CCleaner still works on Windows 11, but its 2017 supply-chain compromise and its aggressive registry cleaner turn many users off. Windows 11 has better native tools and safer third-party alternatives.

Short answer: for most people, Storage Sense (built into Windows 11) plus BleachBit covers everything CCleaner did. Wise Disk Cleaner is the closest free CCleaner-style UI; PrivaZer goes deepest on privacy traces.

Storage Sense (built-in, free)

Already on every Windows 11 install — no download. Clears temporary files, Windows Update cache, old downloads, Recycle Bin. Configurable on a schedule.

  • Settings > System > Storage > Storage Sense
  • toggle On, click through to Configure for schedule and thresholds

Covers the 90% case for free and is the safest cleaner you can run, because it only touches paths Microsoft explicitly designates as disposable.

BleachBit (free, open source)

The closest spiritual successor to early-days CCleaner — free, open source, and audited. Cleans browser caches, app caches, logs, and temp files. Has a "shred" option for secure delete.

  • download from bleachbit.org (official site only)
  • does not include a registry cleaner — a feature, not a missing one, since registry cleaners on modern Windows do more harm than good

Wise Disk Cleaner (free)

Closest look-and-feel to classic CCleaner. One-click cleanup across all major browsers and apps. Includes a (safe, opt-in) registry cleaner if you insist on one.

PrivaZer (free for personal use)

Goes deeper than CCleaner on privacy traces — secure delete of free space, browser indexes, thumbnail caches, jump lists. Interface is busy; results are thorough.

What to avoid

  • any cleaner that bundles a "PC accelerator" or "driver updater"
  • anything pushing a paid "registry repair" feature — registry cleaners have no measurable benefit on Windows 10/11 and can break installed software
  • CCleaner's "Smart Cleaning" background agent — even if you run CCleaner, disable the agent in Options

Better next routes

For the native-tools-only path, continue with How to Free Up Space on C Drive Windows 11 Natively.

For a cross-platform comparison, read Best Desktop Cleaner Apps.