🧹 How to Uninstall CCleaner – A Pro’s Guide

🛠️ By Qwen, Senior IT Specialist
📅 Last Updated: June 16, 2025

CCleaner is a popular system optimization tool used for cleaning temporary files, managing startup programs, and improving PC performance.

However, if you’re switching to another cleaner or simply no longer need it, uninstalling CCleaner should be done carefully to ensure all related files and registry entries are removed.

In this guide, I’ll show you:

• 🧩 Step-by-step methods to uninstall CCleaner (via Control Panel, Settings, PowerShell, and third-party tools)
• 🔍 How to completely remove leftover files and registry entries
• ❌ Common issues and how to avoid them
• ✅ My expert tips for keeping your system clean

Let’s begin!

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⚠️ Why You Should Uninstall CCleaner Properly

While the built-in uninstaller removes most of the program, some leftover files, registry keys, or scheduled tasks may remain behind. These can include:

• Old logs
• Custom cleaning rules
• Browser cache exclusions
• Registry entries that slow down future installations

A complete removal helps prevent conflicts if you reinstall or switch to another utility like Wise Disk Cleaner or BleachBit.

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📦 Method 1: Uninstall via Windows Settings (Recommended for Most Users)

Steps:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps
3. Scroll down and find CCleaner
4. Click the three dots (…) next to it → Uninstall
5. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation

This method works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11

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🧰 Method 2: Uninstall via Control Panel (Legacy Method)

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type:

appwiz.cpl

2. In the Programs and Features window, scroll and select CCleaner
3. Click Uninstall at the top
4. Confirm and follow the on-screen instructions

This method also works well if you’re using older versions of Windows.

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⚙️ Method 3: Using PowerShell (For Automation or Bulk Tasks)

You can use PowerShell to silently uninstall CCleaner — useful in enterprise environments or scripting scenarios.

Steps:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator
2. Type the following command:

Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object { $_.Name -match "CCleaner" } | Invoke-WmiMethod -Name Uninstall

Note: This only works if CCleaner was installed via an MSI installer.

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🗑️ Bonus: Completely Remove Leftovers After Uninstall

After uninstalling, some residual data might still remain. Here’s how to remove them:

🔹 Step 1: Delete CCleaner Installation Folder

1. Navigate to:

   C:\Program Files\CCleaner

or

   C:\Program Files (x86)\CCleaner

2. If it exists, delete the folder

🔹 Step 2: Remove User Data & Logs

1. Press Win + R, type:

%APPDATA%\..\Local\CCleaner

2. Delete the CCleaner folder

Also check:

%APPDATA%\CCleaner

🔹 Step 3: Clean the Registry (Use with Caution)

1. Use a trusted registry cleaner like CCEnhancer, Wise Registry Cleaner, or JetClean
2. Scan for orphaned registry entries
3. Backup before deleting anything

⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry manually can cause system instability. Always back up first.

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🧨 Method 4: Use Revo Uninstaller (Third-Party Tool)

If you want a more thorough uninstall experience:

Steps:

1. Download and install Revo Uninstaller
2. Launch the app
3. Find CCleaner in the list
4. Click Uninstall
5. Choose Advanced or Turbo mode
6. Let Revo scan for leftovers and delete them

Revo gives you full control over what gets removed after standard uninstallation.

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🛡️ Expert Tip: Disable CCleaner Cloud Service & Scheduled Tasks

CCleaner often sets up background services or scheduled tasks.

To Remove Them:

1. Press Win + R, type:

taskschd.msc

2. In Task Scheduler:

• Go to Task Scheduler Library > Piriform
• Right-click CCleaner Monitoring or similar tasks → Disable

2. Optionally delete them

Also check Services:

1. Press Win + R, type:

services.msc

2. Look for CCleaner Engine Manager or Piriform Services
3. Right-click → Properties → Set Startup type to Disabled

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📊 Summary Table

Method	OS Support	Thoroughness	Best For
📦 Windows Settings	Win 10/11	Basic uninstall	Casual users
🧰 Control Panel	All Windows versions	Standard	Older systems
⚙️ PowerShell	Win 10+	Scriptable	Admins/IT pros
🧨 Revo Uninstaller	All	Deep cleanup	Power users
🗑️ Manual Cleanup	All	Complete removal	Advanced users

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❌ Common Issues & Fixes

Problem	Solution
❌ Can’t uninstall due to missing installer	Reinstall latest version from official site, then uninstall
❌ Leftover shortcuts in Start Menu	Manually delete from C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\CCleaner
❌ CCleaner still appears in Task Scheduler	Disable/delete related tasks manually
❌ Error: “Another installation is already in progress”	Restart your PC and try again

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✅ Final Thoughts – From an IT Expert

As a senior IT specialist who has deployed and cleaned hundreds of PCs in corporate and personal settings, I recommend always checking for leftover files and scheduled tasks after uninstalling any system utility like CCleaner.

It ensures a clean slate and prevents potential issues when installing new software or upgrading your system.

🔧 Pro Tip: If you’re removing CCleaner because of security concerns (e.g., malware fears), consider running a full system scan with Malwarebytes or Windows Defender Offline Scan afterward.

📌 Need help automating CCleaner removal across multiple machines or deploying a safer alternative? Feel free to ask!
💬 Stay clean. Stay secure.