Aiseesoft Mac Cleaner Aiseesoft Mac Cleaner is the best cleaning tool to remove ITL Duplicates Cleaner The easiest & most efficient way to clean all duplicate IMyFone Umate for Mac iMyFone Umate for Mac iPhone cleaner can free up iPhone ICleanup - iTunes Duplicate Remover iCleanup - abbreviation for iTunes Cleanup, to clear iTunes.
Registry cleaner programs are crucial in a way that they will remove hundreds of useless registry entries from a Windows device. For example, files that do not exist anymore and which would take hours to delete manually. Rather than publishing a typical list of top programs, we’d like to test and compare free registry cleaner tools.
Best choiceCCleaner: Free/$20 per year
- Windows, Mac, Android
- Home & Business editions
- The most downloaded utility
Advanced SystemCare: Free/$20 Pro
- Windows XP, 7, 8.1, 10
- Faster Internet speed
- 24/7 support on demand
Best choice
Wise RC: Free/$20 Pro
- Windows XP, 7, 8.1, 10
- Backup/Restore option
- Cleaning scheduler
We’ve selected 10 top registry cleaners that have the most positive user reviews online. Overall, all of them remove entries like Invalid class keys, program shortcuts, shared DLLs, application paths, help files, file associations, empty registry keys, etc. Most of them provide useful features such as scan progress, scan scheduler, severity indicator, ignore list, automatic backups, startup manager, run on startup, log files. And, of course, all these registry cleaner programs have one click repair feature.
The idea of testing was obvious: see how many errors would each registry cleaner find and clean, and how would it affect a PC performance. We used a median desktop PC with 8GB RAM running on Windows 7 Professional. But first, a quick basic data summary and short descriptions.
Product | Version | Installer size | Disk space | License |
Advanced SystemCare | v.12.5.0 | 45.1 MB | 60.4 MB | Free / Pro |
Ccleaner | v.5.47.6716 | 16.0 MB | 36.7 MB | Free / non-commerce |
Defencebyte | v.3.8.3 | 4.92 MB | 6 MB | 15 days trial |
Auslogics | v.7.0.17.0 | 12.2 MB | 42.0 MB | Freeware |
Eusing Registry Cleaner | v.4.2 | 1.0 MB | 1.95 MB | Freeware |
jv16 PowerTools | v.4.2.0.1898 | 7.3 MB | 10.7 MB | 60 day trial |
AVG PC TuneUp | v.16.79.3.36215 | 3.5 MB | 41.8 MB | 15 day trial |
Wise Registry Cleaner | v.9.6.5.631 | 2.7 MB | 8.61 MB | Freeware |
Little Registry Cleaner | v.1.6.0 | 5.4 MB | 6.39 MB | Freeware |
JetClean | v.1.5.0 | 3.6 MB | 13.2 MB | Freeware |
Registry Fixer | v.2.0.0.0 | 0.6 MB | 1.0 MB | Freeware |
WinUtilities | v.15.4 | 6.4 MB | 27.7 MB | Freeware |
Now, let’s briefly describe what we’ve experienced with each of 12 free registry cleaners.
1. Ccleaner
Undeniably, Ccleaner is one of the most popular free registry cleaners among users globally. In our test it found 16 errors, though we’d also want to point out the following. Ccleaner isn’t just a registry cleaner program, as it doesn’t only optimize registry. One can install it from an executable file or as a portable version. There’s also a Pro version that offers real-time monitoring, automatic updates, premium support, and costs $25.
- Pros:
- ignore list
- big set of features
- regular program updates
CCleaner can remove registry keys and registry values that point to files or programs that no longer exist. Same goes for the DLL files, file extensions, COM/ActiveX objects, type libraries etc. Tools section allows to view, change or uninstall programs, find and remove files that taking up a lot of disk space. One can install free CCleaner in two ways: full installation or via a portable version, that does not require installation.
2. Advanced SystemCare
If you want a PC cleaner/optimizer and (!) data protection tool in one solution here is Advanced SystemCare by IObit. It has plenty of tools and functions, but for this topic we were focusing on registry-related ones. Thus we tried out their free edition of latest 12.5.0 version. It found 848 errors in about 6-minutes long scanning. It is also worth mentioning that real-time monitoring of system condition has been recently added to this free version, which is rare for such type of software.
- Pros:
- Well-organized interface
- 12 areas of PC optimization
- Real-time monitoring
- Cons:
- Cannot scan external files
- Window minimization issues
- Access quarantine after scanning
In addition to taking care of registry issues, Advanced SystemCare can do a lot for you: clean junk files, make more disk space, improve RAM and CPU, monitor web browsing and block any suspicious or malicious content. In regards to registry cleaning, the program has the “Clean & Optimize” tab – it starts a system scan every time (you can stop but cannot pause it). This “cleaning” function targets various PC areas, 12 to be exact, and to find out which are those areas please read our full Advanced SystemCare review.
3. defencebyte
Computer Optimizer app by an Australian software company defencebyte, which contains a registry cleaner tools among other useful functions. Scan options for registry fix include system software, fonts, shared libraries, startup entries, virtual devices, history, etc. Additional tools inside Defencebyte, e.g. browser cleaner, Windows service manager, uninstaller, scheduler, etc. could be of good use as well. Currently, they are offering discounts, so for 1 PC the app costs $39, $79 for 3 devices, $111 for 5 devices.
- Pros:
- Fast scanning and fix
- 15-day trial
- 24/7 technical support
- Cons:
- Program requires upgrades and more work
- Could be hard to configure
4. Wise Registry Cleaner
A free version of Wise Registry Cleaner offers a lot in itself: a cleaning scheduler, automatic registry backups, restore points, various types of scan (normal, safe, or deep). A Pro version for $15 grants such extra features as multi-user access, system boost, tune-up or optimization, customizations. When we scanned our PC, it found 160 errors, which is more than others.
- Pros:
- scan scheduler
- simplicity, clean interface
- quick performance
If you’re looking for a free registry cleaner for Windows 10 or older versions, this one is a nice choice for basic registry tasks. Users can find and then explore problems and their description after the program has finished scanning and analyzing the system. There’s a possibility to create a shortcut to make regular cleaning easy – go to Settings > Autorun > press a “Clean with 1-click” icon. Registry defragmentation and backups are available too.
5. Eusing Registry Cleaner
With Eusing we were able to find 63 errors on our PC. It is another free registry cleaner tool, and is as simple as such a program could be. It does not speed up the system so well, though is good to clean out the registry. Eusing is a free registry cleaner that works on Windows 98, Me, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, Windows 7, 8, 10.
- Pros:
- no license - totally free
- compatible with older versions of Windows
- multiple languages, portable version
- Cons:
- insufficient data on registry issues after the scan
- may require a follow up clean by RegEdit
It scans Windows registry for invalid information, then provides a list of errors found. There one can view the problem, its registry keys, value for each entry. There’s also a backup for repaired entries, the Startup Manager to view/edit applications which automatically run upon each start up. Menu can be presented in one of 33 languages available.
6. JV16 PowerTools
This is actually a set of PC optimization tools, that includes “The clean and speedup my computer” – a registry cleaner tool. During our test it detected 35 errors. Other useful tools by Macecraft Software include History Cleaner, File Cleaner, Startup Optimizer, Registry Compactor, Windows AntiSpy, Software Uninstaller. Free version works as a 60-day trial with full functionality, subscription costs $11 per year.
- Pros:
- simple to use
- automatic registry backups
- lots of settings
Free, lightweight, compatible with all Windows versions.After the scan you can save results as a CSV, LiteLS, HTML, EML, DAT, or a SQL file, or even print it out. Errors can be viewed in detail separately in the Registry editor. Users may search processes, apps and files by entering keywords. One fine additional feature is websites blacklist.
7. AVG PC TuneUp
A big powerful security software vendor has introduced this registry cleaner called AVG PC TuneUp. On the website, AVG claims that TuneUp will improve a boot time by 77%, but our little test showed not so optimistic figures – 95 seconds before cleaning and 91 seconds after cleaning, which is about 13%. Nevertheless, it has good.
characteristics. Finally, it uncovered 108 registry errors in our test.
- Pros:
- runs quietly in background mode
- rich functionality, clean interface
- clears disk space after cleaning
It only takes about 42 MB of space on a hard drive. Its functionality set includes sleep mode, unwanted software removal, disk cleanup, browsing clearing, as well as the ‘basics’ such as permanently delete files, optimize Internet connection, recovering accidentally deleted or damaged files.
8. Auslogics Registry Cleaner
The program will group detected errors and issues into “file associations”, “history lists”, “missing software”, which is convenient. It also shows registry errors locations that one can open right there. During our test Auslogics found 31 errors.
The installer size of v.7.0.17.0. is 12.2 MB and it takes 42.0 MB of disk space. One of the core benefits is that its a is freeware. Auslogics works on Windows 10, 8 and 7 (64-bit/32-bit), as well as 32-bit versions of Vista and XP. This utility combs through areas like shortcuts, file extensions, help files, startup apps, fonts etc. during the scan for problems.
- Pros:
- totally free
- easy setup, one click fix
- automatic backup available
One nice touch is the ability to pause and continue its work anytime. In Auslogics Cleaner detected issues are presented in groups and level of importance – low, medium or high. For many users there are certain potentially useful things: viewing any error separately by right-clicking it the results, flexible backups and restore points at any moment, ignore list, one-click fix button called “Scan and Repair”.
9. Little Registry Cleaner
Though it didn’t display the number of errors upon initial run, Little Registry Cleaner claimed to have cleaned more issues than other free registry cleaner tools did. This cleaner is absolutely free, and you can specify a folder for backups, certain files/folders as exclusions, as well as set a scanning schedule.
- Pros:
- actual freeware, open-source
- positive performance
- easy workflow
- Cons:
- vague descriptions of errors
- possible slowdowns while cleaning
- little guidance
This utility is available in 17 languages, that include English, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Russian, Spanish, etc.
10. JetClean
The biggest number of errors – 347, was detected by JetClean registry cleaner, which is free. There’s one-click repair, automatic shutdown after the repair, scanning for specific issues (e.g. application paths, startup, DNS cache, memory, sounds, fonts, virtual devices). Few extra tools won’t hurt – program uninstaller, startup optimizer, performance booster, registry defragger.
- Pros:
- emergency backup
- quick scans, nice interface
- portable version
- Cons:
- some features only in Pro version
- unnecessary programs in the installer
In “Ignore List Log files” of settings all reports of every single cleaning action are stored. Jet Cleaner also provides a hardware information tool, flush the DNS cache, scheduling automatic cleaning. Overall it is quite effective in reducing system errors and slowdowns, locating and deleting junk files in recycle bin, recent documents, temporary files, log files, clipboard, memory dumps.
11. Registry Fixer
Another free registry cleaner program, easy and as straightforward as it gets. In a way, it is a good quality – you look for a registry cleaner – you get a registry cleaner. Nothing more, no ads, no license, no limitations. Just a clean program to start fixing errors in seconds. Only one extra option is a backup before cleaning.
- Cons:
- only basics provided
It has a nice simple interface, although it seems like the whole program is in dire need of upgrading. It fixes the registry, displays error information – name, description, registry key. Users can fix issues in bulk or individually.
12. WinUtilities
With WinUtilities tool we found 161 errors. With it you can also choose which areas to scan, make a restore point, and export the log of errors as HTML file. Additional settings to automatically remove restore points after a number of days is quite handy as well – to keep your PC light. Paid License offers 3 devices support, disk optimization, file encryption, 24/7 support.
- Cons:
- only basics
- lack of advanced features
This cleaner tool includes over 20 modules, for example, hard disk backup, disk remover, registry backup and restore, disk analysis and defrag, to name a few. It has both free and paid versions, clean and convenient interface, regular automatic upgrades.
Performance tests
So, we measured how many registry errors each of ten tools found and cleaned, as well as how it did affect PC startup time. For fair results, each time we had created a restore point, and went back to it to test the next program. You can see the results in a table, though remember that a registry cleaner isn’t a PC maintenance tool and it isn’t designed to speed up or optimize a computer. Registry cleaners only help fix registry errors.
Product | Errors cleaned | PC startup time before | PC startup time after | Boot time boost |
Advanced SystemCare | 848 | 23.83 sec. | 21.10 sec. | -2.63 |
Auslogics | 1052 | 23.83 sec. | 25.95 sec. | +2.12 |
Ccleaner | 57 | 23.83 sec. | 22.72 sec. | -1.11 |
Defencebyte | 90 | 23.83 sec. | 24.05 sec. | +0.22 |
Eusing Registry Cleaner | 4680 | 23.83 sec. | 25.27 sec. | +1.44 |
jv16 PowerTools | 237 | 23.83 sec. | 22.52 sec. | -1.31 |
AVG PC TuneUp | 115 | 23.83 sec. | 24.3 sec. | +0.47 |
Wise Registry Cleaner | 860 | 23.83 sec. | 21.93 sec. | -1.9 |
Little Registry Cleaner | 361 | 23.83 sec. | 19.48 sec. | -4.35 |
JetClean | 2598 | 23.83 sec. | 19.96 sec. | -3.87 |
Registry Fixer | 275 | 23.83 sec. | 18.9 sec. | -4.93 |
WinUtilities | 4907 | 23.83 sec. | 19.93 sec. | -3.9 |
P.S. Few more decent registry cleaners.
If you’re still like none of those ten tools, you can go explore AML Registry Cleaner, Registry Repair, SlimCleaner, Kingsoft PC doctor, EasyCleaner, Argente, Cleanersoft Free Registry Fix, nCleaner, ACleaner, Pointstone, Registry Distiller, Registry Life, System Mechanic, RegSeeker.
If you’re still like none of those ten tools, you can go explore AML Registry Cleaner, Registry Repair, SlimCleaner, Kingsoft PC doctor, EasyCleaner, Argente, Cleanersoft Free Registry Fix, nCleaner, ACleaner, Pointstone, Registry Distiller, Registry Life, System Mechanic, RegSeeker.
FAQ
Q: Why do I have to “clean” the registry?
A: System registry stores information about all the programs on a PC, sometimes even trial version data, and sometimes there is a virus sitting in it. Cleaning the registry is necessary to get rid of junk in the system, viruses, etc.
Q: What is registry cleaner software?
A: Registry cleaner is a third-party utility software with a sole purpose to clean up the Windows.
Q: What does a registry cleaner do?
A: It removes redundant items from the Windows registry.
Q: How often do I need to do registry cleaning?
A: In cases when you get errors in Windows, when there is an advertising virus in the registry, etc.
Q: Does Microsoft have a registry cleaner?
A: Microsoft does not support the use of registry cleaners.
Q: Does a Mac have a registry?
A: No, Mac OS X is nothing like Windows OS.
Q: What is the best software for cleaning Mac?
A: We advise to consider CCleaner or CleanMyMac X.
Q: Are registry cleaners safe?
A: Yes, you may not worry. Some utilities even suggest backing up the registry before cleaning.
Q: How to choose the best registry cleaner?
A: Each software has its own pros and cons, values. Please check out review above in the article.
Q: How to manually clean the registry?
A: Press Win+R keys combination, enter command “Rgedit” and press Enter. Click the plus sign to expand a section of registry editor. Find HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE. Beforehand it is better to do a backup: click File on the menu toolbar, scroll down and select Export, name a file and click Save.
Q: Does cleaning registry speed up computer?
A: The speed of PC performance will most likely not increase, while browser may speed up and errors. removed there.
Q: What is the best CCleaner alternative?
A: An interesting solution we recommend is Advanced SystemCare by IObit, or any other from our list at your discretion.
Q: What are CCleaner alternatives for Ubuntu?
A: You might want to consider BleachBit, Stacer, Ubuntu Cleaner or GCleaner.
Q: CCleaner vs Wise Registry Cleaner
A: Based on our tests, Wise Registry Cleaner finds much more errors, is more suitable for commercial use. On the other hand, it will try to install other programs.
Q: CCleaner vs CleanMyMac
A: CleanMyMac X and CCleaner are both trusted and reliable solutions for Mac cleanup. CCleaner has a free version that allows you to effectively delete browser junk. CleanMyMac X has a wide range of cleaning tools, including malware removal and system speedup.
Q: CCleaner vs Avast
A: While Avast is great for general computer protection and scanning, it also performs cleaning tasks. CCleaner is known for its safe PC repair and the paid version is half the price of Avast.