CCleaner - Free Download (2026)

Name: CCleaner
Availability: InStock
Author: Gen Digital Inc.

CCleaner - System Cleaner

CCleaner is a system cleaning tool for Windows that removes temporary files, browser cache, cookies, and other junk that builds up over time. It also includes a registry cleaner, a startup manager, an uninstaller, and a duplicate file finder. The free version covers the basics; CCleaner Professional ($29.95/year) adds automated cleaning, real-time monitoring, and a software updater. Made by Piriform, now owned by Gen Digital. Current version is CCleaner 7, released in late 2025 with a redesigned interface and dark mode.

What it does

The main screen has a Health Check button that scans everything at once - temp files, trackers, startup items - and fixes it in one click. For more control, Custom Clean lets you pick exactly what to remove: Windows temp files, recycle bin contents, browser cache and cookies for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge individually. The "Cookies to Keep" list lets you whitelist sites so you stay logged in.

Under Tools, there is a startup manager (Tools > Startup) where you can disable programs that launch with Windows. If your PC takes a minute to become usable after booting, this is the first place to look. The uninstaller (Tools > Uninstall) shows all installed programs with their sizes, which makes it easier to find what is eating disk space. Duplicate Finder scans for identical files by name, size, or content. Drive Wiper overwrites free space or entire drives for secure deletion.

The registry cleaner (Registry > Scan for Issues) finds orphaned entries and broken shortcuts left behind by uninstalled programs. It offers to back up the registry before making changes, which is worth doing.

Advantages

One-click Health Check cleans temp files, cache, and trackers
Startup manager helps speed up boot time
Built-in uninstaller with program sizes
Duplicate file finder
Selective browser cookie cleaning with whitelist
Free version covers the main features

Drawbacks

Registry cleaning is debatable - Microsoft does not recommend it and the performance gains are minimal
Free version shows upgrade prompts
2017 security incident - version 5.33 was compromised with malware (fixed, but worth knowing)
Windows 10/11 already has built-in disk cleanup (Storage Sense) that covers basic temp file removal
Aggressive cleaning can delete saved passwords or login sessions if you are not careful with cookie settings

Editor's take

I used CCleaner regularly back when Windows XP and 7 accumulated junk fast and the built-in Disk Cleanup was slow. These days, Windows handles a lot of this on its own through Storage Sense. The temp file cleaning is still useful, but the registry cleaner barely makes a difference on modern systems - I have never noticed a speed improvement from it.

Where CCleaner still earns its spot is the startup manager and the cookie cleaner with whitelisting. Disabling unnecessary startup programs is the single easiest way to make a slow PC boot faster, and CCleaner makes it simple. Just be careful with the default cleaning settings - it will wipe browser cookies and saved sessions unless you tell it not to.

Who it is for

CCleaner is useful if you want a simple way to clear out temporary files, manage startup programs, and keep track of what is installed on your PC. The free version handles the basics. If your computer is already on Windows 10 or 11 and you use Storage Sense, you may not need it for basic cleanup - but the startup manager and cookie controls are still handy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CCleaner safe to use?

The current version is safe. In 2017, version 5.33 was compromised with malware affecting 2.27 million users, but the issue was fixed quickly. The program is now owned by Gen Digital and receives regular security updates.

Is CCleaner free?

The free version handles the main features: temp file cleaning, browser cache clearing, startup management, and registry scanning. CCleaner Professional ($29.95/year) adds automated cleaning, real-time monitoring, and a software updater.

Does CCleaner speed up my computer?

Disabling unnecessary startup programs can make boot times noticeably faster. Clearing temp files frees up disk space. The registry cleaner has minimal performance impact on modern systems - Microsoft does not recommend third-party registry cleaners.

Do I need CCleaner on Windows 10 or 11?

Windows 10 and 11 have built-in Storage Sense that handles basic temp file cleanup automatically. CCleaner is still useful for its startup manager, cookie whitelisting, duplicate finder, and more granular browser cleaning.

Can CCleaner delete my passwords?

If you run the cleaner with browser cookies and saved passwords checked in the settings, yes. Use the Cookies to Keep list to whitelist sites you want to stay logged into, and uncheck Saved Passwords under each browser in Custom Clean.

Features & How-To Guide

#	Feature	How to use
1	Disk cleanup from temporary files	Open CCleaner › Custom Clean › Check categories (temporary files, cache, logs) › Analyze › Run Cleaner.
2	Browser cache cleaning	Custom Clean › Applications › Check Chrome/Firefox/Edge cache, cookies, history › Run Cleaner.
3	Windows registry cleanup	Registry › Scan for Issues › Review › Fix selected issues. Optionally save registry backup.
4	Browsing history removal	Custom Clean › Check History for selected browsers › Run Cleaner.
5	Startup program management 2	Tools › Startup › Windows tab › Disable/Enable programs launched with system.
6	Program uninstallation	Tools › Uninstall › Select program › Uninstall. List view of installed programs with sizes.
7	PC performance optimization	Health Check (button on main screen) › Automatic scan and repairs with one click.
8	Program updates	Tools › Software Updater › Scans installed programs › Update outdated (Pro only).
9	Activity trace cleanup (privacy)	Custom Clean › Check Recent Documents, Run history, Search history › Run Cleaner.
10	Cookie removal	Custom Clean › Applications › Check Cookies for browsers › Run Cleaner. "Cookies to Keep" option preserves selected ones.
11	Duplicate file search	Tools › Duplicate Finder › Set criteria (name, size, content) › Search › Delete duplicates.
12	Disk usage analysis	Tools › Disk Analyzer › Select disk › Analyze. Shows largest files and folders.
13	Secure file deletion (shredder)	Tools › Drive Wiper › Select disk and overwrite method (1-35 passes). Or Options › Settings › Secure Deletion.
14	Browser extension management	Tools › Browser Plugins › Select browser from tabs › Check extension › Click Disable or Delete.
15	Restore point management	Tools › System Restore › Check unnecessary restore point › Click Remove. Frees disk space.