CCleaner Review: Is This Old Favourite Still Worth It?

But the landscape of 2025 is vastly different from 2004. Operating systems like Windows 10 and 11 have become significantly smarter at managing their own maintenance. Storage drives are larger and faster, making “disk cleaning” less about survival and more about hygiene. Furthermore, CCleaner itself has undergone significant changes, including a high-profile acquisition by Avast and a few security controversies that shook user trust.

So, the big question remains: Is CCleaner still relevant today? Does it offer enough value to justify a download, or even a paid subscription? In this comprehensive CCleaner review, we are diving deep into its features, safety, performance impact, and value proposition to help you decide if this veteran utility deserves a spot on your taskbar.

The Legacy of CCleaner: From Crap Cleaner to Corporate Giant

To understand where CCleaner is today, we have to look at where it started. Launched in 2004 by Piriform, it was originally named “Crap Cleaner”—a moniker that was both hilarious and descriptive. Its mission was simple: delete the temporary files, broken shortcuts, and browser cookies that clogged up Windows XP and prevented it from running efficiently.

It gained a cult following because it was free, lightweight, and devoid of the bloatware that plagued other “system optimizers” of the era. It didn’t scream at you with flashing red banners; it just cleaned your PC.

In 2017, cybersecurity giant Avast acquired Piriform. This transition marked a turning point. While the acquisition brought more resources for development, it also introduced a more corporate approach to monetization. Users began seeing more prompts to upgrade to the Professional version, and features expanded beyond simple file deletion into realms like driver updating and real-time monitoring.

Today, CCleaner boasts millions of active users, but it operates in a market that is skeptical of third-party optimization tools. Let’s break down what the modern version actually does.

Core Features Deep Dive: More Than Just a Broom

Modern CCleaner is a suite of tools rather than a single utility. While the “Custom Clean” interface will look familiar to long-time users, the software has evolved into a comprehensive PC health management dashboard.

1. Health Check: The One-Click Solution

The “Health Check” is the default landing screen for modern CCleaner. It’s designed for the non-technical user who doesn’t want to sift through checkboxes of specific file types.

When you run a Health Check, the software analyzes four key areas:

• Privacy: It looks for trackers and cookies left behind by websites.
• Space: It identifies junk files in your recycle bin, temporary folders, and browser caches.
• Speed: It scans for startup apps that are slowing down your boot time.
• Security: It checks for outdated applications that might have security vulnerabilities.

The Verdict: This feature is convenient but aggressive. It simplifies the process, but power users will likely skip this in favor of manual controls. The “Speed” and “Security” recommendations in Health Check often serve as a funnel to upsell the Pro version, as fixing those issues usually requires a license.

2. Custom Clean: The Classic Experience

This is the heart and soul of CCleaner. It gives you granular control over exactly what gets deleted. The interface is split between “Windows” (system files) and “Applications” (third-party software).

• Browser Cleaning: It supports all major browsers—Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and Opera. You can clear caches, history, cookies, and download history. Crucially, it allows you to “whitelist” certain cookies so you don’t get logged out of your email or favorite forums every time you clean.
• System Cleaning: It empties the Recycle Bin, temporary files, memory dumps, and Windows log files.
• Application Cleaning: This is where CCleaner shines over Windows’ built-in tools. It can clean up the junk left behind by Photoshop, Spotify, Microsoft Office, and hundreds of other apps.

The Verdict: Still the best in the business for granular control. The ability to clean specific elements of specific browsers in one go is a massive time-saver.

3. Performance Optimizer (Pro Feature)

This is one of the newer headline features. The Performance Optimizer detects programs that run background processes even when you aren’t using them. It then puts these apps into “Sleep Mode.”

When an app is asleep, it consumes zero CPU and RAM. When you double-click the app to launch it, CCleaner instantly wakes it up. This is different from disabling an app from startup; it’s more like freezing it in carbonite.

The Verdict: For users on older hardware with limited RAM (8GB or less), this feature is genuinely useful. It prevents “death by a thousand cuts” where dozens of small background updaters slow down your system.

4. Driver Updater (Pro Feature)

Outdated drivers can cause crashes, audio issues, and poor gaming performance. CCleaner’s Driver Updater scans your hardware and compares your drivers against a massive database of over 25 million drivers.

The Verdict: While effective, driver updaters should always be used with caution. Windows Update generally handles critical driver updates well enough for most users. However, if you are a gamer or have obscure hardware, this tool can find updates that Windows misses. CCleaner mitigates the risk by keeping backups of old drivers, allowing you to revert changes if an update breaks something.

5. The Registry Cleaner

This is the most controversial feature. The Registry Cleaner scans for “issues” in the Windows Registry—broken references, unused file extensions, and leftover uninstall data.

The Verdict: In the Windows XP days, cleaning the registry could legitimately improve performance. In 2025, it’s mostly a placebo. The Windows Registry is a massive database; removing 500 lines of unused text is like removing a single pebble from a shoe. It won’t make you run faster. However, if you are troubleshooting a specific error caused by a corrupted software uninstall, this tool can sometimes fix the link. Use it for troubleshooting, not for speed.

6. Tools and Utilities

Tucked away in the “Tools” tab are some of CCleaner’s most underrated features:

• Software Uninstaller: A cleaner alternative to the Windows “Add or Remove Programs” menu.
• Startup Manager: Lets you easily disable programs that launch when your computer boots.
• Browser Plugins: Shows you every extension installed across all your browsers, allowing you to delete malicious or unwanted add-ons from one place.
• Disk Analyzer: A visual representation of what is taking up space on your hard drive.
• Duplicate Finder: Scans your drive for identical files to help you reclaim space.

Safety and Privacy: Is CCleaner Safe to Use?

We cannot review CCleaner without addressing the security incidents that have marred its reputation.

The 2017 Incident: Shortly after Avast acquired Piriform, hackers compromised the CCleaner build environment. For about a month, the official version of the software distributed to millions of users contained a trojan. It was a sophisticated supply-chain attack.

The 2019 Attempt: Two years later, attackers tried to breach the network again, likely targeting CCleaner users. This time, Avast caught them before any malicious software was distributed.

The Privacy Concerns: As a free product owned by a large corporation, data collection is part of the business model. By default, CCleaner sends anonymous usage data back to Avast. This helps them improve the software but also feeds into their broader data analytics.

The Current State of Safety (2025):
Today, CCleaner is considered safe. The security breaches served as a massive wake-up call, leading to a complete overhaul of their security infrastructure. The software is digitally signed, and the “supply chain” is heavily monitored. Regarding privacy, users can opt-out of data sharing in the settings menu—a step we highly recommend for privacy-conscious users.

While the past incidents are concerning, they are also historically distant. For the average user, downloading CCleaner from the official website poses no inherent malware risk today.

User Experience and Interface

One of CCleaner’s enduring strengths is its interface. It manages to balance “powerful” with “approachable.”

• Navigation: The left-hand sidebar clearly categorizes functions. You don’t need to hunt through nested menus to find what you need.
• Clarity: Unlike many competitors that use vague terms like “System Boost,” CCleaner tells you exactly what it’s doing. If it’s deleting “Thumbnail Cache,” it says so.
• Visuals: The dark mode (introduced a few years ago) looks sleek on modern Windows setups.

For a beginner, the “Health Check” is non-intimidating. For a pro, the “Custom Clean” is efficient. The software loads quickly and doesn’t drag down system performance while it’s idle (unless you enable aggressive background monitoring).

However, the free version does include “nags.” You will see pop-ups occasionally reminding you that your subscription could be Pro, or that your drivers might be outdated. It’s annoying, but standard practice for “freemium” software.

Pricing: Free vs. Professional vs. Plus

Is it worth paying for a tool that removes junk? Let’s look at the tiers.

CCleaner Free

• Cost: $0
• Includes: Standard privacy protection (cleaning cookies), standard cleaning (cleaning junk files), and standard health check.
• Verdict: This is the version 90% of people should use. It does the core job perfectly.

CCleaner Professional

• Cost: Approx. $29.95 / year (prices fluctuate with sales)
• Includes: All free features plus the Driver Updater, Performance Optimizer, Software Updater (keeps apps like Zoom/VLC updated automatically), real-time monitoring (cleans junk as it appears), and priority support.
• Verdict: Good for users who want a “set it and forget it” experience. If you are setting up a PC for a non-tech-savvy relative, this can save you support calls by keeping their drivers and software updated automatically.

CCleaner Professional Plus

• Cost: Approx. $49.95 / year
• Includes: Everything in Professional plus file recovery (Recuva), hardware inventory (Speccy), and Mac/Android support.
• Verdict: Excellent value if you need the bundle. Recuva alone is a lifesaver if you accidentally delete photos, and Speccy gives detailed info on your PC components.

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros	Cons
Deep Cleaning: Removes junk files that Windows Disk Cleanup misses.	Aggressive Upselling: The free version frequently prompts you to upgrade.
Ease of Use: Intuitive interface for both novices and experts.	Registry Risks: The registry cleaner is mostly placebo and can be risky if used carelessly.
Performance Optimizer: Genuine resource saving for older PCs.	Privacy History: Past security breaches still worry some users.
Browser Management: Excellent control over cookies and plugins across multiple browsers.	Redundant Features: Many features (like startup management) are now built into Windows.
Driver Database: Massive database for finding obscure drivers.	Subscription Model: Moved from a one-time purchase to an annual subscription.

CCleaner vs. The Alternatives

Is CCleaner the only game in town? Absolutely not. Here is how it stacks up against the competition.

CCleaner vs. BleachBit

BleachBit is an open-source, completely free alternative.

• The Difference: BleachBit has no ads, no tracking, and no upsells. It is purely utilitarian.
• Winner: BleachBit for privacy absolutists and open-source fans. CCleaner for users who want a prettier interface and features like Driver Updater.

CCleaner vs. Glary Utilities

Glary is a Swiss Army Knife of tools.

• The Difference: Glary offers arguably more tools in its free version, including file encryption and file shredding.
• Winner: Tie. It comes down to interface preference. CCleaner feels more modern; Glary feels more like a toolbox for IT pros.

CCleaner vs. Windows Storage Sense

Windows 10 and 11 have a feature called Storage Sense that automatically deletes temp files.

• The Difference: Storage Sense is automatic and integrated but lacks depth. It won’t clean your third-party browsers or specific app caches as thoroughly as CCleaner.
• Winner: CCleaner for deep cleaning. Storage Sense for basic maintenance.

Real-World Use Cases: Who Actually Needs This?

To determine if you need CCleaner, see if you fit into one of these user profiles:

1. The “Storage Starved” Student
If you have a budget laptop with a 128GB or 256GB SSD, every gigabyte counts. Windows updates, browser caches, and temp files can easily eat up 10-20GB over a year.

• Use Case: Running CCleaner once a month can keep that precious drive space open for assignments and games.

2. The Gamer on a Mid-Range Rig
You want maximum FPS (Frames Per Second).

• Use Case: The “Performance Optimizer” (Sleep Mode) is genuinely helpful here. By putting background apps like Spotify, Steam, and Epic Launcher to sleep, you free up RAM and CPU cycles for your game. The Driver Updater can also ensure your GPU and chipset drivers are optimized.

3. The “Family Tech Support”
You manage the computers for your parents or grandparents.

• Use Case: Installing CCleaner Professional allows you to automate maintenance. It will auto-update their software (patching security holes) and clean junk files without them having to call you asking why the computer is slow.

4. The Privacy Conscious Browser
You hate targeted ads and want to minimize your digital footprint.

• Use Case: Using CCleaner to wipe tracking cookies and super-cookies across Chrome, Firefox, and Edge simultaneously every time you shut down your PC is much faster than doing it manually in each browser.

The Verdict: Is CCleaner Worth It in 2025?

CCleaner is a paradox. In terms of strict necessity, it is less vital than it was 15 years ago because Windows has improved. You can live without it.

However, in terms of convenience, it remains unmatched.

There is no other tool that allows you to manage startup items, uninstall bloatware, update drivers, wipe tracking cookies across four different browsers, and put resource-hogging apps to sleep—all from a single, polished dashboard. It turns a 20-minute manual maintenance chore into a 30-second click.

Our Recommendation:

• Download the Free Version if you want a quick way to reclaim disk space and manage browser privacy. It remains the best free cleaning utility on the market.
• Consider the Professional Version only if you are using an older machine that desperately needs the performance boost from “Sleep Mode” or if you value the time saved by automatic driver and software updates.

CCleaner has survived security scares and corporate buyouts because, at its core, it still does its job exceptionally well: it cleans the crap so you don’t have to.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is CCleaner safe to use on Windows 11?

Yes, CCleaner is fully compatible with Windows 11. It is regularly updated to recognize the new OS file structures and browsers.

2. Can CCleaner remove viruses?

No. CCleaner is a system optimization tool, not an antivirus. While it can remove tracking cookies (which are a privacy risk), it cannot detect or remove malware, trojans, or ransomware. You should use Windows Defender or a dedicated antivirus alongside CCleaner.

3. Does the registry cleaner actually speed up my computer?

Generally, no. Cleaning the registry will not lead to noticeable speed improvements on modern computers. It is best used as a troubleshooting tool if you are experiencing specific errors related to missing files or uninstalls. Always back up the registry (CCleaner offers to do this automatically) before fixing issues.

4. Why does CCleaner run in the background?

CCleaner runs in the background to monitor for junk file buildup (Smart Cleaning) and to check for updates. If you find this annoying or want to save resources, you can disable “Smart Cleaning” and close the application completely in the settings.

5. How do I stop CCleaner pop-ups?

In the Free version, you cannot disable all pop-ups, as some are advertisements for the Pro version. However, you can minimize them by going to Options > Smart Cleaning and unchecking the boxes (though the software may prompt you that this reduces effectiveness). In the Pro version, the experience is largely silent.

6. Is BleachBit better than CCleaner?

“Better” is subjective. BleachBit is better for privacy and is open-source, meaning its code is transparent. CCleaner is better for user experience, offering a friendlier interface and more auxiliary tools like the Driver Updater and Software Updater.

7. Does CCleaner delete my personal files?

By default, no. CCleaner targets temporary system files and application cache data. It does not touch your Documents, Pictures, or Desktop folders unless you specifically instruct it to “Include” custom folders in the scan. However, it will empty your Recycle Bin, so ensure you don’t have anything valuable in there before running a clean.

8. What is the difference between “Custom Clean” and “Health Check”?

“Health Check” is an automated, simplified scan that makes decisions for you regarding what to clean and tune up. “Custom Clean” is the manual mode that allows you to check or uncheck exactly which files, cookies, and logs you want to remove. Experienced users almost always prefer Custom Clean.