CCleaner is an all-in-one for cleaning our computer. Its main function is to analyze our entire hard drive, locate all those junk and unnecessary files that have remained on the PC and help us clean ourselves.
We have two types of cleaning. The easy cleaning mode allows us to clean all residual data from the computer with one click, while the custom mode allows us to control which files are deleted and which are not.
Depending on how we use the computer, this program is capable of freeing up several gigabytes of space. In addition to getting rid of unnecessary files, the more space we have on the hard drive, the better the performance will be and we will be able to use that space for other files or other programs.
Clean the Windows registry
Another of the most interesting functions of this program is the possibility of cleaning and optimizing the Windows registry. This registry is made up of instructions and settings for the operating system and many programs. Instructions that are constantly consulted by the operating system and that, if they are disorganized, or there is superfluous information, will slow down the general operation of the PC.
The program allows us to make a backup copy of the registry before cleaning it. That way, if something goes wrong, we can always easily revert the changes.
uninstall programs
CCleaner includes a program uninstaller that allows us to see a list of all the programs on our PC, their properties (installation date, size, etc.) and allows us to easily uninstall them without having to use the Windows application manager itself.
update programs
One of the latest innovations that came to this optimizer was a tool that allows us to analyze all the programs that we have installed on our PC, check if there are new versions available and, if there are, download them to always have the latest version available.
This is one of the features that are only available to paid users. Something counterproductive considering its small database of software and the large number of alternatives that do this for free.
Control Windows startup
One of the reasons why our computer can take a long time to start is because we have many programs configured at the start of the PC. From the start section we will be able to see all of them, as well as the scheduled tasks, and clean them.
We will also be able to organize and optimize other elements of the system, such as the context menu.
Other CCleaner tools
We are also going to find other interesting tools within this program to clean and optimize Windows. For example, we can control browser pluginsto eliminate them in case something prevents us from doing so, scan hard drives to see what kind of files are taking up the most space, find duplicate files that we can delete to increase the available space, access restore points from the computer and secure erase drives to destroy all information stored on them.
Thus, to give us an idea of what we are talking about, say that we found a function for uninstall programs, as we have mentioned before. It shows us all the programs and updates that we have installed to eliminate them if we wish. To do this, we can run the integrated uninstaller in order to do a complete cleaning, without traces. Also here we can rename files without making changes to the system, or delete entries from the list but uninstall.
We can also delete the entries created in the operating system startup so that they do not run when the computer starts up, as well as locate and eliminate duplicate files. On the other hand, we find a feature that allows us to restore the system to a previous state, which will get us out of trouble.
Download CCleaner
CCleaner is a free program, with limitations, for home users. We can download the latest version of this program. This program is compatible with all versions of Windows, from XP to 10, both 32-bit and 64-bit.
Once the program is downloaded, all we have to do is install it on the PC to start using it. Of course, we must be very careful during the installation so that Avast does not sneak in any unwanted software.
payment methods
The version free It is the most limited of this program. Avast only gives us access, as long as it is for home and personal use, to the most basic functions of the program, such as the basic cleaner and privacy options.
If we pay for the license Professional, which has a cost of 24.95 euros, we will be able to unlock the full potential of the program. In addition to accessing the advanced cleaning functions, we can automate the program so that it performs periodic cleaning without having to do anything and access the software updater.
Finally, we can also get the option «Professional Plus» which includes, in addition to everything in the professional edition, licenses for the programs Defraggler (to defragment the PC), Recuva (to recover deleted data) and Speccy (to detect problems and check for updates). This license is priced at 39.95 euros.
Alternatives to CCleaner
CCleaner is one of the oldest and best-known applications for cleaning the garbage that Windows accumulates on a daily basis, however, it is neither the best nor the only application that helps us to carry out this task.
- BleachBit. One of the best alternatives to the almighty CCleaner can be found in the BleachBit application, an open source and completely free application that allows us to perform the same functions as this one, but for free and without purchases inside. We can download it from .
- Clean Master. It is a complete application to clean the registry and delete junk from our PC, a paid application, although there is also a free version with various limitations. We can download this application from its website by clicking on the following .
The controversy surrounding Avast and CCleaner
CCleaner it has always been one of the best programs to clean and optimize Windows. And for years it has been recommended by all corners of the net. However, since Avast took over the rights to Piriform, things have changed.
This software has always been free for all users, and all features were available without having to pay. Except for some additional functions such as a scheduler to perform automatic cleaning, or keeping the program open in the background. However, since Avast got hold of it, the program’s features have been severely limited. Functions such as the software updater, or cleaning all the junk files from the PC, require paying the license.
As if that were not enough, CCleaner has been affected in the past by a malware hidden in your installer that has been jeopardizing the security of users. Something very interesting considering that, when installing the program, tries to install Avast antivirus as well without permission on our PC.
Finally, we must indicate that Avast has included functions of telemetry within the program to keep users in check. Functions that, of course, can be “anonymized”. As long as you pay for professional licenses.
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