Piriform CCleaner Free can delete unnecessary or redundant files, fix errors and optimize the software to speed up your PC and protect your privacy. This is some of the most popular free PC optimization software, for good reason.
PRO
- Frees up disk space
- Easy to use
- Can have a noticeable impact on system speed
CON
- All functions could be performed with Windows’ own tools, if you had the patience
Simply select a drive to scan, and CCleaner will show you how much space you can save and what adjustments you can make. Choose what you want to delete or repair, and the software will do the rest.
CCleaner also has a registry cleaner to delete unused entries and correct errors that might slow down your PC. Additionally it has a secure file shredder for erasing confidential information.
User experience
In theory, using Windows’ own optimization tools, task manager and your browser settings can do all the work of CCleaner, but it will take a lot of time, and many of us have no extra time at all. CCleaner’s clear, well-designed interface makes keeping housekeeping very simple and easy to overlook (even if you know you shouldn’t).
The main cleaning functions of CCleaner are:
The registry cleaner can delete unused registry entries, file extensions, ActiveX controls, ClassID, progID, uninstall programs, shared DLLs, fonts, help files, application paths, icons, and invalid shortcuts. This is especially useful if you are having problems installing a new version of a previously installed program.
The browser cleaner can delete temporary Internet files, history, cookies, download history and form history, and index.dat files from Internet Explorer. This is a convenient way to clear tracking cookies.
Windows cleaner, clear the recycle bin, recent documents, temporary files, log files, clipboard, DNS cache, error reports, memory dumps and jump lists. It’s best to use it with caution-even with Piriform’s own tools like Recuva, restoring accidentally deleted files can be a nightmare.
Third-party program removal program, used to process non-system applications, such as Windows Media Player, eMule, Google Toolbar, Microsoft Office, Nero, Adobe Acrobat and WinRAR.
Security features
Each element has a clear explanation, and you can deselect any content you don’t want to clear, so as not to accidentally delete any content that you may need in the future. For example, CCleaner can clear the user name and password saved by the web browser, but only if it must be clearly informed.
These are very convenient, although the tool that may have the greatest impact on system speed is the Startup Manager, which allows you to select applications that are launched at the same time as Windows.
How often you run CCleaner is a matter of personal choice; its settings allow you to choose to run it every time your PC starts, but you may prefer to run it manually from time to time, rather than to speed up the startup time. The free version of CCleaner does not include automatic updates, so it is worth periodically clicking “Check for Updates” in the lower right corner.
Our Verdict
CCleaner clears your system of unnecessary files, often identifying and removing several gigabytes, and can deliver a noticeable boost in performance.