Remove CCleaner from Mac system (2024)

FAQs

How do I completely remove CCleaner? ›

Note: If CCleaner does not appear in the uninstall list, you need to navigate to the installation folder (typically, C:\Program Files\CCleaner) folder and open the “uninst.exe” file.

Although the questions about CCleaner safety are common among users, there is no reason to think that the software will do any harm to your Mac. It doesn't remove anything except you tell it to do so. Of course, when you run a scan, you may see that some files are checked automatically and ready to be removed.

In search on the taskbar, enter Control Panel and select it from the results. Select Programs > Programs and Features. Press and hold (or right-click) on the program you want to remove and select Uninstall or Uninstall/Change. Then follow the directions on the screen.

Malware infection

After Piriform was acquired by Avast, in September 2017, CCleaner 5.33 was compromised by the incorporation into the distributed program of the Floxif trojan horse that could install a backdoor, enabling remote access to 2.27 million machines which had installed CCleaner to be infected.

Today, CCleaner is totally safe and you can rest assured to use it. Is CCleaner a virus? No, it isn't. CCleaner is a Windows application, which is useful for system optimization and maintenance and unused/temporary files removal.

Did CCleaner get hacked? ›

CCleaner, the popular file clean-up and performance optimization utility for Windows, has been hacked to spread malware to users of the 32-bit version. The breach was discovered by security researchers at Cisco Talos Group.

In layman's terms, this matters because as your Mac gets older, it collects unused files, settings, and applications, which can cause it to get slower and slower. Cleaning up these files regularly with CCleaner for Mac can optimize your machine and keep it working longer.

Moreover, most reviews posted on the CCleaner platform over the last 1 year reflect that the tool is safe to rely on.

Using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe, 75 percent ethyl alcohol wipe, or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, you may gently wipe the hard, nonporous surfaces of your Apple product, such as the display, keyboard, or other exterior surfaces. Don't use products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide.

Open the Registry Editor by selecting Start, Run, typing regedit and clicking OK. Navigate your way to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall. In the left pane, with the Uninstall key expanded, right-click any item and select Delete.

Usually, when you install an application from Microsoft Store they are installed on that particular user account, and if you uninstall them then the similar app installed on a different user account won't be affected.

Uninstall is removing a program and its associated files from a computer hard drive. The uninstall feature differs from the delete function in that it safely and efficiently removes all associated files, whereas delete only removes part of a program or selected file.

If you find that you no longer use an application, you can uninstall the software to remove it from your computer. This is a good way to clear up space on your hard drive and keep your computer free of clutter. Open the Control Panel. Select Uninstall a program (in the Programs category).

Is CCleaner a security risk? ›

It has been reported that a version of Piriform CCleaner.exe has been compromised/trojanized resulting in the installation of multi-stage backdoor capable of receiving instructions from threat actors on affected systems.

Is CCleaner a virus? CCleaner's code doesn't include any type of virus, spyware or malicious software.

Delete passwords and other temporary internet files so that nobody can see where you've been. CCleaner Professional can also delete browsing data every time you close your internet browser, either automatically or on-demand.

Use Shift + Delete to Force Delete File/Folder. You can select the target file or folder and press Shift + Delete keyboard shortcut to delete the file/folder permanently. This file deletion method won't pass the Recycle Bin.

Some apps are granted Android administrator access. These will prevent you from uninstalling them unless you revoke their administrator privilege. Sometimes, malware can also use administrator privilege to wreak havoc on your phone. If you're concerned you have malware, check out our guide for removing it.

One thing to know is deleting an app isn't the same as uninstalling it. There are two ways to delete apps, though: Finder, and Launchpad.

Although you have succeeded in uninstalling your app, some fragments of the file may remain in some system folders. Thus, you need t check the program files and app data to remove them. Here, you should check these folders for leftovers: %programfiles% and %appdata%.

In the folder, search for files containing the name of the driver you want to uninstall. Drag the driver to the Trash. Click on the Spotlight icon in the menu bar and type the name of the driver then press Return. If it finds anything, drag that to the Trash, too.

Is CCleaner malware? ›

CCleaner malware is a malicious program disguised as legitimate software called CCleaner.

CCleaner is a legitimate system cleanup software that fell victim to a massive rogue code insertion. Two spyware payloads were delivered to users after attackers hacked into the software developer's network and put code in the program's free version.

When you use CCleaner to clean or manage your device, some data is processed locally on your device and is not reported to us. This includes data from the websites you visit and about the files on your device. CCleaner does not read the contents of files or databases when cleaning them, because it does not need to.

CleanMyMac X and CCleaner are both established and reliable solutions for Mac cleanup. CCleaner has a free version that allows you to effectively delete browser junk. On the other hand, CleanMyMac X has a wide range of cleaning tools, including malware removal and system speedup.

However, while CleanMyMac is safe, Apple does not recommend it. According to Apple, there is no need to install a third-party app as: If you want to clear out your Mac, do it yourself; no program can tell you what you want to keep and what you want to get rid of.

MacPaw is a software company with headquarters in Kyiv, Ukraine, that develops and distributes software for macOS and iOS. MacPaw is the maker behind CleanMyMac X and Setapp. In 2017, MacPaw acquired The Unarchiver and has been actively supporting the product since.

Is CCleaner a virus? CCleaner's code doesn't include any type of virus, spyware or malicious software.

CCleaner, the popular file clean-up and performance optimization utility for Windows, has been hacked to spread malware to users of the 32-bit version. The breach was discovered by security researchers at Cisco Talos Group.

How do I make sure something is completely uninstalled? ›

Yes, on Android devices “uninstall” is the same thing as “delete". When you remove an app you purchased, you can still reinstall it without having to pay again. However, deleting apps on Android won't always delete all of the app's files and associated data.

Uninstalling applications you no longer use will have a greater impact on speeding up your computer since your applications use up plenty of RAM. Removing applications you no longer need can free up RAM because you won't be tempted to leave them running, and as a bonus, can free up hard drive space as well.

CCleaner, a malware, started featuring headlines for negative reasons as it could gather sensitive data and forward the same to a third-party US-based server. All this resulted in the tool getting tagged as a potentially unwanted application.

Wise Disk Cleaner vs CCleaner opinions

Most users think Wise Disk Cleaner is a great alternative to CCleaner.

#1) Outbyte PC Repair

Outbyte PC Repair is one of the best CCleaner alternative tool that allows you to see a quick performance overview of your computer. It helps you to identify and resolve performance issues that might be affecting your PC.

CCleaner was launched in 2004 by founders Guy Saner and Lindsey Whelan. In July 2017, Piriform Ltd was acquired by Avast.