Is CCleaner Safe? The Definitive Answer

An honest, evidence-based analysis of CCleaner's security and safety in 2025

Quick Answer: Yes, But With Caveats

CCleaner is safe to use in 2025 when obtained from the official source and used properly. However, there are important historical incidents and usage guidelines you should know about.

✅

Safe Source

Get from ccleaner.com only

🔒

Improved Security

Enhanced measures since 2017

⚠️

Use Caution

Registry cleaning needs care

What Happened to CCleaner? A Look at Past Incidents

The 2017 Security Breach

In September 2017, CCleaner versions 5.33.6162 and CCleaner Cloud 1.07.3191 were compromised. Hackers injected malware into the official installer before it was distributed.

  • What happened: Unauthorized third parties modified the installation files
  • Impact: Approximately 2.27 million users were affected by the compromised version
  • Duration: The compromised version was available for about one month
  • Response: Piriform/Avast quickly released a clean version and notified users

Important Context:

This breach occurred during Piriform's acquisition by Avast. Since then, Avast has implemented significantly enhanced security measures, including code signing, multi-factor authentication, and more rigorous internal security protocols.

What's Changed Since 2017?

  • ✅ Enhanced Build Security: Multiple layers of verification for all releases
  • ✅ Digital Signatures: All installers are now cryptographically signed
  • ✅ Increased Monitoring: 24/7 security monitoring of distribution channels
  • ✅ Regular Security Audits: Third-party security assessments
  • ✅ Faster Response: Improved incident response protocols

Our Assessment

While the 2017 incident was serious, it's important to note that:

  • • No similar incident has occurred in the 7+ years since
  • • The breach affected the distribution channel, not the software itself
  • • Many major software companies have experienced similar supply chain attacks
  • • Current security measures are industry-standard

The Risk of Registry Cleaners: Fact vs. Fiction

⚠️ The Honest Truth About Registry Cleaning

Microsoft and most tech experts agree: You probably don't need to clean your Windows registry. Modern Windows versions are quite good at managing the registry on their own.

Potential Benefits

  • ✅ Removes leftover entries from uninstalled programs
  • ✅ Can fix broken file associations
  • ✅ May resolve some minor software glitches
  • ✅ Minimal performance improvement (if any)

Potential Risks

  • ⚠️ Can delete important registry entries by mistake
  • ⚠️ May cause software to stop working properly
  • ⚠️ In rare cases, can make Windows unstable
  • ⚠️ Usually provides minimal benefit

Our Recommendation

Skip the registry cleaner unless you're experiencing specific issues. Focus on CCleaner's other features like:

  • • Temporary file cleaning (very safe and effective)
  • • Browser cache cleaning (improves privacy)
  • • Startup program management (speeds up boot time)
  • • Disk analysis (find large files)

How to Use CCleaner Safely: A Checklist

🔒

Always Get CCleaner from the Official Source

Only get CCleaner from ccleaner.com or the Microsoft Store. Never use third-party sites.

🔄

Keep CCleaner Updated

Enable automatic updates or manually check for updates regularly. New versions include security patches.

👀

Review What You're Cleaning

Before clicking 'Run Cleaner', review the list of items to be cleaned. Uncheck anything you're unsure about.

💾

Create a System Restore Point

Before running the Registry Cleaner, create a Windows System Restore point as a safety net.

📋

Use Registry Backup Feature

CCleaner automatically backs up registry changes. Don't disable this feature.

⚙️

Start with Defaults

If you're new to CCleaner, stick with the default cleaning options. Advanced users can customize later.

📅

Avoid Running Too Often

You don't need to run CCleaner daily. Once a week or monthly is sufficient for most users.

❌

Decline Bundled Software

During installation, carefully uncheck any optional toolbars or additional software offers.

How to Uninstall CCleaner

If you decide CCleaner isn't for you, here's how to completely remove it:

🪟 Windows Uninstall

  1. Method 1: Settings App
    • 1. Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps
    • 2. Find "CCleaner" in the list
    • 3. Click the three dots → Uninstall
    • 4. Follow the uninstall wizard
  2. Method 2: Control Panel
    • 1. Open Control Panel
    • 2. Click "Uninstall a program"
    • 3. Right-click CCleaner → Uninstall

🍎 macOS Uninstall

  1. Standard Method:
    • 1. Open Finder → Applications
    • 2. Find CCleaner
    • 3. Drag it to the Trash
    • 4. Empty Trash
  2. Complete Removal:
    • 1. Use CCleaner's built-in uninstaller
    • 2. Or manually delete from ~/Library/Application Support/CCleaner

Note: Registry backups created by CCleaner are stored in: C:\Users\[YourName]\Documents\CCleaner. You can delete these after uninstalling if you no longer need them.

Our Final Safety Verdict

CCleaner is safe to use in 2025 when you follow basic security practices:

  • ✅ Get it only from the official website
  • ✅ Keep it updated to the latest version
  • ✅ Use the registry cleaner sparingly (or not at all)
  • ✅ Review items before cleaning
  • ✅ Create backups before major cleanings
Get CCleaner Safely
;