The first use case this definition brings to mind is freeing up memory from the hard disk. You find it in the list of apps, click it, and then use the Uninstall button.CCleaner is a utility program which helps in getting rid of potentially unwanted files and invalid Windows registry entries from a computer. TL DR: CCleaner should be removed, and you can usually easily uninstall it by going to Start -> Settings -> Apps. This has caused conflicts for people with pre-existing antivirus on their systems, as two antivirus will usually fight each other and cause system problems. I’ve also taken issue with CCleaner in past years, because it has led users to accidentally download Avast Antivirus onto their systems.

Microsoft and other companies sometimes mark CCleaner as a bad guy or a “Potentially Unwanted Program.” This may be because Microsoft takes a dim view of anything offering to “clean your registry” (please do not use this part of CCleaner!), or because CCleaner has a history of unsavory data collection. This allows Microsoft to clean your temp files for you, silently in the background, on a recurring basis.īut beyond being replaced, CCleaner may trigger your antivirus warnings.

You can find this under Windows 10 by going to Start -> Settings -> System -> Storage. But these days, there are more reasons to get rid of it than keep it around.įirst, it’s main function is replicated by a built-in Windows tool called Storage Sense. It quickly finds and deletes temp files and other junk from a system. For years, CCleaner was many people’s go-to program for cleaning up a Windows computer.

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