{
  "id": 17394312,
  "title": "I stopped using CCleaner after finding a free open-source cleaner that finds more junk",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/i-stopped-using-ccleaner-after-finding-a-free-open-source-cleaner",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-31T11:31:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "XDA Developers",
    "slug": "xda-developers",
    "url": "https://www.xda-developers.com/stopped-using-ccleaner-after-finding-open-source-cleaner-finds-more-junk/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "For years, CCleaner was a staple on my computer, a tool I had grown accustomed to using without questioning its worth. Despite its reputation taking a hit in 2020, I remained loyal, bound by habit and familiarity. The emergence of BleachBit, a free, open-source cleaner, piqued my interest, especially after witnessing numerous recommendations. My decision to abandon CCleaner stemmed not only from the controversies surrounding it but also from the annoyance of frequent upgrade prompts. BleachBit's appeal lay in its complete freedom and, most importantly, its capability to delve deeper into the PC's clutter. What surprised me was how much more it unearthed compared to CCleaner. Where CCleaner cleared common Windows junk and browser data, BleachBit ventured further, identifying files that accumulated unnoticed over the years. This included backup files, temporary files, and even developer-related folders. The software's Deep Scan feature offered a nuanced approach to file removal, but it required a cautious approach. I was advised to preview files before deletion, ensuring I wasn't inadvertently erasing crucial data. The Preview function proved invaluable, offering a clear view of what would be removed and the potential space it would free. Initially, BleachBit's interface seemed sparse, but its support for the Winapp2.ini database, a community-driven initiative akin to CCleaner's own, expanded its cleaning capabilities significantly. By enabling updates from this community, I unlocked a multitude of additional cleaners for specific software, games, and utilities. This feature alone added considerable value to BleachBit, allowing me to tailor the cleaner to my specific needs without waiting for official support. The versatility of BleachBit was further highlighted by its extensive list of cleaning options, ranging from Adobe software to game installers, and even third-party tools like CrystalDiskInfo and PowerToys. While not all these options were immediately applicable, the ability to expand the software's functionality spoke to its robustness. CCleaner, while renowned for its all-encompassing PC maintenance features, could no longer hold its place as my primary cleaning tool. BleachBit, in contrast, offered a more targeted and free alternative, capable of uncovering a broader range of unnecessary files. Its straightforward UI, while not as polished as CCleaner's, was a small price to pay for the depth of its functionality. The fact that BleachBit was entirely free, without the nagging issue of upgrade prompts, sealed the deal. After a thorough comparison, BleachBit emerged as the superior choice, not just for its cleaning prowess but for its open-source transparency and community-driven enhancements.",
  "summary": "More cleaning options than I ever expected, and not a single upgrade prompt.",
  "key_points": [
    "Switched from CCleaner to free, open-source BleachBit",
    "BleachBit uncovers deeper PC clutter than CCleaner",
    "Preview function helps avoid accidental deletion of crucial data"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}