If you’ve arrived here searching for “CleanMyPC vs CCleaner,” you’re discovering that this comparison no longer serves its original purpose. MacPaw discontinued CleanMyPC in 2022, leaving thousands of UK users searching for reliable alternatives to clean their PCs. This comprehensive guide examines the fate of CleanMyPC, evaluates CCleaner as the most popular replacement, and explores five alternative solutions that match or surpass CleanMyPC’s former capabilities.
The discontinuation of CleanMyPC represents more than the loss of a single software product—it eliminated one of the few PC cleaners offering perpetual licensing instead of annual subscriptions. Former CleanMyPC users now face a fragmented market where CCleaner dominates, but it doesn’t suit every user’s needs, particularly those prioritising privacy, avoiding subscriptions, or requiring specific features that CleanMyPC once provided.
This article will examine what happened to CleanMyPC, evaluate CCleaner’s position as the primary replacement, compare five alternative solutions across key criteria, including pricing, features, and security, and provide guidance for former CleanMyPC users establishing new maintenance routines.
Table of Contents
What Happened to CleanMyPC?
Understanding CleanMyPC’s discontinuation provides essential context for former users seeking replacements and new users discovering this reality through search queries.
CleanMyPC was a comprehensive system cleaner developed by MacPaw, the Ukrainian software company renowned for its macOS cleaning utility, CleanMyMac X. The Windows-focused CleanMyPC brought MacPaw’s meticulous approach to PC maintenance, offering an intuitive interface, comprehensive junk file removal, registry cleaning, startup optimisation, and the distinctive Space Lens visualisation tool for disk space analysis.
MacPaw officially ended development and support for CleanMyPC in 2022. The software is no longer sold, updated, or available from the official MacPaw website. Users who previously purchased CleanMyPC can no longer receive security updates, compatibility patches for newer Windows versions, or technical support from MacPaw. The company removed all purchase links, documentation, and download options from its official channels.
Why Did MacPaw Discontinue CleanMyPC?
MacPaw has not publicly disclosed detailed reasons for discontinuing CleanMyPC, but industry analysis suggests several contributing factors:
- Market Focus: MacPaw’s core expertise and brand recognition centre on macOS software, particularly CleanMyMac X, which continues receiving regular updates and development resources. The company’s strategic decision to focus on its strongest market position likely contributed to the discontinuation of CleanMyPC.
- Windows Competition: The Windows PC cleaning market is characterised by intense competition from established players, such as CCleaner (with over 2.5 billion downloads), open-source alternatives like BleachBit, and comprehensive suites like Glary Utilities. CleanMyPC struggled to capture a significant market share against these entrenched competitors, despite its high-quality design.
- Development Resources: Maintaining separate codebases for macOS and Windows platforms requires substantial engineering resources. MacPaw’s decision to focus exclusively on CleanMyMac X allows concentrated development efforts on a single platform where the company holds stronger competitive advantages.
- Windows Evolution: Modern Windows versions (10 and 11) include increasingly capable native maintenance tools, such as Storage Sense and Disk Cleanup, reducing the need for third-party cleaning software. This evolution diminishes the value proposition for dedicated PC cleaners, particularly those without unique differentiating features.
What This Means for Former CleanMyPC Users
The practical implications of CleanMyPC’s discontinuation extend beyond simple software unavailability:
- No Security Updates: CleanMyPC does not receive security patches addressing vulnerabilities discovered after 2022 discontinuation. This creates potential security risks for users continuing to run the software, particularly as Windows evolves and new security threats emerge.
- No Windows 11 Support: CleanMyPC does not officially support Windows 11. The last supported versions were Windows 7, 8, and 10. Users upgrading to Windows 11 cannot rely on CleanMyPC for system maintenance, as compatibility issues may cause crashes, incomplete cleaning, or system instability.
- No Technical Support: MacPaw no longer provides customer support, troubleshooting assistance, or guidance for CleanMyPC users. Former customers are unable to access help documentation, submit support tickets, or receive responses to technical queries regarding the discontinued software.
The One-Time Purchase Model That Disappeared
CleanMyPC’s pricing model represented one of its strongest appeals to UK users tired of subscription fatigue. Before discontinuation, CleanMyPC offered one-time lifetime licences:
- Single-device licence: £29.95 (one-time purchase).
- Two-device licence: £44.95 (one-time purchase).
- Five-device licence: £67.43 (one-time purchase).
This perpetual licensing model meant users paid once and received lifetime access to the software version purchased. This approach contrasted sharply with competitors like CCleaner, which shifted to annual subscription models (£29.95 per year).
The discontinuation of CleanMyPC eliminated one of the few remaining PC cleaners offering perpetual licensing from a reputable developer. Most current alternatives require annual subscriptions, although some open-source options, such as BleachBit, remain permanently free. For UK users seeking PC cleaning software in 2025, the choice now predominantly involves either accepting subscription models or exploring open-source alternatives.
UK users should migrate to actively maintained alternatives to ensure compatibility with Windows 11, receive ongoing security updates, and maintain system cleaning effectiveness as software and operating systems evolve.
CCleaner: The Most Popular CleanMyPC Alternative
CCleaner represents the most widely recognised PC cleaning software globally, making it the default consideration for former CleanMyPC users seeking replacements. However, understanding CCleaner’s current status, capabilities, and limitations helps determine whether it suits your specific requirements.
Current Status and Ownership
CCleaner was originally developed by Piriform, a UK-based company, in 2004. Avast acquired Piriform in 2017, bringing CCleaner under antivirus software ownership. Subsequently, Avast merged with NortonLifeLock to form Gen Digital in 2022, placing CCleaner under the same corporate umbrella as Norton, Avast, AVG, and other security brands.
CCleaner remains fully active and supported with regular updates for Windows, Mac, and Android platforms. Unlike CleanMyPC’s discontinuation, CCleaner continues receiving development resources, security patches, and feature enhancements. The software maintains compatibility with Windows XP through Windows 11, ensuring longevity for users across various Windows versions.
Core CCleaner Capabilities
CCleaner focuses on comprehensive system maintenance through several core functions:
- Junk File Removal: Identifies and removes temporary files, browser caches, download folders, Windows logs, and application remnants. The software recognises over 1,000 applications for targeted cleaning, ensuring thorough removal of accumulated digital clutter.
- Registry Cleaning: Scans the Windows registry for invalid entries, missing shared DLLs, unused file extensions, obsolete software references, and broken shortcuts. Registry cleaning requires caution, as incorrect modifications can cause system instability. CCleaner automatically creates registry backups before cleaning, allowing for restoration in case of problems.
- Startup Optimisation: Manages programmes that automatically launch during Windows startup, allowing users to disable unnecessary items that slow boot times. The startup manager provides detailed information about each programme’s publisher, file location, and system impact.
- Privacy Protection: Removes browsing history, cookies, saved passwords, and download records from major browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, and Brave. This privacy cleaning helps prevent tracking and protects sensitive information from unauthorised access.
CCleaner vs CleanMyPC: Key Differences
Former CleanMyPC users will notice several significant differences when transitioning to CCleaner:
- Interface Design: CCleaner employs a functional, slightly dated interface with grey tones and straightforward menus. CleanMyPC featured a more modern, visually appealing design with white and light blue aesthetics. CCleaner prioritises functionality over visual polish, which some users find less intuitive than CleanMyPC’s approach.
- Pricing Model: CCleaner operates on annual subscription pricing (£29.95/year for Professional), whilst CleanMyPC offers one-time perpetual licences (£29.95 lifetime). Over three years, CCleaner costs £89.85, compared to CleanMyPC’s single payment of £29.95, making CCleaner significantly more expensive in the long term.
- Space Lens Feature: CleanMyPC’s distinctive Space Lens feature provides visual disk space analysis, helping users quickly identify large files and folders that consume storage. CCleaner lacks this specific visualisation tool, though it includes a disk analyser with different presentation styles.
- Hardware Monitoring: CleanMyPC included integrated hardware monitoring, displaying CPU, RAM, and disk usage statistics. CCleaner does not provide built-in hardware monitoring, focusing exclusively on cleaning and optimisation rather than system information display.
CCleaner Safety Considerations
Former CleanMyPC users prioritising safety should understand CCleaner’s security history and current practices:
- 2017 Security Incident: In September 2017, attackers compromised CCleaner’s build environment and distributed malicious versions (5.33.6162 and CCleaner Cloud 1.07.3191) through official channels. The malware collected system information and transmitted it to command-and-control servers, affecting approximately 2.27 million users before it was detected and resolved.
- Current Security Measures: Following the 2017 incident, Gen Digital implemented enhanced security protocols including improved code signing procedures, hardened build environments, third-party security audits, and additional verification layers in the update distribution system. No security incidents have occurred since 2017, spanning over seven years of clean operation.
- UK GDPR Compliance: CCleaner’s privacy policy states compliance with GDPR requirements, providing transparent data collection practices and user rights regarding personal information. However, the software collects telemetry data, including usage statistics, system configuration, and crash reports, unless users explicitly disable these features through privacy settings.
Current CCleaner Pricing (October 2025)
UK pricing (including VAT, annual subscriptions):
- CCleaner Free: £0 (permanent)
- Unlimited junk file cleaning.
- Registry cleaning.
- Startup management.
- Uninstaller tool.
- Cookie manager.
- CCleaner Professional: £29.95 per year (single device)
- All Free features.
- Automatic cleaning schedules.
- Real-time monitoring.
- Automatic software updates.
- Priority customer support.
- CCleaner Professional Plus: £49.95 per year (single device)
- All Professional features.
- Driver Updater.
- Software Updater.
- Duplicate File Finder.
- Health Check tool.
Top 5 CCleaner Alternatives for Former CleanMyPC Users
Beyond CCleaner’s market dominance, several alternatives offer compelling features, pricing models, and approaches to PC maintenance.
1. BleachBit: Best Free Open-Source Alternative
BleachBit represents the most privacy-focused PC cleaner available, operating under complete open-source transparency, as outlined in the GNU General Public License.
- Key Advantages:
- Complete transparency through an open-source licence, enabling independent security verification.
- Permanent free access to all features without subscriptions or premium tiers.
- Cross-platform support (Windows, Linux, macOS).
- Superior cleaning thoroughness (recovers 13% more disk space than CCleaner in laboratory testing).
- Advanced secure deletion using DoD 5220.22-M and Gutmann methods.
- Key Limitations:
- No registry cleaning (focuses exclusively on file-based cleaning).
- Steeper learning curve with technical terminology.
- Community support only, rather than dedicated customer service.
- Best For: Privacy-conscious UK users, those comfortable with technical software, budget-constrained individuals, and users requiring secure data deletion.
- UK Pricing: £0 (permanently free)
2. Glary Utilities: Best for Comprehensive Features
Glary Utilities offers the most comprehensive feature set among PC cleaning alternatives, combining system maintenance, privacy protection, and performance optimisation tools.
- Key Advantages:
- Extensive tool collection (over 20 integrated tools).
- Superior registry cleaning (scans 12 distinct registry zones).
- Multi-device licensing value (£31-£35 annually for three devices versus CCleaner’s single-device £29.95).
- One-click maintenance dashboard.
- Modern interface design is similar to CleanMyPC’s visual approach.
- Key Limitations:
- Higher resource consumption than lightweight alternatives.
- Windows-only support (no current Mac/Linux versions).
- Occasional promotional prompts in the free version.
- Best For: Users seeking comprehensive all-in-one maintenance suites, households managing multiple Windows PCs, and those prioritising thorough registry cleaning.
- UK Pricing: Free version (unlimited core features); Pro version: £31-£35/year for 3 PCs
3. Wise Registry Cleaner: Best for Registry Focus
Wise Registry Cleaner specialises in registry maintenance with sophisticated scanning algorithms and robust safety mechanisms.
- Key Advantages:
- Advanced registry scanning with three depths (Safe, Normal, Deep).
- Superior safety mechanisms, including automatic registry backups.
- Excellent value pricing (£15/year starting).
- Lightweight resource usage (60-70% less RAM than CCleaner).
- Clean security record since 2005.
- Key Limitations:
- Limited general cleaning beyond registry maintenance.
- No startup management capabilities.
- Conservative cleaning approach in default Safe mode.
- Best For: Users specifically concerned about registry health and stability, those seeking affordable specialised tools, and budget-conscious UK users.
- UK Pricing: Free version (unlimited registry cleaning); Pro version: £15-£23/year (single device)
4. Windows Built-in Tools: Best Free Native Option
Modern Windows versions (10 and 11) include increasingly capable native maintenance tools that address many requirements formerly necessitating third-party software.
- Key Advantages:
- Zero cost and risk without third-party software trust concerns.
- Perfect compatibility with Windows updates and feature releases.
- Automatic operation through Storage Sense.
- No additional data collection beyond Windows itself.
- Key Limitations:
- Limited cleaning depth (recovers 20-40% less disk space than dedicated cleaners).
- No registry cleaning capabilities.
- Basic privacy protection only.
- Available Native Tools:
- Storage Sense: Automatic deletion of temporary files, Recycle Bin cleanup, Downloads folder management.
- Disk Cleanup: Manual temporary file removal, system file cleanup, Windows Update cleanup.
- Task Manager Startup Tab: Startup programme management and performance impact indicators.
- Best For: Users with modern systems and adequate storage (512GB+), those prioritising simplicity, and casual users with minimal software installation history.
- UK Pricing: £0 (included with Windows)
5. Privazer: Best for Privacy
Privazer positions itself as the most comprehensive privacy protection tool available, employing advanced techniques to anonymise user data and ensure secure data deletion.
- Key Advantages:
- Advanced privacy features, including WebRTC log cleaning and DNS cache elimination.
- Secure data deletion with multiple overwriting methods (Gutmann, DoD 5220.22-M).
- Comprehensive trace removal, including Windows Registry activity traces.
- Portable operation allowing use directly from USB drives.
- Key Limitations:
- Steeper learning curve with extensive options.
- Limited system optimisation features beyond privacy protection.
- Smaller user community than CCleaner or BleachBit.
- Best For: Privacy-conscious users prioritising data protection, users handling sensitive information requiring secure deletion, and technicians maintaining multiple systems.
- UK Pricing: Free version (core privacy features); Donor version: Voluntary contributions unlock advanced features
Comparison Table: CleanMyPC Alternatives
| Feature | CCleaner | BleachBit | Glary Utilities | Wise Registry | Windows Native | Privazer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK Annual Cost | £29.95 | £0 | £31-35 | £15-23 | £0 | £0 (donations) |
| Perpetual Free Version | Yes (limited) | Yes (full) | Yes (full) | Yes (full) | Yes | Yes (full) |
| Registry Cleaning | Yes | No | Advanced | Advanced | No | Yes |
| Junk File Removal | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Limited | Basic | Good |
| Privacy Protection | Good | Excellent | Good | Basic | Basic | Excellent |
| Startup Management | Yes | No | Yes | No | Basic | No |
| Secure Deletion | Basic | Advanced | Basic | No | No | Advanced |
| Windows 11 Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Security History | 2017 breach | Clean | Clean | Clean | N/A | Clean |
Choosing Your CleanMyPC Replacement
CleanMyPC’s 2022 discontinuation eliminated a high-quality PC cleaning option that offered perpetual licensing, a modern interface design, and comprehensive maintenance tools. Former users and new users discovering this reality now face a fragmented market where no single replacement perfectly replicates CleanMyPC’s specific combination of features, pricing, and user experience.
Primary Recommendation: Start with Windows Native Tools
Before investing in third-party alternatives, UK users should thoroughly test Windows’ built-in maintenance capabilities. Storage Sense, Disk Cleanup, and Task Manager provide adequate maintenance for many users, particularly those with modern hardware (512GB+ storage, 8GB+ RAM) and basic usage patterns. This zero-cost approach eliminates software licensing concerns, data collection worries, and compatibility risks whilst addressing fundamental maintenance needs.
If native tools prove insufficient—evidenced by persistent low disk space, slow boot times, or performance degradation despite regular native maintenance—consider third-party alternatives based on your specific priorities.
For Most Former CleanMyPC Users: CCleaner Professional
Despite its annual subscription model (£29.95/year) and 2017 security incident, CCleaner remains the most practical replacement for CleanMyPC among typical users. Its comprehensive application support, regular updates, Windows 11 compatibility, and established market presence provide reliability that emerging alternatives cannot match.
CCleaner suits users who: need comprehensive cleaning across 1,000+ applications, value regular updates and Windows 11 support, accept annual subscription pricing as market standard, want established software with professional support, and trust Gen Digital’s post-2017 security improvements.
For Privacy-Focused Users: BleachBit
Users prioritising data protection, open-source transparency, and secure data deletion should choose BleachBit over CCleaner. Its GNU General Public License enables independent security verification, whilst its permanent zero-cost model eliminates subscription concerns. BleachBit’s advanced secure deletion capabilities exceed CCleaner’s basic overwriting, making it ideal for users handling sensitive information.
For Comprehensive Features: Glary Utilities Pro
Users seeking the most extensive feature set with modern interface design should consider Glary Utilities Pro (£31-35/year for 3 PCs). Its superior registry cleaning, extensive tool collection, and multi-device licensing provide better value per device than CCleaner’s single-device pricing.
For Registry Specialists: Wise Registry Cleaner Pro
Users specifically concerned about registry health and stability should opt for Wise Registry Cleaner Pro (£15-£ 23/year). Its three scanning depths, automatic backup systems, and lightweight resource usage provide specialised registry maintenance that generalist cleaners cannot match.
Final Guidance
Evaluate your priorities:
- Convenience over cost: Choose CCleaner Professional.
- Privacy over convenience: Choose BleachBit.
- Features over simplicity: Choose Glary Utilities Pro.
- Registry focus over general cleaning: Choose Wise Registry Cleaner Pro.
- Zero cost over capabilities: Choose Windows native tools + BleachBit.
Regardless of choice, establish consistent maintenance routines, create system backups before aggressive cleaning, and understand that modern Windows systems with adequate storage often require less intensive maintenance than older Windows versions. The necessity for third-party cleaning software has diminished as Windows has evolved, meaning some users may discover that native tools suffice after testing.
For UK users, verify that any chosen alternative complies with GDPR requirements, download only from official sources, and review privacy settings carefully to understand data collection practices. The PC cleaning software market continues evolving—monitor your chosen alternative’s development trajectory, security practices, and pricing changes to ensure it maintains value and trustworthiness over time.