How to Install CCleaner on Windows

Edited 3 days ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Installing CCleaner on a Windows PC is a straightforward process, but it is essential to do it correctly to ensure that your system stays clean and free from unwanted clutter. CCleaner is a popular tool that helps clean junk files, fix registry errors, and maintain overall system performance. In this guide, we will break down the steps to install CCleaner on your Windows computer, making sure every detail is covered, from downloading the software to configuring it properly.

Step 1: Download CCleaner

The first step to installing CCleaner is to download the installer. To ensure you are getting the official version of the software, which does not include any malware or unwanted programs, it is important to download it from the official CCleaner website or a trusted source.

• Open your web browser and type the URL: https://www.ccleaner.com/ccleaner/download in the address bar, then press Enter.
• On the CCleaner download page, click the "Download" button. You may be shown different versions, such as the free version, the professional version, or others. For personal and basic use, the free version will suffice.
• If prompted, choose the location on your computer where you want to save the installer file. Typically, you can save it to your Downloads folder for easy access.

Step 2: Run the installer

Once the download is complete, you need to run the installer to begin the installation process. Follow these instructions:

• Go to the location where you saved the CCleaner installer file (usually the Downloads folder).
• Double-click the installer file, which is often named something like ccsetup.exe.
• If a User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears, asking if you want to allow the program to make changes to your computer, click "Yes" to proceed.

Step 3: Follow the installation wizard

The CCleaner installation wizard will guide you through the setup process. Here's how to proceed:

• Select your language: When the first screen of the setup wizard appears, you may have the option to choose your preferred language for installation. Select your language from the drop-down menu and click "Next."
• Choose installation options: The installation wizard may offer options such as creating a desktop shortcut, adding CCleaner to the menu, automatically running CCleaner on boot, or adding a CCleaner shortcut to the Start menu. Select or deselect these options according to your preference. Then click "Next."
• Install: After configuring your preferences, click the "Install" button. The installation will begin, and you will see a progress bar indicating the installation progress.

Step 4: Complete the installation

Once the installation is complete, you will be directed to the completion screen. Here are the final steps:

• Run CCleaner: The installation wizard may offer the option to run CCleaner immediately after installation. If you're ready to use it, you can check this option and click "Finish."
• If you unchecked the option to run CCleaner, you can manually open it later by finding it in your computer's programs list or by double-clicking the desktop icon (if you created one).

Configuring CCleaner

After installation, it is a good idea to configure CCleaner settings to suit your needs. CCleaner offers several configuration options to customize its functionality.

• Open CCleaner. Launch CCleaner by finding it in the Start menu or by double-clicking the shortcut on your desktop.
• Explore the tabs: Take some time to explore the various tabs available in CCleaner such as "Cleaner", "Registry", "Tools", and "Options".
• Adjust cleaning behavior: In the "Options" tab, you can adjust settings such as including or excluding specific cookies, files, and folders from the cleaning process. You can also find settings to manage Windows startup programs and browser plugins.
• Schedule a cleaning: If you want to run CCleaner on a schedule, you may need to upgrade to the Professional version, which offers scheduling options.

Running your first cleaning campaign

Now that CCleaner is installed and configured, you can run your first cleaning operation.

• Select items to clean: Go to the "Cleaner" tab in CCleaner. You'll see a list of items that CCleaner can clean, divided into Windows and Applications sections. You can check or uncheck items depending on what you want to clean.
• Analyze: Click the "Analyze" button to have CCleaner analyze your system and create a list of files that can be cleaned.
• Review results: CCleaner will show you a summary of the items it can remove. Review this summary to make sure everything is in order.
• Run the cleaner: Once you are satisfied with the analysis, click the "Run Cleaner" button to begin the cleaning process. Depending on the state of your system and the options selected, the cleaning process may take a few minutes.

Troubleshooting common problems

Installing and using CCleaner is generally easy, but you may encounter some problems. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Installation errors: Make sure you download the installer from the official website. Run the installer as administrator to resolve any permission-related issues.
• UAC prompts: Some users may find User Account Control prompts annoying. Although you can disable UAC in Windows settings, doing so may reduce your security. Adjust UAC settings only if you understand the potential risks.
• Antivirus conflict: If your antivirus software interferes with the installation, temporarily disable the antivirus until CCleaner is installed, or whitelist CCleaner in your antivirus settings.

Keep CCleaner up to date

It's important to keep CCleaner updated to take advantage of performance improvements and ensure compatibility with the latest Windows updates.

• Check for updates: CCleaner provides an option to check for updates within the application. Go to "Options" → "Updates" and click "Check for Updates" to see if a newer version is available.
• Automatic updates: The Professional version of CCleaner offers real-time updates and background installation, ensuring you always have the latest version. If this feature is important to you, consider upgrading.

Conclusion

CCleaner is a powerful tool that helps maintain a clean and efficient Windows system. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully download, install, and configure CCleaner on your system. Remember to use CCleaner wisely and familiarize yourself with its options to maximize its benefits. Regular updates and configurations tailored to your specific needs will help your PC run smoothly for a long time.

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