Built-in vs app · checked
CCleaner vs Storage Sense
The verdict
The verdict: Windows 11 already does the cleaning that matters. Storage Sense removes temporary files and empties the recycle bin on a schedule, and Cleanup recommendations on the same Storage page finds big files and unused apps. CCleaner adds some browser and app cleaning, but the free version pushes upgrades and its registry cleaner will not make your PC faster. Most people do not need it.
Side by side
| Feature | Storage Sense | CCleaner | BleachBit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free, built in | Free, Pro is paid | Free, open source |
| Temporary files | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Runs on a schedule | Yes | Pro only | No |
| Browser caches | Partly | Yes | Yes |
| Registry cleaner | No (not needed) | Yes | No |
| Upgrade prompts | None | Yes | None |
Which one to pick
- Pick Storage Sense if you want the disk to stay tidy. That is almost everyone.
- Pick BleachBit if you want a deeper one-off clean without ads.
- Pick CCleaner if you already pay for it and like the one-button cleanup. There is no need to start.
The options
Storage Sense
Built in
Best for: Keeping a disk from filling up, with no effort.
Good
- Runs on a schedule by itself
- No ads, nothing to install
- Cleanup recommendations for big and unused files
Not so good
- Does not clear every app's cache
CCleaner
Free version, paid Pro
Best for: People who want one button for browser and app leftovers.
Good
- Cleans browser data and some app caches in one pass
Not so good
- Free version nags you to upgrade
- Registry cleaning brings no real speed-up
- A hacked installer shipped malware in 2017
BleachBit
Free, open source
Best for: A no-nonsense deep clean now and then.
Good
- Free with no upsell
- Cleans many app caches
Not so good
- Easy to delete more than you meant to, so read each box
Questions people ask
Does cleaning the registry speed up Windows?
Not in any way you would notice, and Microsoft does not support registry cleaners. Skip that part.
My laptop is still slow after cleaning. What next?
Check for one app or browser tab using the memory, and close frozen apps. The guide on speeding up a slow Windows laptop goes through it in order.
Related tips
More comparisons and alternatives
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