Optimize Your Windows for Free: 16 CCleaner Alternatives for Peak Performance
Why do you need to clean and optimize your windows?
Regularly cleaning and optimizing your Windows operating system is a crucial practice for maintaining peak performance. Not only does it free up valuable storage space by eliminating unnecessary files and data, but it also enhances system stability and speeds up your computer.
Over time, temporary files, outdated registry entries, and unneeded software can clog up your system, leading to sluggish performance and unexpected crashes. By diligently cleaning and optimizing your Windows environment, you ensure that your computer operates smoothly and efficiently, ultimately providing a more enjoyable and productive user experience.
CCleaner, Why yes and Why not?
Regarded as a widely favored tool for system optimization, privacy protection, and comprehensive cleaning, CCleaner is a pioneering creation from the house of Piriform Ltd.
This potent tool is adept at identifying and eliminating redundant files from your system, thereby allowing your Windows to deliver an accelerated performance and simultaneously liberating substantial hard disk space. As an added boon, CCleaner impeccably cleans traces of your digital footprints such as browsing history, thereby offering a comprehensive registry cleaning service.
CCleaner identifies and eliminates redundant files from your system, allowing your Windows to deliver enhanced performance and simultaneously freeing substantial hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your digital footprints such as browsing history, offering a comprehensive registry cleaning service.
Pros:
- It's user-friendly and easy to use.
- It can free up valuable disk space by removing unnecessary files.
- It features a registry cleaner to remove unused entries and correct issues.
- It can erase your browsing history and cookies, enhancing privacy.
- It allows you to manage startup programs.
Cons:
- The free version lacks some of the advanced features available in the paid version.
- There can be a risk of removing useful registry entries, if not used carefully.
- Some users have reported aggressive advertising in the free version.
Open-source Windows Cleaner Apps
An open-source, free CCleaner alternative can be beneficial for many reasons:
- Full transparency: Open-source software allows users to inspect, modify, and enhance the source code, leading to increased transparency and control over the program.
- Community development: Open-source programs often have an active community of developers and users who can contribute to improvements and troubleshoot issues.
- Cost-effective: Free alternatives can provide similar functionalities without the need for a financial investment.
- Avoidance of aggressive advertising: Some users have reported aggressive advertising with the free version of CCleaner, which can be avoided with open-source alternatives.
- Access to premium features: Some open-source alternatives may offer features that are only available in the paid versions of CCleaner.
In the following list, you will find our best picks.
1. BleachBit
BleachBit is a free system cleaner app, similar to CCleaner but with more focused features and deep scan. It enables you to scan, and find all temporary files for apps such as Google Chrome, Internet Explorer and Windows system files. By then, you can choose also which file to delete or delete all.
It is an ideal solution to free your disk space, reduce backup size, remove temporary files, and improve your system performance.
BleachBit also works for Linux system, and it supports multiple languages by default.
BleachBit Key Features
- Delete your private files
- Simple workflow
- Free of charge
- No adware, spyware, malware, backdoors,
- Shred files
- Command-line interface
- Advanced: Write your own cleaners and custom cleaning workflow
- Portable for Windows system: works directly without the need to install
2. WRN Cleaner
WRN Cleaner is a powerful, reliable, and foolproof maintenance tool for Windows machines, offering both manual and automatic cleanup options. It uses pre-configured optimization techniques for a smooth, automated experience, aiming to revolutionize Windows machine maintenance.
However, it is a command-line tool that we recommend only for Advanced Windows users.
WRN Cleaner Features
- Defragment (HDD)
- Retrim (SSD)
- DiskClean
- Windows Error Log Cleaner
- Recycle Bin Cleaner
- Clean Temp Folder
- Clean Prefetch Folder
- System File Checker
- Auto Shutdown and Reboot When Done
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Hazem Abbas
3. WinClean
WinClean is a comprehensive, user-friendly, and absolutely free application that is designed to cater to both average users and system administrators. Its primary function is to transform Windows into a secure, reliable, and high-performing operating system.
This is achieved through a series of optimizations and tweaks that are carried out with just a few simple clicks. This level of convenience and efficiency ensures that users can enhance their system's performance without needing extensive technical knowledge or spending a significant amount of time on manual adjustments.
5cover4. CleanWindowsPro
The Windows clean-up app enables you to optimizes system performance by clearing space and changing the DNS server.
However, it is not a substitute for full-featured software as it lacks advanced capabilities. The tool is designed to clean junk files, repair corrupted system files, and improve efficiency.
CleanWindows Pro Features
- Clean up temporary files and folders on your system to free up space and improve performance.
- Can be used to change the DNS server on your system to improve your browsing experience.
- Provides a streamlined and straightforward approach to optimize your system.
- Can be used as a supplementary tool to clean up your Windows environment.
karthik5585. Little System Cleaner
Little System Cleaner is an all-in-one, comprehensive system cleaner designed specifically for Windows computers. This software is a robust package that combines multiple tools, all of which are developed by Little Apps, into a single, user-friendly interface. These tools include a registry cleaner, registry optimizer, disk cleaner, privacy cleaner, duplicate finder, startup manager, and uninstall manager.
Each tool has been designed with a distinct purpose in mind. The registry cleaner and optimizer are designed to ensure that your PC's registry is free from obsolete entries and errors, thereby ensuring smooth system performance.
The disk cleaner function helps in freeing up disk space by eliminating unnecessary files, while the privacy cleaner aids in protecting your personal information. The duplicate finder, on the other hand, helps to eliminate duplicate files, freeing up additional disk space.
The startup manager allows you to control which programs and services launch at startup to improve boot times and overall system responsiveness, and the uninstall manager helps you effectively remove unwanted programs.
When all these tools are used in conjunction, they provide several benefits. Firstly, they help in speeding up your system. With the elimination of unnecessary files and services, your computer can focus its resources on the tasks that matter.
Secondly, these tools help in freeing up disk space. By removing redundant and unwanted files and programs, you can reclaim valuable disk space for other uses. In sum, Little System Cleaner is a comprehensive tool that allows you to make your Windows PC perform better and faster.
Little System Cleaner Features
- Comprehensive All-in-One Design: Little System Cleaner combines multiple tools into a single interface, simplifying system cleaning tasks.
- Registry Cleaner and Optimizer: These tools ensure a smooth system performance by eliminating obsolete entries and errors in your PC's registry.
- Disk Cleaner: Helps in freeing up disk space by eliminating unnecessary files.
- Privacy Cleaner: Protects your personal information, enhancing your system's security.
- Duplicate Finder: Finds and eliminates duplicate files to free up additional disk space.
- Startup Manager: Controls which programs and services launch at startup, improving boot times and system responsiveness.
- Uninstall Manager: Effectively removes unwanted programs, reducing clutter on your computer.
- Faster System Speed: By eliminating unnecessary files and services, your computer's performance can be significantly improved.
- Disk Space Reclamation: Redundant and unwanted files and programs are removed to reclaim valuable disk space.
- Enhanced Privacy Protection: Protects your personal information, contributing to a safer computing environment.
6. Temp_Cleaner GUI
Temp_Cleaner GUI is a powerful, complimentary tool designed for Windows. Its purpose? To efficiently eradicate any unwanted, space-consuming clutter on your disk. What's more, it's open-source!
This tool relentlessly purges old and superfluous files, inclusive of browser history, cookies, and cache. It boasts a sleek, single-window interface, granting you the power to selectively clean up temporary files. Moreover, it meticulously inspects those oft-overlooked directories during your PC clean-up.
Temp_Cleaner GUI Features
- Free and open-source!
- Easy to use and designed with your comfortability in mind.
- Has a beautifully designed UI that's clean from complications
- Unlimited Customizations Supported!
- Everything there is completely well organized, of course, because we care about your precious time.
- It safely cleans up Temp, unlike others, they can cause problems with software.
- Runs in native 64-bit Mode!
- Easy to compile, and uses Cross-platform APIs
- Supports older versions of Windows
- Provides you with the minimal accessibility needs (Powered by Minimal Accessibility Pack v1.0 by Insertx2k Dev (Mr.X))
- Support for the Arabic Language, and can be expanded later to be a multilanguagal program
- Supports Dark and Light modes.
- Completely stable and safe for everyday use.
- Offers cleaning presets.
- Offers an Updater program (Introduced in v5.6-stable)
7. Sadeaner
Sadeaner isn't merely a tool, it's the definitive solution for a cleaner, faster PC. It doesn't merely promise, it guarantees a host of formidable functions. Bid farewell to unnecessary files and folders as Sadeaner emancipates your precious disk space. Prepare for a significant surge in your system's overall performance.
For gamers, it isn't merely an excellent choice, it's a revolution, liberating resources and skyrocketing game performance. But we don't merely stop there. Sadeaner also offers unparalleled features like a registry cleaner, startup manager, and browser cleaner, ensuring your system operates not just smoothly, but at its ultimate efficiency.
Sadener Key Features
- Speed up your system
- Cleaning Temp Files
- Cleaning all unnecessary Files
- It should delete the folders so that it is nicer and smoother to use
- The design of the optimizer should be beautiful and good to look at
- Only folders and files that are safe and do not destroy the operating system should be used
Jislldcooperdb98. Bulk Crap Uninstaller
Bulk Crap Uninstaller (or BCUninstaller) is a powerful, free program uninstaller. It excels at removing large amounts of applications with minimal user input, ensuring a clean and efficient uninstallation process. It can effortlessly clean up leftovers, detect orphaned applications, and run uninstallers according to premade lists, among other excellent functionalities. Designed with IT professionals in mind, BCU maintains an intuitive, user-friendly interface that anyone can navigate with ease.
BCU boasts full compatibility with Windows Store Apps, Steam, Windows Features, and provides special support for numerous uninstalling systems, including NSIS, InnoSetup, Msiexec, and many others. For a comprehensive list of functions, please see below.
Klocman9. Performance Maintainer
Performance Maintainer is an automated tool that combines open-source software like Little Registry Cleaner, Bleachbit, and Ultradefrag for regular PC maintenance and performance enhancement.
It cleans the registry, performs disk cleanup, and defragments the system drive. Users can install additional tools for tweaking and improving performance. The program can be scheduled to run as needed and requires .NET Framework 3.5 sp1.
Features
- Disk/registry Cleanup, service optimization and disk defragmentation in one click
- Maintenance > Optimize Services
- Maintenance > Clear Registry Problems
- Scheduled maintenance to maintain system speed
- Additional Tools > Registry > Clean, Defrag and Edit Windows Registry
- Additional Tools > Disk Space > Clean Junk files, permanently erase files, recover deleted files and inspect disk space.
- Additional Tools > Disk Performance > Check Disk and Defragment Drive
- Additional Tools > Program and Processes > Manage Startup applications, running processes and windows services
srgrass10. Windows Cleaner Utility
The Windows Cleaner Utility is a batch script that cleans temporary files from your PC. It can free up significant space, especially for long-time Windows users who have not regularly cleaned their system. The tool also features a system file checker.
It is tested on Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista and XP (64 & 32 bit).
Features
- System File Checker
- Removal of Temporary Files
- Deletion of Log Files
- Clearing of Event Logs
- Removal of Old Files
- Deletion of Trace Files
- Erasure of Browsing History
- Cookie Deletion
- Removal of Redundant Driver Files (already installed ones)
- Resetting of DNS Resolver Cache
Chainski11. Little Registry Cleaner
Little Registry Cleaner is a robust open-source program designed for Microsoft's Windows Registry. It expertly removes obsolete or unwanted items, significantly enhancing your computer's stability and performance.
Features
- Enhances computer stability and performance
- Creates automatic registry backups using Windows and an internal database
- Offers translations in 17 languages
- Portable Edition for usage on the go
- Includes an uninstall manager for removal of deleted software
- Manages startup files
- Compatible with 64-bit Windows versions
11. Cleaner PRO
Cleaner PRO is a free, user-friendly utility for Windows, offering features such as RAM and hard drive cleaning, automatic cleaning every hour, and loading with Windows.
12. Pc-Cleaner
Pc-Cleaner is a free open-source command-line system cleaner app that comes with a set of useful features that include:
- Clean up temp windows files
- Clean up temp app files
- Remove 100% hardware usage
- Remove windows defender and hidden system monitoring
- Remove windows store
- Clean up chrome cookie files
- Remove windows updates
- Enable seconds in clock
- Fix for accessing administrative rules
- Get information about the system
- System file checker
- Registry Checker
However, it is important to note, it is an advanced tool and we recommend it fo advanced users only.
W1lliam133713. Windows Memory Cleaner
With its native Windows features, this free RAM cleaner masterfully clears memory areas. It's the perfect solution when programs fail to release allocated memory, causing your computer to lag. Utilize Windows Memory Cleaner to optimize memory, ensuring a seamless work experience without the need to waste time rebooting your system.
Sporting a minimalist interface and intuitive features, the app's portability means there's no installation required. However, it does demand administrator privileges to operate. Simply click on the download button below and run the executable to take the first step towards a more efficient system.
IgorMundstein14. XTR Toolbox
XTR Toolbox is a free unbeatable, portable, swift, and streamlined tool designed specifically for tweaking, cleaning, and optimizing Windows. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies, it remains ad-free and bloat-free, supports the latest versions of Windows, and offers a remarkably user-friendly interface.
Features
- Batch Startup Manager
- Batch Services Manager
- Batch Software Manager
- Hosts File Editor / Manager
- Rebuild Icon Cache
- Rebuild Font Cache
- Reset Event Logs
- Remove / Reinstall Windows Apps
- Junk Files Cleaner
- User and Windows Temporary Directories Cleaning
- Windows Installer Cache Cleaning
- Windows Update Cache Cleaning
- Windows Logs Directory Cleaning
- Prefetch Cache Cleaning
- Crash Dump Directory Cleaning
- Google Chrome Cache Cleaning
- Steam Redistributable Packages Cleaning
- Chrome Extensions Manager
- Automatic Dark / Light mode
15. Cleanmgr+
Microsoft is confidently transitioning from the Disk Clean-up Tool (Cleanmgr.exe) on Windows 10 PCs to the more efficient Storage Sense functionality.
In response to this, a developer created this a ground-breaking tool, Cleanmgr+, has been innovatively developed to bypass the extensive user interface of Storage Sense, while preserving the essential functions of the original utility. Cleanmgr+ is armed with a more contemporary UI and enhanced features, including the ability to execute custom scripts for tasks like browser cache cleaning.
Note, Cleanmgr+ is a free app and it is not an open-source software.
builtbybel16. Little Disk Cleaner
Little Disk Cleaner is a highly efficient open-source program meticulously coded in C#, designed with the purpose of eliminating any unnecessary files that may be occupying valuable space on your hard drive.
Through its robust mechanism, it successfully frees up extra hard drive space, thus optimizing your computer's performance. In addition to this, it also enhances the speed at which your Windows operating system runs, by eliminating clutter and making system processes run more smoothly and effectively.
The app is released under the GNU General Public License version 3.0 (GPLv3).
However, the app did not get any update for years, but it is usable as it gets weekly downloads and endorsements form his loyal user-base over the years.
