CCleaner Piriform Review 2016: A Mixed Bag of Features

Piriform's CCleaner is a popular cleaning tool that has been around for years, but its usefulness is often debated among tech enthusiasts. While it does offer some valuable features, others can be replicated using free alternatives or even built-in Windows tools.

One of the main criticisms of CCleaner is that many of its features can be found in other utilities and software. For instance, Windows's Disk Cleanup handles a significant portion of what CCleaner's cleaning tools do. Additionally, some users may find it more convenient to remove temporary files from multiple browsers at once using CCleaner's Drive Wiper feature.

However, there are some unique features that set CCleaner apart. The Software Updater (available in the Pro version) is a useful tool for keeping your software up-to-date, and the Health Check feature provides a more convenient way to clean up data you can select manually in Custom Clean.

Despite these benefits, it's essential to approach CCleaner with caution. Microsoft officially recommends avoiding Registry cleaners, which CCleaner includes. This is because they can potentially cause more harm than good by removing critical system files or causing conflicts between programs.

Furthermore, there is no conclusive evidence that cleaning the Registry will significantly improve your computer's performance. In fact, some experts argue that it can even cause problems if not done carefully. As such, CCleaner's Registry cleaner may be best avoided altogether.

The Applications section of CCleaner allows users to clear temporary data for various browsers and apps like Steam, VLC, and TeamViewer. This feature is useful for freeing up space on your hard drive and maintaining a tidy digital environment.

In the Windows section, CCleaner offers features like clearing Edge and Internet Explorer browser data, as well as emptying the Recycle Bin and deleting log files and thumbnail caches.

Overall, while CCleaner has some redeeming qualities, it's essential to approach it with caution and consider alternative methods for maintaining your computer's performance. Free alternatives may offer similar functionality without the risk of causing harm to your system.

Ccleaner piriform review 2016