Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Use CCleaner selectively: inspect what it plans to remove, protect the browser data and files you rely on, and test any automation before letting it run unattended. This guide covers CCleaner for Windows; features and menu labels can vary by edition and version. CCleaner’s download page listed version 7.10.1464 on August 16, 2026. Its published Windows requirements include Windows 11, 10, 8.1, and 8, with exclusions such as S mode and IoT editions (download and version information; Windows requirements).
Choose Health Check for a quick overview or Custom Clean for control
Health Check groups maintenance into four categories: Privacy (browsing-related data), Space (such as the Recycle Bin and temporary files), Speed (startup programs), and Security (available third-party software updates). The Speed and Security categories require Professional. You can inspect and adjust items within a category, but Health Check does not retain those selections for the next session (Health Check overview).
Custom Clean is the more precise choice when you want to select Windows and application data, focus on a particular browser, or inspect a storage problem. Its Windows and Applications tabs let you review what is selected before cleaning (Custom Clean analysis and results). Free can be enough for occasional manual cleaning; consider Professional only if you specifically need features such as the full Health Check, updater tools, or automation (CCleaner Free; plan comparison).
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors1. Analyze before removing anything
- Open Custom Clean and review the selections on both the Windows and Applications tabs.
- Select Analyze, not Run Cleaner, for the first pass.
- Inspect the results. Sort by tree order, file size, or file count; right-click a category to view its files. Save the results to a text file if you want a record.
- Deselect categories that contain data you still need, then run the cleaner.
A headline total in gigabytes does not tell you whether the listed files are disposable. The results view is more useful: it lets you judge the categories and, where available, the individual files before deciding (analysis and results details).
#1 Best Overall
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
2. Keep the cookies that preserve sign-ins and site settings
Removing cookies can sign you out, clear shopping-cart data, and reset site preferences. For a browser whose cookies you want to retain, open Custom Clean and clear its Cookies checkbox. Check both Windows and Applications tabs if that browser appears in both.
To keep only selected sites, go to Options > Cookies and move important domains from Cookies to Delete to Cookies to Keep. Use Ctrl-click or Shift-click for multiple entries; right-click the list for Intelligent Scan where appropriate. Preserve cookies for services you rely on, such as email, banking, work, or shopping, rather than assuming cookie removal is consequence-free (cookie controls and effects).
3. Exclude files and folders you never want cleaned
For a known workspace, game-save directory, browser profile, or other location you need to retain, go to Options > Exclude > Add Item. Choose a drive, folder, file, or Registry key, then enter or browse to its path. An exclusion takes precedence over a related cleaning selection (CCleaner exclusion instructions).
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Verify exactly what the rule covers: excluding a folder does not necessarily exclude files in every subfolder. Avoid excluding broad system locations unless you understand their contents.
Rank #2
- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
- 4GB DDR4 System Memory; 128GB Solid State Drive
- 11.6" HD (1366 x 768) Multi-Touch Display
- Combo headphone/microphone jack - Noble Wedge Lock slot - HDMI; 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1
- Windows 11 Pro
4. Review every Health Check category before applying changes
Health Check is a useful overview, not a guaranteed speed boost. Its defaults are intended to identify files for deletion and programs for disabling or updating, but whether those changes help depends on the PC and what is using its storage or resources (what Health Check does).
- Run Health Check and wait for the categories to finish.
- Open Privacy, Space, Speed, and Security individually.
- Uncheck anything that could remove data you want or change a program you do not recognize.
- Apply only the changes you understand.
Because category adjustments are not saved for the next session, review them each time rather than assuming a previous selection will carry over.
5. Disable startup apps one or two at a time
Startup Manager and Health Check’s Speed category can help identify applications that launch with Windows. Disabling an entry prevents its automatic startup; it does not uninstall the application. CCleaner identifies Startup Manager among its Windows tools (CCleaner product features).
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →- Open the startup-management tool or Health Check’s Speed category.
- Check each app’s name and publisher. If its purpose is unclear, find out what it does before changing it.
- Start with optional launchers, update helpers, or game clients. Do not casually disable security, backup, accessibility, hardware-control, synchronization, password-manager, or organization-managed components.
- Disable only one or two entries, restart Windows, and check that the computer and required apps still work.
If something breaks, re-enable the item in CCleaner, restart, and check the application’s own startup setting. For Professional users, Health Check’s Speed category is among the Professional-only areas (edition details).
Rank #3
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
6. Treat software and driver updates as targeted maintenance
Software Updater
Tools > Software Updater can identify outdated third-party applications; the updater function is also available through Health Check’s Security category for Professional users (Professional features). An update can address a bug or known vulnerability, but this feature is not antivirus protection or a complete security product.
Driver Updater
Driver Updater is a Professional feature for checking drivers associated with hardware such as graphics, audio, networking, keyboards, and mice. CCleaner also identifies Windows Update and hardware-manufacturer websites as ways to check for drivers (Driver Updater information).
For a driver change, first confirm that Windows recovery is available or create a restore point. Update one device or category at a time, avoid doing it just before critical work, and restart and test relevant hardware. For a specialized device, the manufacturer’s driver may be the better fit. If a change causes instability, use Device Manager’s rollback option where available or reinstall the previous manufacturer-approved driver; do not assume every update improves performance.
7. Find large folders first, then review duplicates carefully
Use Disk Analyzer to see which folders or file types are consuming space, then investigate plausible targets with Tools > Duplicate Finder. Duplicate Finder can compare by file name, size, modified date, or content (Duplicate Finder details; Disk Analyzer and product features).
Rank #4
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
- Limit the search to personal data locations where practical instead of scanning the entire system drive.
- Choose comparison criteria deliberately; matching by content can provide stronger evidence that two files are identical than matching by name alone.
- Review paths, dates, and sizes. Keep the copy in the active or clearly intended location.
- Move uncertain files to a temporary quarantine folder instead of permanently deleting them. Remove them later only after confirming nothing depends on them.
Do not infer that a copy is expendable just because its name or contents match. Be especially cautious in application and Windows folders, cloud-sync locations, Git repositories, photo catalogs, email databases, backup sets, and game directories, where separate copies may serve different purposes.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.8. Set narrow rules for Smart Cleaning and scheduled maintenance
Smart Cleaning
Find it under Options > Smart Cleaning > Settings for Smart Cleaning. It can notify you when junk reaches a threshold and can clean browser files when a browser closes. CCleaner documents a default automatic-cleaning threshold of 0.5 GB (Smart Cleaning behavior and settings).
Before enabling automatic browser cleaning, inspect your Custom Clean selections. If saved form information or saved passwords are selected there, automatic cleaning can affect them. Leave those items—and cookies, Downloads, and personal documents—out of unattended cleanup unless you deliberately accept the consequences.
Scheduling in CCleaner 7
CCleaner 7’s documented path is Settings > Scheduling. Enable or adjust the maintenance interval, choose Create a new schedule for a custom routine, set its frequency, day, time, and type of clean, then save. Documented schedule types include daily, weekly, and startup maintenance (CCleaner 7 scheduler instructions).
Best Value
- WINDOWS 11 | STABLE PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 system, this laptop delivers stable performance for everyday computing tasks. It supports web browsing, online learning, document editing, email communication, and basic office work with optimized power efficiency, providing a practical and reliable experience for essential daily use for daily use.
- 15.6” FHD IPS DISPLAY: Features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with narrow bezels, offering wider viewing angles and clearer image details compared to standard panels. The improved screen-to-body ratio enhances visual experience for study, reading, document work, and video playback, making it suitable for both productivity and entertainment use.
- 4GB DDR4 + 128GB eMMC STORAGE: Equipped with 4GB DDR4 memory and 128GB eMMC storage for everyday basics such as browsing, documents, email, and online learning platforms. The built-in TF card slot supports storage expansion up to 1TB, giving you more flexibility for files, photos, videos, and daily documents. TF card not included.
- CONNECTIVITY & PORTS: Includes 1× TF card slot, 2× USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, and 2× full-featured Type-C ports (USB 3.2 Gen1). The Type-C ports support data transfer, charging, and video output, enabling flexible connection with external devices such as monitors, storage, and peripherals for daily work and study use.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN | ONLINE COMMUNICATION: Designed with a slim, portable profile, this laptop is easy to carry for school, commuting, and travel. A built-in 1MP front camera supports online classes, video meetings, remote communication, and everyday conferencing. The 3300mAh battery works with the low-power system design to support practical daily use, while thermal optimization helps maintain quieter operation during extended tasks.
Start with low-risk, tested categories such as temporary files. Add browser cache only if you are comfortable with the effects; avoid unattended deletion of cookies, passwords, form data, Downloads, or personal files. If a schedule removes more than intended, disable it, review Custom Clean selections and Options > Exclude, then analyze manually before enabling it again.
9. Automate only the Custom Clean configuration you have tested
CCleaner’s Windows command-line parameters can be used in shortcuts, batch files, scripts, or Windows Task Scheduler. The critical detail is that /AUTO uses the saved Custom Clean settings, so an overly broad selection becomes a repeatable mistake (command-line parameter reference).
CCleaner.exe /AUTOsilently runs the saved Custom Clean selections and exits.CCleaner.exe /AUTO /SHUTDOWNruns that clean and then shuts down Windows./SHUTDOWNmust be combined with/AUTO.CCleaner.exe /EXPORTexports cleaning options to INI files for reference. Change rules in the application rather than editing the exported files directly.CCleaner.exe /DELETE "path_to_file(s)" /METHOD "0-3"securely deletes specified files or folders. The documented method values are 0 for 1 pass, 1 for 3 passes, 2 for 7 passes, and 3 for 35 passes. Separate multiple paths with|.
/AUTO does not run Registry Cleaner. Before scheduling a command, test the exact selections manually and, if possible, on a non-critical machine or test folder. Keep a log of when it runs; do not automate personal-data deletion or broad /DELETE patterns unless you have checked the target carefully. Secure deletion is not a backup strategy, and how recoverable data remains depends on the storage technology and circumstances.
Use Registry Cleaner only for a specific troubleshooting reason
Registry Cleaner is part of CCleaner’s advertised Windows feature set (CCleaner Professional features), but it should not be treated as routine maintenance or a reliable way to make a modern Windows PC dramatically faster. If you have a specific troubleshooting reason to use it, review each reported entry, save a backup if CCleaner offers one, and keep the backup somewhere you can identify. Do not remove entries simply because they are labeled unused or obsolete. If an application or Windows component misbehaves afterward, restore the backup. The exact backup and restore labels can vary; use the instructions shown by your installed version rather than assuming a menu path.
Quick Recap
Know when another tool is the better choice
- For basic manual cleanup without third-party automation, Windows’ built-in cleanup tools may be enough.
- For a specialized driver, check the hardware manufacturer’s support page; for a conservative operating-system-managed update, use Windows Update.
- For precise cookie decisions, use the browser’s own privacy controls.
- For protecting files, use a backup system. A recovery utility is not a substitute for regular backups.
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