Good registry cleaner

Sparkchaser

Been having some problems with programs in the registry. I haven’t used anything in a long time. I downloaded CCleaner and it’s kind of a pain now from what I remember. It was hard to get it loaded and working. Finally working it want’s to do too much and keep getting pop ups for different things.

Wondering if there is anything out there I should try besides CC.

takeahike

Sparkchaser

I’ve heard that sometimes registry cleaners can become OS implements of destruction, so be careful! Probably a good idea to back up the registry before any bold moves are attempted. I’ve not experienced nor heard of any such thing with the apps recommended in this thread but just thought everyone should be forewarned.

Dustyn

Sparkchaser jv16 PowerTools had a very good registry cleaner. I have no idea of the current state of the program today, but here is a link to the product: https://jv16powertools.com/feature_system_cleaner
It’s now an all-in-one tools product for Windows with a 14-day fully functional trial as it’s not free.

In my opinion, registry cleaners should not really be used anymore unless you know exactly what you are doing.

bennor

Not sure what version of CCleaner you are using but the free version typically doesn’t nag one often and isn’t hard to install and use. CCLeaner did sort of hide the registry cleaner option under Tools. And one can prevent CCLeaner from loading at Windows boot. Plenty of people say not to use such registry cleaners as they can cause issues, or even crash Windows, if used improperly. Glary Utilities (free) is another popular program.

takeahike

Another vote for Glary Utilities.

px_eliezer_

takeahike Another vote for Glary Utilities.

Yes Yes for GLARY.

But install the Glary suite, not just one part of it.
https://www.glarysoft.com/glary-utilities/

Just always have backups, and during installation be alert to NOT down other programs if you don’t want them.

I’ve used about 8-10 of those registry cleaners over the years, Glary is among the best.

takeahike

Another popular program is PrivaZer. I’ve generally had good luck with it, although I’ve had a few hiccups, but they were pretty easy to correct after the fact (therefore no guarantees).

Guy54435

I don’t exactly like recommending registry cleaners in case something goes sideways. I can however point you to a list of cleaners pros and cons.
Lifewire.com
Our Favorite Free Registry Cleaner Programs of 2025
This article provides some options for some of our favorite registry cleaners for Windows; these programs clean up duplicate items with the goals of freeing up storage and making your computer run more smoothly. Some of the items on this list are abandonware and aren’t improved on anymore, but they do still work.

This list includes only freeware—in other words, only completely free registry cleaners. Any registry cleaner program that charges a fee of any kind (e.g., shareware, trialware) isn’t included here. If one of these programs has started to charge, and we haven’t removed it yet, please let us know.
https://www.lifewire.com/free-registry-cleaners-2626176

Sparkchaser

Guy54435 I don’t exactly like recommending registry cleaners in case something goes sideways.

Yes, I was using them for a number of years and stopped. Recently, I was having a problem and it seemed to me it was registry related. I tried the Glary and it found about 550 errors. Let it fix it and I was able to clear up my problem.

SOoo, today I tried CCleaner. It says I have 1500 errors. 😮 I ran Glary, it says I have 1. Go figure!

I do make an image of the drive before I do anything. I also made a copy or the registry today.

Somewhat-Reticent

Linux Installer?

Guy54435

Somewhat-Reticent That would clean it up well.

takeahike

Sparkchaser

Sometimes I think CCleaner is written by the Al Capones and John Dillingers of today. I use its basic function of removing bits and cookies because it is easy and fast but always stay away from any substantial recommendations about how my system is being slowed by “60 apps,” driver update recommendations, etc. I’d rate it a 1 on a scale of 1-10 and would rate Glary Utilities a 9 on the same scale. See another example here, and scroll down to the bottom of the thread to see how it even changed its mind a day later for no reason.

px_eliezer_

takeahike

I trust Glary much more than CCleaner.

And remember that CCleaner was hacked in 2017, 2019, and maybe again in 2023.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/avast-no-plans-to-discontinue-ccleaner-following-second-hack-in-two-years/
https://techcrunch.com/2023/10/27/ccleaner-says-hackers-stole-users-personal-data-during-moveit-mass-hack/

Also CCleaner is now owned by the same people who own Avast, NortonLifeLock and Avira.
Some people may like this, others may not.

Zach3

I tired CCleaner Pro and was totally disgusted with it and switched back to the free version and now it has way too many popups and other items that just are a nuisance!!!

I also use “Gary Utilities” and find it to be very straight forward and useful and it doesn’t have the bothersome popups of the newer CCleaner…

I have used both for so many years that I will stay with them as long as I can function with my computers!!! LOL

Zach

Guy54435

Dustyn That is why I hesitate recommending anything, I only point the way to them and you can decide.

px_eliezer_

Dustyn In my opinion, registry cleaners should not really be used anymore unless you know exactly what you are doing.

Very true.

Dustyn

Guy54435 Point taken. 🙂

antdude

I used to use these tools since early SystemWorks (can’t remember if Norton Utilities did too – I don’t think it did) days. I stopped using their registry cleaners since they caused more problems IMO.