Is CCleaner Still Worth It in 2026? Is It Safe?
In this guide
CCleaner is one of the best-known PC cleaning programs in the world, but in 2026 people are asking: is it still worth it, now that Windows 11 has its own cleanup tools? And is it safe? In this guide we give you an honest answer, so you can decide whether it’s right for you.
The short version
- It’s safe: CCleaner is now owned by Gen Digital, the same group behind Norton and Avast.
- It’s worth it if you want hands-off maintenance: updating programs, cleaning browsers, managing startup apps and updating drivers in a few clicks.
- You don’t need it if you have a new PC, install few programs and Windows’ own cleanup is enough for you.
What Windows 11 already does
- Storage Sense (Settings → System → Storage): deletes temporary files and empties the Recycle Bin automatically.
- Disk Cleanup: removes update files and system caches.
- Task Manager → Startup apps: turns off programs that start with Windows.
For many users that’s enough. But there are things Windows doesn’t do.
What CCleaner Professional adds
- Software Updater: finds outdated programs (browsers, PDF readers, Java, etc.) and updates them, closing security holes.
- Driver Updater: updates your graphics, audio and network drivers.
- Performance Optimizer: puts to “sleep” programs running in the background that you’re not using, for a snappier PC and longer battery life on laptops.
- Health Check: a quick check with the recommended fixes in one click.
- Browser and privacy cleaning, which can also run automatically when you close the browser.
- Scheduled automatic cleaning, so you don’t have to think about it.
Is it safe?
Yes. CCleaner is developed by Gen Digital, the company that also makes Norton and Avast. In 2017 one version of the program (5.33) was compromised by a cyberattack: the problem was fixed within a few days, and since then the program has been considered safe. Always download it from the official website only.
Two tips to use it without surprises:
- Registry cleaning: the benefits are minimal. If you use it, always accept the backup CCleaner offers before going ahead.
- Cookies and passwords: before cleaning your browsers, check what will be deleted; otherwise you’ll have to sign in to every site again.
Free or Professional?
| Feature | Free | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| File and browser cleaning | Yes (manual) | Yes, automatic too |
| Health Check | Basic | Full |
| Software Updater | No | Yes |
| Driver Updater | No | Yes |
| Performance Optimizer | No | Yes |
| Scheduled cleaning | No | Yes |
Step-by-step guide: setting up CCleaner Professional
Follow the steps with the Next button. The screens are simplified: names may differ slightly depending on the version.
Activate the Professional version
Install CCleaner from the official website and open it. Click Upgrade or Register and enter the code you received by email.
Enter the code and click Register
Run your first Health Check
Health Check checks privacy, space, speed and security in a minute.
Click Health Check, then Start
Start
Apply the fixes
CCleaner shows you what it found in four areas. You can open each one to see the details, then apply everything in one click.
Click Make it better
Update your programs
In Tools → Software Updater you’ll find your outdated programs: updating them closes security holes.
Click Update All
Protect your cookies and passwords
In Custom Clean choose what to clean in your browsers. If you don’t want to sign in to every site again, untick Cookies and Saved Passwords.
Untick Cookies for the browsers you use
Turn on automatic cleaning
With Options → Smart Cleaning, CCleaner cleans by itself when needed, without you having to think about it.
Turn on Smart Cleaning
Who it’s for
- You have a PC that’s a few years old and has become slow.
- You install lots of programs and don’t have time to update them one by one.
- You look after your parents’ or relatives’ PC and want it to take care of itself.
If your PC is very slow because it still has a mechanical hard drive, the biggest improvement comes from switching to an SSD: read our guide on how to clone your drive to an SSD without reinstalling.
Frequently asked questions
Does CCleaner replace an antivirus?
No: CCleaner cleans and optimizes, it doesn’t protect you from viruses. For protection, read Is Windows Defender enough, or do you need an antivirus?
Does it work on Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Yes, on both. There’s also a Mac version.
How do I activate it?
Install CCleaner from the official website, click Upgrade or Register and enter the code you receive by email.
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