🧹 How to Uninstall Clean Master – A Pro’s Guide

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

Clean Master (by Cheetah Mobile) is a popular Android and Windows utility app designed to free up disk space by clearing cache, junk files, and managing startup programs.

However, due to its bloatware nature, intrusive ads, and potential privacy concerns, many users prefer to remove it in favor of lighter alternatives like CCleaner, Wise Disk Cleaner, or built-in tools like Disk Cleanup.

In this guide, I’ll show you:

• 🧩 Step-by-step methods to fully uninstall Clean Master (via Settings, Control Panel, PowerShell)
• 🗑️ How to completely remove leftover files, registry entries, services, and scheduled tasks
• ❌ Common issues and how to fix them
• ✅ My expert tips for keeping your system clean

Let’s get started!

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⚠️ Why You Should Fully Uninstall Clean Master

While the standard uninstaller removes most of the program, residual components may remain behind:

• Leftover configuration files
• Registry keys
• Scheduled tasks
• Context menu items
• Browser extensions (e.g., CM Security Extension)

These remnants can take up unnecessary space, slow down boot time, or even cause conflicts with other software.

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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 Clean Master
4. Click the three dots (…) → Uninstall
5. Follow the prompts to complete the process

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 Clean Master
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 Clean Master — 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 "Clean Master" } | Invoke-WmiMethod -Name Uninstall

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

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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 Clean Master 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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🗑️ Bonus: Remove Leftovers After Uninstall

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

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🔹 Step 1: Delete Installation Folder

1. Navigate to:

   C:\Program Files\Clean Master

or

   C:\Program Files (x86)\Clean Master

2. If it exists, delete the folder

Also check:

C:\ProgramData\Clean Master

Note: ProgramData is a hidden folder. Enable hidden files in File Explorer to see it.

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🔹 Step 2: Remove User Data & Logs

1. Press Win + R, type:

%APPDATA%\Clean Master

2. Delete the folder if it exists

Also check:

%LOCALAPPDATA%\Clean Master

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🔹 Step 3: Remove Scheduled Tasks

Clean Master often sets up background tasks for auto-cleaning or maintenance.

To Remove Them:

1. Press Win + R, type:

taskschd.msc

2. In Task Scheduler:

• Go to Task Scheduler Library > Cheetah Mobile or Clean Master
• Right-click any tasks related to Clean Master → Disable or Delete

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🔹 Step 4: Clean the Registry (Use with Caution)

Use a trusted registry cleaner like CCEnhancer, Wise Registry Cleaner, or JetClean to remove orphaned entries.

Alternatively, manually back up and edit the registry:

1. Press Win + R, type:

regedit

2. Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Clean Master

3. Back up the key (right-click → Export)
4. Delete the Clean Master key

Also check:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Clean Master

Also look under:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Clean Master

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

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🔹 Step 5: Remove Context Menu Entries (Optional)

Clean Master sometimes adds context menu items like “Clean with Clean Master” or “CM Security Scan”.

To remove them:

1. Use CCleaner → Tools → Startup → Context Menu tab
2. Or use ShellExView from NirSoft to disable unwanted entries

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🛡️ Expert Tip: Prevent Auto-Reinstallation or Bloatware

Sometimes, Clean Master is bundled with other utilities like CM Security, AppLock, or browser toolbars.

To ensure none of these come back:

• Avoid downloading from third-party software portals
• Always choose Custom Install when installing new software
• Disable optional offers during installation

Also consider switching to safer alternatives like:

• CCleaner
• Wise Disk Cleaner
• BleachBit
• Windows Disk Cleanup + Defragmenter

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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\Clean Master
❌ Clean Master tasks still appear 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 managed hundreds of PCs in corporate and personal environments, I strongly advise thoroughly removing tools like Clean Master, especially due to their aggressive bundling behavior and potential privacy risks.

A clean system ensures better performance, fewer conflicts, and improved security.

🔧 Pro Tip: If you’re removing Clean Master because of performance issues or bloatware behavior, consider using native Windows tools like Disk Cleanup and Storage Sense — they’re lightweight, safe, and ad-free.

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