 per year (3x PCs) or a one-off cost of just $50 for a perpetual licence. More information on both editions of WinOptimizer can be found via the official Ashampoo website.
2) Iolo System Mechanic
System Mechanic is a highly rated and fully functional system cleaning, maintenance and security utility from expert software developers, Iolo.
Helping System Mechanic stand out as one of the top-rated system maintenance software tools is the high number of system cleaning and maintenance modules found within a single, easy-to-use piece of software. This includes use of the smart (AI-powered) “ActiveCare” deep cleaning module which is ideal for removing a wide range of junk and unwanted data plus the “LiveBoost” module which can automatically boost the performance of a Windows PC thus ensuring a smoother experience overall.
Various other cleaning and optimisation modules including a secure drive cleaning module, a fully-functional antivirus suite, secure drive wiping tools, a privacy guardian module, a secure password manager plus a Windows start-up optimiser are also available across the various editions of the System Mechanic suite.
- Real-time PC optimisation
- All-in-one PC cleaner
- Antivirus & antimalware
- Secure data erasure
- Data recovery tools
- 30-Day free trial
- From $39.95 / year
- Subscription only pricing
Iolo System Mechanic is available in 3 main editions with pricing starting from just $54.95 per year with the core cleaning modules available across all editions. More information on the different editions of System Mechanic and the 30-day free trial can be found via the official Iolo website.
3) Glary Utilities Pro
Glary Utilities Pro is a comprehensive PC cleaning and optimisation suite providing the use of over 20 powerful cleaning and performance optimisation modules to help keep any Windows PC running at its best.
One of the most powerful modules found within Glary Utilities Pro is the powerful yet still user-friendly “1-Click Maintenance tool”. This module provides Windows PC users with comprehensive deep cleaning and performance optimisation with minimal effort and is comparable to the powerful cleaning tools found in CCleaner itself. Alongside this all-in-one tool are other more specialised modules for freeing up drive space and cleaning the Windows registry, modules for helping keep software and device drivers up-to-date alongside tools for finding and removing duplicate files and photos on a device.
Also available within Glary Utilities is use of the “Browser Assistant” module which aims to make easy the process of keeping potentially privacy related browser data (including tracking cookies and website history) clean as well as the specialist Windows start-up analyser tool which can help speed up Windows boot times by identifying and disabling unwanted applications from loading when Windows starts.
- Powerful PC cleaning
- 1-Click maintenance
- Duplicate file removal
- Privacy protection tools
- Driver & softare updater
- Boot-up optimiser
- From $39.95 / year
- Subscription only pricing
Available in a highly usable free-to-use edition plus the fully featured Pro edition which is priced at $39.99 per year (for 3x PCs), Glary Utilities is both powerful and competitively priced. More information on both editions can be found via the official Glarysoft website.
CCleaner Review Summary
CCleaner has for a long time been a favourite Windows system cleaning tool of mine. In its free-to-use edition it provides enough cleaning performance to get a Windows system back in shape and clear from most of the junk often associated with Windows systems slowing down. The Professional editions enhance this free offering by providing access to the full set of cleaning and performance optimisation modules which are ideal for maintaining privacy whilst also squeezing the maximum performance out of any Windows PC.
Whilst the core cleaning modules found in the free edition really do offer a lot of performance and will keep help to a Windows device running smoothly, the Professional editions bring additions such as the “Health Check” module, the specialist “Performance Optimizer” module plus associated tools for helping to easily keep software and system drivers up-to-date. Add in additional support for automation and scheduling which allows professional editions of the tool to run tasks automatically and you are left with a tool which can be configured once then left to keep a device clean and optimised in the background thereafter.
Overall, CCleaner is an excellent Windows system cleaning tool providing highly effective cleaning, optimisation and system maintenance functionality across both free-to-use and premium editions – Great work CCleaner.
