CCleaner is a unique and useful file shredder to clean a number of places where data can secretly lurk.
Summary
Our Score | Our Score |
License | Free |
Link | http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner |
Effective file cleanup – can remove obsolete registry entries | |
Setup with bloatware – stays resident even with option turned off |
Details
CCleaner is a unique and useful file shredder because it cleans a number of places where data can secretly lurk. It will help you scrub data left behind by web browsers and other applications (windows explorer, system temporary files, and excess files created by applications/utilities/windows). These are difficult to find and erase on your own, so CCleaner has advantages over other file shredders. Before it can erase the junk files that it finds, you must set it to erase what it deletes (Options > Settings > “Secure File Deletion”).
It wipes the free space of a drive in “Tools” with a “Drive Wiper” (preset with four erasing methods). It also allows you to automatically wipe the free space during its normal cleaning: select “Wipe Free Space” (scroll down in the Windows tab to Advanced) and “Run Cleaner”, but you still have to manually check/uncheck the “Wipe Free Space” option (to avoid waiting a lengthy time every time it runs).
Finally, it shreds custom files/folders, but you have to jump through a few hoops by manually selecting the file or folder (Options > Include), setting it to clean “Custom Files and Folders”, and clicking Run Cleaner. Alternatively, you could delete files normally to the recycling bin and then have CCleaner erase it later. Other file shredders are much easier to use for erasing custom files/folders.
A portable version and a slim version with no toolbar are available here.
Besides the Windows and Mac version, the developer also brings you a version for Android to remove junk, reclaim space, monitor your Android system and browse safely.
Be aware of unwanted bundled software
Certain installers for free and 14-day trial versions of CCleaner, Defraggler, Recuva, and Speccy come with bundled applications, including applications that are not required or developed by the same publisher Piriform. While the bundled applications themselves are legitimate, bundling of software, especially products from other providers, can result in unexpected software activity that can negatively impact user experiences. To protect Windows users, Microsoft Defender Antivirus detects installers for Piriform applications that exhibit this behavior as potentially unwanted applications (PUA).
Source: Microsoft