CCleaner is a popular system optimization and cleaning utility developed by Piriform (now owned by Avast). While it can be useful for removing temporary files, clearing browser caches, and optimizing system performance, many users choose to uninstall it due to concerns over privacy, unnecessary bloat, or preference for native Windows tools.
As a Windows expert, I will guide you through:
- ✅ The complete process of safely uninstalling CCleaner from Windows 11 or 10
- ⚠️ Important considerations at each step
- 💡 Alternative methods including command-line and registry-based removal
- 🧩 Best practices for ensuring all related components are removed
Let’s begin.
📌 Overview
Uninstalling CCleaner is typically straightforward via the Windows Settings app or Control Panel, but due to its deep integration with system functions, some residual files or registry entries may remain after standard uninstallation.
This guide assumes:
- You’re using Windows 11 or 10
- You have administrator privileges
- CCleaner was installed in a standard way (not silently deployed via enterprise tools)
🔧 Step-by-Step: How to Uninstall CCleaner
✅ Step 1: Close CCleaner and Related Processes
- Right-click on the taskbar > open Task Manager
- Go to the Processes tab
- Look for:
ccleaner.execcSvcHst.exe(CCleaner Service Host)
- Select each one and click End Task
⚠️ Note: Leaving these running may interfere with the uninstaller or cause errors during removal.
✅ Step 2: Open the Apps & Features Menu
- Press
Windows + Ito open Settings - Navigate to:
Apps > Installed apps- Use the search bar at the top and type “CCleaner”
💡 Tip: If you’re using an older version of Windows or prefer the classic interface, use Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features instead.
✅ Step 3: Initiate the Uninstallation Process
- Click on CCleaner in the list
- Click Uninstall
- Confirm when prompted
⚠️ Warning: Some versions of CCleaner may attempt to upsell Avast SecureLine VPN or other software during uninstallation. Read each screen carefully and decline any offers to install additional programs.
✅ Step 4: Complete the Uninstaller Wizard
- Follow the prompts in the CCleaner Uninstaller Wizard
- When asked if you want to delete user data (e.g., custom cleaning rules), choose accordingly:
- ✅ Check the box if you want a complete removal
- ❌ Uncheck if you plan to reinstall later and want to keep settings
- Click Next until the uninstall completes
⚠️ Note: Do not interrupt the process—wait for it to finish before restarting your computer.
✅ Step 5: Restart Your Computer (Optional but Recommended)
- After uninstalling, restart your PC to ensure:
- All leftover services terminate
- Registry changes take effect
- Any locked files are removed
🛠️ Advanced Methods (For Thorough Removal)
✅ Method A: Use Revo Uninstaller (Third-Party Tool)
If you suspect that CCleaner left behind residual files or registry keys:
Steps:
- Download and install Revo Uninstaller (free or Pro version)
- Launch the program
- Find CCleaner in the list > right-click > Uninstall
- Choose Advanced Scan to detect leftovers
- Delete any remaining files and registry entries
⚠️ Caution: Editing the registry manually can be risky—always back up before proceeding.
✅ Method B: Manually Remove Leftover Files and Folders
Even after uninstallation, CCleaner may leave traces in the following locations:
Common File Paths:
C:\Program Files\CCleaner\
C:\Program Files (x86)\CCleaner\
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\CCleaner\
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\CCleaner\💡 Tip: To access hidden AppData folders:
- Press
Windows + R, type%appdata%, press Enter- Repeat with
%localappdata%
Delete any CCleaner folders you find.
✅ Method C: Clean Up the Windows Registry (Advanced)
Use this method only if you’re comfortable editing the registry.
Steps:
- Press
Windows + R, typeregedit, press Enter - Backup the registry (File > Export)
- Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall- Look for entries containing “CCleaner”
- Right-click and delete them
Also check:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\CCleaner⚠️ Warning: Always create a backup before making registry edits.
🧪 Expert Use Case Scenarios
| Scenario | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Home user with no technical background | Use the built-in Settings uninstaller |
| Power user concerned about leftover files | Combine Settings uninstall with Revo or manual cleanup |
| IT technician managing multiple systems | Use PowerShell or batch scripts for mass removal |
| Enterprise environment with CCleaner deployment | Use GPO or SCCM for centralized uninstall |
📋 Summary Table: CCleaner Removal Methods
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Settings | Easy, safe, official | May leave remnants |
| Revo Uninstaller | Deep scan, thorough removal | Third-party tool required |
| Manual file deletion | Full control | Time-consuming |
| Registry edit | Removes leftover keys | Risky if done incorrectly |
| Command line / PowerShell | Fast, scriptable | Requires technical knowledge |
📌 Final Expert Recommendations
✅ Do:
- Always close CCleaner processes before uninstalling
- Decline third-party offers during uninstallation
- Consider using native tools like Disk Cleanup or Storage Sense post-uninstall
- Restart your system after removal for full cleanup
❌ Don’t:
- Ignore leftover files—they may contain sensitive data
- Edit the registry without backing it up
- Leave unused services or scheduled tasks behind
📚 Conclusion
Uninstalling CCleaner is a simple yet important task for maintaining a clean and secure system. Whether you’re removing it due to security concerns, performance issues, or simply preferring alternative tools, following a structured approach ensures a complete and safe removal.
By applying this expert-approved guide, you now have the knowledge to:
- ✅ Uninstall CCleaner using native Windows tools
- ⚠️ Recognize and avoid common pitfalls
- 💡 Perform advanced cleanup for a pristine system
Remember:
- Always verify that all related processes are closed before uninstalling.
- Consider third-party tools like Revo Uninstaller for deeper cleanup.
- For enterprise environments, automate removal using PowerShell or deployment tools.
With the right approach, you’re not just uninstalling a program—you’re enhancing your system’s stability and security like a true Windows expert!