In-Depth CCleaner Review

We tested CCleaner extensively to see if it really delivers on its promises

Overall Rating

8.5/10
Overall
9/10
Features
8.5/10
Performance
10/10
Value

Performance Test: We Cleaned a 3-Year-Old PC

Before & After Results

❌ Before CCleaner

  • Free Disk Space:45.2 GB
  • Boot Time:58 seconds
  • Temp Files:12,450
  • Registry Issues:387
  • Startup Programs:23 apps

✅ After CCleaner

  • Free Disk Space:53.8 GB (+8.6 GB)
  • Boot Time:41 seconds (-17s)
  • Temp Files:0
  • Registry Issues:0 (fixed)
  • Startup Programs:12 apps (-11)

Test System Specifications:

  • • Intel Core i5-9400F CPU
  • • 16 GB RAM
  • • 512 GB SSD
  • • Windows 11 Pro
  • • Last cleaned: Never (3 years of use)

Important Note: Results will vary depending on how long it's been since your last cleaning and your usage patterns. A well-maintained PC will see smaller improvements.

A Full Breakdown of CCleaner Features

PC Health Check

9/10

The Health Check feature scans your PC and provides automated recommendations. In our test, it identified 8.6 GB of junk files and 11 unnecessary startup programs in under 30 seconds.

✅ Pros

  • • One-click simplicity
  • • Perfect for beginners
  • • Clear recommendations
  • • Safe defaults

❌ Cons

  • • Less control for advanced users
  • • Can be overly cautious

Custom Clean

9.5/10

For power users, Custom Clean offers checkbox-level control over what to clean. Supports Windows, Applications, and even third-party software like Chrome, Firefox, Adobe, and more.

✅ Pros

  • • Granular control
  • • Supports 50+ applications
  • • Browser cleaning
  • • Privacy protection

❌ Cons

  • • Can be overwhelming for beginners
  • • Some options require research

Registry Cleaner

7/10

The registry cleaner found 387 issues on our test PC. However, most modern PCs don't benefit significantly from registry cleaning. Use with caution.

✅ Pros

  • • Automatic backups
  • • Identifies orphaned entries
  • • Simple interface

❌ Cons

  • • Minimal performance benefit
  • • Potential for issues
  • • Not recommended by Microsoft

Tools Suite

8.5/10

CCleaner includes several useful tools. The Startup Manager is excellent for improving boot times, and the Disk Analyzer helps identify large files eating up space.

✅ Pros

  • • Software Updater
  • • Startup Manager
  • • File Finder
  • • Disk Analyzer

❌ Cons

  • • Some tools require Professional
  • • Software Updater has limited database

Performance

8/10

CCleaner performs well with minimal system impact. Scans complete in seconds, and cleaning is quick. The software itself uses very little RAM or CPU.

✅ Pros

  • • Fast scanning
  • • Efficient cleaning
  • • Low resource usage
  • • Minimal impact on system

❌ Cons

  • • Large first-run can take time
  • • Registry cleaning is slow

User Interface

9/10

The interface is one of CCleaner's strongest points. It's clean, well-organized, and easy to navigate even for non-technical users.

✅ Pros

  • • Clean, modern design
  • • Intuitive navigation
  • • Clear explanations
  • • Helpful tooltips

❌ Cons

  • • Some advanced options buried
  • • Pro upgrade prompts

Pros and Cons of Using CCleaner

✅ Advantages

  • •
    Genuinely Effective: Frees up significant disk space and can improve boot times
  • •
    Free Version is Excellent: Most users don't need to upgrade
  • •
    Easy to Use: Intuitive interface suitable for all skill levels
  • •
    Comprehensive: Cleans Windows, browsers, and 50+ third-party apps
  • •
    Portable Version: Run without installation
  • •
    Lightweight: Minimal system resource usage
  • •
    Regular Updates: Continuously improved and maintained
  • •
    Privacy Protection: Removes browsing traces

❌ Disadvantages

  • •
    Registry Cleaner Risks: Can cause problems if used incorrectly
  • •
    Past Security Incident: 2017 breach (since resolved)
  • •
    Bundled Offers: Installation includes optional software
  • •
    Upgrade Prompts: Frequent reminders to buy Pro version
  • •
    Limited Mac Features: Windows version has more capabilities
  • •
    Not Essential: Windows has built-in cleaning tools
  • •
    Over-Aggressive: Can delete files you might want to keep

Our Final Verdict

CCleaner is a solid, effective PC cleaning tool that delivers on its core promises. In our testing, it freed up 8.6 GB of disk space and reduced boot time by 17 seconds on a 3-year-old PC.

The free version offers excellent value and is suitable for most users. While the 2017 security incident is a legitimate concern, the company has since implemented robust security measures. The registry cleaner should be used cautiously, but the other features (temp file cleaning, startup management) are both safe and effective.

Who Should Use CCleaner?

✅ Great For:

  • • Users with full hard drives
  • • Slow-booting computers
  • • Privacy-conscious users
  • • PCs that haven't been maintained
  • • Anyone wanting simple PC optimization

⚠️ Less Useful For:

  • • Brand new computers
  • • Users with SSDs and plenty of space
  • • People comfortable with Windows tools
  • • Those who regularly maintain their PC

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

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