Windows

29 Free Windows Cleaner Apps to Keep Your System Clean, Fast and Optimized

Hazem Abbas

May 10, 2024 — 13 min read

Why do you need to clean your windows system?

Cleaning your Windows system is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and speed. Over time, your system accumulates unnecessary files such as temporary files, cache files, and log files. These files take up valuable disk space and can slow down your computer.

Additionally, your system's registry can become cluttered with obsolete and redundant entries, affecting your machine's startup time and overall efficiency. Regular cleaning can free up disk space, improve system speed, reduce system errors, and enhance your computer's stability and performance.

How to Speed up your Windows System?

To radically enhance your Windows system, undertake these proven steps:

Initiate a routine system cleaning to wipe out redundant files - temporary, cache, and log files. You can do this manually or utilize the power of system cleaning tools.
Revamp your system's registry by erasing obsolete and redundant entries. Exercise caution and use trustworthy tools as any incorrect registry changes can cause serious system problems.
Execute hard disk defragmentation to restructure your file system, optimizing data access.
Persistently update your system and software to harness performance enhancements.
Disable unnecessary startup programs to dramatically improve your system's boot time.
Deploy a robust antivirus program and frequently scan your system to eliminate any malware that may be hampering your system's speed.
Upgrade your system's hardware. Consider boosting your RAM or replacing your hard disk with a high-speed Solid State Drive (SSD).
Regularly restart your system to refresh memory and terminate unnecessary background processes.

Bear in mind, consistent maintenance is the secret to maintaining your Windows system at peak performance.

Cleaning and detecting duplicated files can boost your system

Cleaning and detecting duplicated files in your system is a key step towards achieving optimal performance. Duplicated files occupy valuable storage space, causing your system to slow down over time. These files often result from repeated downloads, backups, or cache from different apps. By identifying and eliminating these duplicates, you free up disk space, allowing your system to run more efficiently.

In addition to enhancing system performance, detecting and removing duplicated files also helps maintain an organized file system. With fewer files to process, search and indexing functions become faster, leading to improved responsiveness when accessing your directories.

Tools that can help with this process range from built-in system tools to third-party software designed specifically for duplicate detection and removal. By making this process a regular part of your system maintenance routine, you can ensure your system remains clutter-free and operates at peak efficiency.

Why Cleaning Up System's Register is Important?

Cleaning up your system's registry is a critical aspect of maintaining optimal computer performance. The registry, a database that stores low-level settings for your system and applications, can become cluttered with obsolete and redundant entries over time.

These unnecessary entries can slow down your computer and cause system errors. By regularly cleaning your registry, you can eliminate these outdated entries, reducing the size of your registry and improving your system's startup time and overall efficiency.

It's important to note that careful handling is necessary when dealing with the registry, as incorrect alterations can cause significant system issues. Using reliable registry cleaning tools can help ensure safe and effective registry cleaning, ultimately leading to a faster, more stable system.

In the following list, you will find the best open-source free apps to boost your system by cleaning unused apps, temporary files, system temp files and more.

1. BleachBit

BleachBit is a powerful disk space cleaner that also protects your privacy. It effectively clears cache, deletes cookies, and erases internet history. Additionally, it shreds temporary files and logs, removing unwanted data you might not even be aware of.

The app is primarily designed for both Linux and Windows systems, BleachBit is compatible with thousands of applications, including popular ones such as Firefox, Adobe Flash, Google Chrome, and Opera.

Its capabilities go beyond simple file deletion, as it includes advanced features like file shredding to prevent data recovery, wiping free disk space to conceal traces of files deleted by other applications, and even vacuuming Firefox for enhanced speed.

As an open-source application, BleachBit is more than just free—it embraces the collaborative spirit of community-driven software development.

BleachBit Key Features

Complete deletion of private files
Simple operation: read descriptions, check boxes, preview, and delete
Multi-platform: Linux and Windows
Free of charge with no money trail
Open-source: free to share, learn, and modify
No adware, spyware, malware, backdoors, browser toolbars, or "value-added software"
Translated to 65 languages besides American English
File shredding to hide contents and prevent data recovery
Overwrites free disk space to hide previously deleted files
Portable for Windows: runs without installation
Command line interface for scripting and automation
CleanerML, a XML-based markup language for writing your own cleaners
Automatic import and update of winapp2.ini cleaner files
Frequent software updates with new features
Free disk space and reduces the size of backups by removing unnecessary files
Maintains privacy
Improves system performance (e.g., by vacuuming the Firefox database)
Prepares whole disk images for compression by wiping free disk space
Advanced cleaners for clearing memory and swap on Linux, deleting broken shortcuts on Linux, and more
Overwrites data in SQLite3 before deleting it to prevent recovery

2. WRN Cleaner

WRN Cleaner is a free dependable, free maintenance command-line tool designed to automatically or manually clean up your Windows machine. This application is crafted explicitly for Windows, with the aim of cleaning up the system using pre-configured optimization techniques.

It boasts a range of features, including Defragmentation for Hard Disk Drives (HDD), Retrim for Solid State Drives (SSD), Disk Cleaning, and a Windows Error Log Cleaner. Additionally, it can clean out the Recycle Bin, Temp Folder, and Prefetch Folder. It includes a System File Checker and has the capability to auto shutdown and reboot when the cleanup process is complete.

3. WinClean

WinClean is a Windows optimization and debloating utility that enables both average users and system administrators to transform Windows into a safe, reliable, and high-performing operating system with just a few clicks.

4. CleanWindowsPro

The Windows clean-up project offers a streamlined approach to system optimization, including clearing up space and changing the DNS server.

However, it lacks advanced capabilities and should be used as a supplementary tool, not a substitute for comprehensive software.

5. Little System Cleaner

Little System Cleaner is an all-in-one system cleaner for Windows computers, combining tools for registry cleaning and optimization, disk cleaning, privacy protection, duplicate finding, startup management, and software uninstallation.

It aims to enhance system speed, free up disk space, protect privacy, manage startup programs, and uninstall unnecessary software.

6. Temp_Cleaner GUI

Temp_Cleaner GUI is a free, open-source utility designed to clean Windows-based computers of junk and obsolete files. Its thoroughness sets it apart from other utilities, as it targets often overlooked directories.

The benefits of using Temp_Cleaner GUI include freeing up disk space, enhancing computer performance, and prolonging the lifespan of your machine.

It's user-friendly, supports limitless customizations, and is compatible with older Windows versions.

7. PrivaZer Free PC cleaner & Privacy tool

PrivaZer is a free PC cleaner and privacy tool that is highly effective at removing unwanted traces from your computer.

The app stands out in the market for its secure and irreversible cleanup capabilities, which utilize advanced overwriting techniques to ensure that once data is deleted, it is gone for good. This goes beyond surface-level cleaning, as it provides an in-depth cleanup for your PC and storage devices.

One of the key features of PrivaZer is its smart operational strategy. The application automatically recognizes the type of storage device being used, whether it's a magnetic disk or a Solid State Drive (SSD), and adjusts its erasure algorithms accordingly. This intelligent adaptation helps ensure optimal cleanup without causing any damage to your storage device.

Furthermore, PrivaZer is dedicated to preserving your privacy. It actively prevents the recovery of your activities, thus ensuring that your digital footprint is kept to a minimum. This is particularly beneficial in an era where data privacy and security are paramount, as it provides users with peace of mind knowing that their activities cannot be recovered or traced back to them.

8. Sadeaner

Sadeaner stands out as a highly capable and efficient PC cleaning utility. Equipped with a wide array of features, it excels in removing redundant files and folders, liberating precious disk space, and enhancing the overall system performance.

Its robust capabilities make it an optimal choice for gaming enthusiasts as it can efficiently optimize resources, thereby boosting game performance.

In addition to its core functionalities, Sadeaner incorporates advanced features such as a registry cleaner, a startup manager, and a browser cleaner. These features are designed to keep your system operating seamlessly and at peak efficiency.

Sadeaner's features are not just about performance but also about user experience. It aims to create a smooth, enjoyable user experience by removing unnecessary folders. The visual design of the optimizer is aesthetically pleasing, further enhancing its usability. Sadeaner prioritizes safety by ensuring that it only targets files and folders that are safe to remove, thus ensuring your operating system is never compromised.

9. Bulk Crap Uninstaller

Bulk Crap Uninstaller (BCUninstaller) is a free, robust tool designed for effortless uninstallation of multiple applications.

It ensures no leftovers remain post-uninstallation, identifies orphaned applications, and allows running uninstallers per predefined lists.

BCUninstaller is user-friendly, compatible with Windows Store Apps, Steam, Windows Features, and supports various uninstalling systems like NSIS, InnoSetup, Msiexec.

10. Performance Maintainer

Performance Maintainer is a tool that combines open-source software like Little Registry Cleaner, Bleachbit, and Ultradefrag for periodic PC maintenance and performance optimization.

It offers features like disk/registry cleanup, service optimization, disk defragmentation, scheduled maintenance, and additional tools for registry cleaning, disk space management, and program/process management. It requires .NET Framework 3.5 sp1 and allows scheduling according to user requirements.

11. Glary Utilities

Glary Utilities is a free, all-in-one utility for PC maintenance, offering over 20 tools to enhance performance. It provides one-click maintenance, disk cleanup, error prevention, and speed enhancement.

It also protects privacy by deleting browsing history and irrecoverable files. The utility keeps software updated, recovers lost or deleted files, analyzes disk space usage, and removes duplicate files.

Note that there is a paid pro version with more options and features.

12. Windows Cleaner Utility

WindowsCleanerUtility is a Windows batch script designed to clean your PC from temporary files. Ideal for long-time Windows users who haven't regularly cleaned their system, this tool can free up a significant amount of space.

It can be easily downloaded and run as an administrator. The tool offers various features such as deleting temporary files, log files, cookies, and remnant drivers files.

It also resets the DNS Resolver Cache and deletes history, ensuring a comprehensive cleanup of your system.

13. Little Registry Cleaner

Little Registry Cleaner is an open-source and free program for Windows Registry aimed at removing obsolete or unwanted items to enhance computer stability and performance.

Its features include automatic registry backups, translations in 17 languages, a portable edition, an uninstall manager, startup file management, and compatibility with 64-bit Windows versions.

14. Little Registry Optimizer

This amazing lightweight Windows ingenious tool is designed to refine and streamline your Windows registry, resulting in a smaller, more responsive system.

With its ability to reduce the registry's hard drive space usage while increasing your computer's overall hard drive space, it's a win-win situation! Plus, you can look forward to a noticeable boost in your Window's overall performance.

Licensed under the GNU General Public License, this gem of a tool is definitely worth your attention.

15. Cleaner PRO

Cleaner PRO is a free, user-friendly utility for cleaning Windows, offering features such as RAM cleaning, hard drive cleaning, and automatic cleaning every hour, with the ability to load with Windows.

16. Windows-System-Cleaner

Yet another free and open-source Windows cleaner system that enables users to clean Windows temp files, registry, browser cache and more.

17. CleanerX — Windows Optimizer

CleanerX is an open-source optimization program for Windows that stops unnecessary services, clears temp folders, and clears RAM when usage exceeds 60%. It requires .NET Framework +2.0.

18. CleanerX for Gaming — Windows Optimizer

This is a free, open-source RAM cleaner designed with gamers in mind. It allows for a one-click cleanup of memory.

Featuring a straightforward, user-friendly interface, it also grants users the capability to decide the percentage of memory they wish to clean from their PC.

19. Pc-Cleaner

Pc-Cleaner is a free command-line application designed for Windows. It provides comprehensive cleaning services for your computer, including cleaning up temporary Windows and app files, removing hardware usage, and eliminating system monitoring features and Windows defender.

The app also deletes Chrome cookie files and Windows updates. Additionally, it features a fix for accessing administrative rules and enables seconds in the clock.

Pc-Cleaner provides system information and includes a system file and registry checker, making it a versatile tool for maintaining your computer's performance and cleanliness.

21. Windows Memory Cleaner

Windows Memory Cleaner is a free, portable app that optimizes memory by clearing areas that programs fail to release, improving computer speed. It features a minimalistic interface and smart features like auto optimization and compact mode.

It requires Microsoft .NET Framework 4 and administrator privileges to run, and is compatible with various Windows versions.

22. XTR Toolbox

XTR Toolbox is a portable tool designed to tweak, clean, and optimize Windows. It is extremely fast and supports Windows 10 and 11 (x64 only). It includes a batch startup manager, services manager, software manager, and a hosts file editor/manager. Additionally, it offers quick tools to rebuild icon and font caches and reset event logs.

23. Sadcoy

The Sadcoy optimizer enhances the operating system's performance through safe registry modifications, with a user-friendly interface and a carefully developed, readable, and maintainable codebase.

It is a free and open-source project that is released under the GPL-3.0 License.

Currently, It supports Windows 10, and Windows 11.

24. SRC Repair (Gamers Cleaner Tool)

SRC Repair is a free open-source tool for tuning and cleaning up Steam and Source engine games. It allows users to create and edit configuration files, backup and restore game settings, and apply FPS configs or sprays.

SRC Repair key features include a video settings editor, configuration files editor, cleanup tool, FPS-configs manager, HUD manager, backups manager, and reports generator.

25. Cleanmgr+

Cleanmgr+ is a free tool designed to replace the soon-to-be-deprecated Disk Cleanup Tool from Microsoft. It offers an improved user interface and additional features like custom scripts for tasks such as cleaning browser cache.

Despite the enhanced functionality, it maintains compliance with Windows' system resources. This tool is closed-source but encourages community collaboration through contributions like custom scripts and localizations.

26. Windows 10/11 cleaner (WinCleaner)

WinCleaner is an efficient and user-friendly Windows 10/11 cleaner designed to boost system performance. It is recommended for monthly usage and is easy to use—simply download the repository and run the yuki-wincleaner.bat as an administrator.

WinCleaner shines with its extensive cleanup capabilities, removing nearly all removable temporary files, old files, and more. It's particularly effective on HDDs, significantly boosting system speed.

Despite its power, WinCleaner is lightweight and only occupies a few kilobytes of disk space. As a batch file, it can automate tasks, enhancing system efficiency.

27. Windows SystemCare

Windows SystemCare is a Python script for system maintenance tasks on Windows, aiming to simplify checks and cleanup for optimized performance. It requires a Windows operating system, Python 3.x, and administrative privileges for certain actions.

The only downside to this app is that it requires advanced tech skills to operate, as it does not come with a user interface.

The app is an open-source project that is released under the MIT License.

Its features include:

Unwanted Windows bloatware can be removed by the user 🚫.
Implements a Windows Defender Scan 🛡️ to detect and neutralize security threats such as malware.
The Winget package manager is used for system package updates 📦.
The integrity of system files is checked and any corrupted files are repaired ✅.
Disk Health Check 💾 provides essential information by monitoring the health status of the disk.
Unnecessary data and temporary files are removed to free up disk space during Disk Cleanup 🗑️.
The file placement on a hard disk drive is optimized for improved performance during Defragmentation (HDD) 📁.
Trimming (SSD) ✂️ enhances the performance and lifespan of a solid-state drive (SSD) by trimming unused blocks.
Checks for and installs any available system updates 🔄.

28. Little Disk Cleaner

Little Disk Cleaner is an open-source program that removes unneeded files, freeing up hard drive space and enhancing Windows performance. It cleans up temporary install files, log files, browser files, and more. It offers different scan modes and file types, is portable, and compatible with 64-bit versions of Windows.

29. Double File

Double File is a powerful utility designed to help manage and transition between computers and operating systems. It works by saving file checksums in directory listings stored locally on your system, effectively creating a snapshot of your drive that can be safely archived. This feature is particularly useful for planning and transitioning between different systems and operating systems.

One of the standout features of Double File is its ability to search listings even when volumes are off-site, providing flexibility and convenience. It supports any volume that can be mounted in Windows Explorer, including Linux and Mac volumes, making it versatile across multiple platforms.

Double File also supports long path names, accommodating more than 260 characters. This makes it capable of handling a wide range of files and directories without limitations on the length of the path name.

The application also includes utilities to correlate matching folders on multiple drives, examine disk usage, and browse the contents of off-site volumes. It is optimized for high runtime performance, ensuring efficient operation and minimizing system resource usage.

In essence, Double File is more than just a graphical drive utilization utility. It is a project-based tool that offers a suite of features designed to facilitate efficient file management and system transition processes.

Final Note

To wrap up, this in-depth analysis of 29 free Windows cleaner applications underscores the value of consistent system upkeep for peak performance.

These apps are designed to aid in maintaining a neat, speedy and optimized system, eliminating unnecessary files, managing resources efficiently, and conducting vital system assessments. They cover a broad spectrum of requirements, from simple cleanups to intricate system enhancements.

Each tool carries distinct features, yet they all share a common goal - to boost the overall user experience by ensuring a smoother functioning and quicker processing times. Remember, frequent system maintenance is the key to a robust, effectual computer.

We recommend that you select the tool that is most suited to your needs, and reap the benefits of a well-kept, high-performing system.

Windows productive Productivity Open-source system cleaner systems system tools system tool Free Apps GPL MIT Developer Tools devtools programming Command-Line