Do I need a PC cleaner or optimizer?

No. Windows has a free cleaner built in called Storage Sense (Settings, System, Storage) that deletes temporary files safely. "PC optimizer" and "registry cleaner" apps rarely speed anything up, and several have been caught bundling junk or using fake scan results to scare people into paying. To find what is filling your drive, use WinDirStat.

Sites last checked 15 Oct 2026. How we test

Our pick

Storage Sense

Our pick

Built in, safe, free, no scare tactics.

Built in Windows No ads · No trackers

Report card Open

Storage Sense homepage on a phone — Storage Sense on a phone, captured 15 Oct 2026

Also good

WinDirStat

Good

Shows what is filling your drive.

Free Windows No ads · No trackers

Report card Open

WizTree

Good

Very fast disk space map.

Free Windows No ads · 2 trackers

Report card Open

Skip these

CCleaner

Avoid

Once shipped malware, and offers extra software when installing.

Free plan + paid Windows, Mac, Android Blocks automated checks

Restoro and Reimage

Avoid

Fake scans that scared people into paying. FTC action in 2024.

Paid Windows Blocks automated checks

Good to know

If a PC is slow, check Task Manager, Startup apps and turn off what you do not need. That helps more than any cleaner.

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