Best 13 Registry cleaners - Dec, 2024

Most registry cleaner software perform such basic tasks as scan, clean, and fix. Why use registry cleaners? Registry database is enormous and complex, so editing it manually will be a painfully time-consuming task - going through the Registry editor (regedit) containing thousands of settings. With a free or paid registry cleaner we can automate the job of finding invalid, broken or missing entries, and resolving it. Key benefits of running such apps from time to time could be: to free up space, to boost performance, to help get rid of malware. Yes, theoretically, you can maintain registry without any special software, by uninstalling apps or clearing browsing history. Although, there are some issues that only a technical specialist can address. Removing keys manually can be dangerous and cause system damage. In the list below we present key parameters and brief summaries on popular registry cleaners.

Best 13 Registry cleaners - Dec, 2024

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  • IObit Advanced SystemCare image

    Pricing

    • Free Free
    • $21.98 Pro

    Available on

    Key features

    • 1-click optimization
    • Duplicate finder
    • Registry defragmenter

    Key features

    • 1-click optimization
    • Duplicate finder
    • Registry defragmenter

    IObit, a well known and established software vendor, offers this utility in two editions, free and paid, plus portable version as well. Advanced SystemCare contains an array of tools useful for PC repair and other related tasks. Protection feature to guard personal and sensitive data stored on hard drives. Startup manager to supervise background apps/processes and be able to speed up the system, consequently. Backup to store and restore deleted files, just in case. Doctor disk to scan a chosen drive for errors and other issues. Broken shortcuts scan helps to identify such files in a matter of seconds. Duplicate scan to find unnecessary files that only fill the space. Registry defrag helps to resolve structural errors. Automatic updates to the program itself is available too, and can be adjusted to user’s preference. 33 interface languages to select, all working just fine. In terms of support, there’s a contact form to send messages. Find out more about this product in our Advanced SystemCare review

    IObit Advanced SystemCare Pros

    • Fast scanning process
    • Portable version available
    • Doctor Disk and other extra features

    IObit Advanced SystemCare Cons

    • Does not delete folders with admin access
    • Many features blocked in free edition
  • System Mechanic image

    Pricing

    • $25 Basic
    • $35 Pro

    Available on

    Key features

    • Clean and repair
    • Boost RAM
    • Prevent bloatware

    Key features

    • Clean and repair
    • Boost RAM
    • Prevent bloatware

    System Mechanic automatically finds outdated, unused and broken key entries that might slow down the system registry. It seeks out invalid DLL keys, files associations and references, and then fixes it in a few seconds. Scan report is available in two forms: brief and detailed. In the first case, it only shows the number of errors and offers a one-click fix. Full report sorts errors by categories with explanations and tips, allowing a user to specify the type of errors to eliminate. Full scan includes junk files and temporary files, to help free hard drive space. In the Pro version it also displays recommendations to boost PC and Internet connection. Registry cleaning is available only as a part of full PC scan, thus it allows you to schedule regular cleaning.

    System Mechanic Pros

    • Detailed report
    • Performance tips
    • Scheduler

    System Mechanic Cons

    • No manual error removal
    • Registry fix is a part of system scan
  • Wise Care 365 image

    Pricing

    • Free Free
    • $30 Pro

    Available on

    Key features

    • Cleaner
    • Tuneup
    • System monitor

    Key features

    • Cleaner
    • Tuneup
    • System monitor

    A free version of Wise Care 365 offers a lot in itself: a cleaning scheduler, automatic changes backup, password generator, various types of scan (normal, safe, or deep). A Pro version for $30 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. 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.

    Wise Care 365 Pros

    • Scan scheduler
    • Fast performance

    Wise Care 365 Cons

    • Attempts to install other programs
    Callie Murillo's profile avatar
    Callie Murillo
    4 years ago

    It's a cool cleaner, but I recommend manually select default settings after first launch

  • JetClean image

    Pricing

    • Free Free

    Available on

    Key features

    • Internet booster
    • Registry defragmenter
    • Registry cleaner

    Key features

    • Internet booster
    • Registry defragmenter
    • Registry cleaner

    JetClean found the biggest number of errors, compared to any other regcleaner software in this list. It is free utility with 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, Windows startup optimizer, performance booster, registry defragger, shortcut cleaner, RAM optimization, internet booster (TCP/IP optimization), generate portable version. Use settings to adjust general parameters (auto boot-up, context menu), automation of cleaning and updating tasks, interface and language, backup and restore functionality, “blacklist” for apps to skip while scanning and repair, reports. 

    JetClean Pros

    • Free and portable
    • Restore points
    • Fast scanning

    JetClean Cons

    • Inconvenient interface
    • Incorrect translations
    Alex Pro
    4 years ago

    I like this app. And, what are you doing with comments? You look like hackers.... 😎

  • Ashampoo Registry Cleaner image

    Pricing

    • Free Free
    • $15 Pro

    Available on

    Key features

    • Registry cleaner
    • Backups
    • Exclusion list

    Key features

    • Registry cleaner
    • Backups
    • Exclusion list

    Ashampoo Registry Cleaner 2 is a free utility for the Windows operating system (10, 8, 7) that will help you cope with obsolete file cleaning. Scan and delete unnecessary registry entries, backups, registry editing mode (regedit), exceptions, search, etc. A convenient utility for removing unnecessary or incorrect registry, and the fact that it is free is an indisputable advantage.

    Ashampoo Registry Cleaner Pros

    • Quick scan and fix
    • Registry backups

    Ashampoo Registry Cleaner Cons

    • Frequent backup crashes
    • Issues with certain records
  • Registry Life image

    Pricing

    • Free Free

    Available on

    Key features

    • Repair
    • Express check
    • Startup optimization

    Key features

    • Repair
    • Express check
    • Startup optimization

    A quite typical utility for PC analysis, cleanup and optimization. Key features enlist express check, registry cleaner, registry optimization, startup apps manager. Word of caution about system defrag, as it might work inappropriately - in our case the registry was damaged and we had to revert to a previous restore point. In regards to features, there’s Express check - a fine tool to analyze registry, auto-download section and system disk state, although for some users there will be not enough data. Registry cleaning feature does what it is supposed to - find and fix issues, make more space on a drive, allows to pinpoint files/folders to fix. When using Registry optimization feature, system files are compressed and defragmented, but it has serious flaws. Auto-startup feature provides data about system boot-up, as well as scheduler for specific system files.

    Registry Life Pros

    • Proper performance
    • Automatic boot options

    Registry Life Cons

    • Erroneous defragmentation
    • Basic features only
  • Glarysoft Registry Repair

    7. Glarysoft Registry Repair

    Glarysoft Registry Repair image

    Pricing

    • Free Free

    Available on

    Key features

    • Improve stability
    • Find invalid entries
    • Backups

    Key features

    • Improve stability
    • Find invalid entries
    • Backups

    Quick installation, quick scanning, proper error detection, backups, export and multiple languages make Registry Repair a fine choice to consider. It has free version, although with thin functionality, for example no deep scan, no export, no portable version. Overall, the app is intuitive and pleasant to work with, automatic check is launched every time you open it. In interface you will see the following tabs: Search - initiate scanning, Cleaning - fixing found registry issues, Undo, Export - download a text file describing an error, Updates, language - selection of 75, Home page, Quick scan, Backup.  

    Glarysoft Registry Repair Pros

    • Fast scanning and detection
    • Automatic updates

    Glarysoft Registry Repair Cons

    • Errors when switching language
    • No portable version
  • CCleaner image

    Pricing

    • Free Free
    • $20 Pro
    • $30 Pro Plus

    Available on

    Key features

    • System scan
    • Install logs export
    • Disk analyzer

    Key features

    • System scan
    • Install logs export
    • Disk analyzer

    Undeniably, Ccleaner is one of the most popular registry cleaners among users globally. It isn’t just a registry cleaner program, as it does not only optimize registry. 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. Search/scan is performed by 15 error categories, and afterwards users can fix issues one by one, in bulk or by whole category. Tools section allows to view, change or uninstall programs, find and remove files that taking up a lot of disk space. Start window is an “Easy clean” mode - for quick junk files and trackers removal, in “Custom clean” mode one can find and delete files by category - system, explorer, browsers, apps, multimedia, utilities. One can install free CCleaner in two ways: full installation or via a portable version, that does not require installation. There are both free and Pro version (offers real-time monitoring, automatic updates, premium support, and costs $25).

    CCleaner Pros

    • Ignore list
    • Vast set of features
    • Regular program updates

    CCleaner Cons

    • Does not improve boot time
    • Unavailable "Check but not install" mode for software updates
  • Auslogics Registry Cleaner

    9. Auslogics Registry Cleaner

    Auslogics Registry Cleaner image

    Pricing

    • Free Free
    • $8.5 Pro

    Available on

    Key features

    • Clean invalid entries
    • Optimize
    • Delete traces

    Key features

    • Clean invalid entries
    • Optimize
    • Delete traces

    A niche utility to clean and optimize the registry, thus speeding up computers. It can either scan the whole system or specific elements. 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. 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. 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.

    Auslogics Registry Cleaner Pros

    • Totally free
    • 1-click fix

    Auslogics Registry Cleaner Cons

    • Might install additional software
    • No online support
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    AVG TuneUp image

    Pricing

    • $49.99 1 Year
    • $99.99 2 Years
    • $149.99 3 Years

    Available on

    Key features

    • Registry optimization
    • Uninstaller
    • Auto PC care

    Key features

    • Registry optimization
    • Uninstaller
    • Auto PC care

    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 4%. Nevertheless, it has good characteristics, and it uncovered 108 registry errors in our test. 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. Main registry cleaner options of TuneUp are registry scan (6 categories, not autonomous), registry cleaning (only in activated trial or purchased license), registry backup (as on/off before the cleaning process), and registry editor - a proper separate tool. One great extra tools is called “Unnecessary programs”, which is basically a mini-uninstaller that rates programs and helps to remove any in one click.

    AVG TuneUp Pros

    • Runs quietly in background mode
    • Rich functionality
    • clean interface
    • Clears disk space after cleaning

    AVG TuneUp Cons

    • No "undo deletion" option
    • $50 annual license
    • No checkbox to delete files
    • only whole category
  • Eusing Registry Cleaner

    11. Eusing Registry Cleaner

    Eusing Registry Cleaner image

    Pricing

    • Free Free

    Available on

    Key features

    • Windows OS
    • Backups
    • Optimization

    Key features

    • Windows OS
    • Backups
    • Optimization

    With Eusing we were able to find 58 errors in 67 seconds on a 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. For each cleaning instance, it automatically creates a system restore point, and you can archive the registry as well in settings, or roll back any changes. Ignore list with 2 ways to specify files: via context menu in search results, or directly via the Add button. Startup manager isn’t properly presented - one can remove apps/processes, but not turn on/off, and it may not see all the programs that are running. Scanning is fast and repair process is quite informative, as it shows data on backup, issue/error, number of fixed issues, etc.

    Eusing Registry Cleaner Pros

    • No license - totally free
    • Compatible with old versions of Windows

    Eusing Registry Cleaner Cons

    • Insufficient data on registry issues
    • May require a follow-up clean by RegEdit
  • JV16 PowerTools

    12. JV16 PowerTools

    Visit website
    Trial 30 days
    JV16 PowerTools image

    Pricing

    • $19 1 year
    • $49 Lifetime

    Available on

    Key features

    • Optimize
    • Clean
    • Protect

    Key features

    • Optimize
    • Clean
    • Protect

    This is actually a set of PC optimization tools, that includes “Clean and speedup my computer” – a registry cleaner tool. Free version works as a 60-day trial with full functionality, subscription costs $35 per year. 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. For skilled users, there’s a set of good options too, starting with registry manager - allows to control installations (and uninstallations) via registry, to remove via context menu. Then, registry information (size, structure, sorting, diagram statistics, etc.), registry compression and even antispyware tool.

    JV16 PowerTools Pros

    • Automatic registry backups
    • Extensive settings

    JV16 PowerTools Cons

    • Less user-friendly than other apps
    • High resources use on certain tasks
  • WinUtilities

    13. WinUtilities

    Visit website
    Trial 30 days
    WinUtilities image

    Pricing

    • Free Free
    • $19.95 Pro
    • $19.97 Lifetime

    Available on

    Key features

    • Files restoring
    • Safety deleting
    • Files encrypting

    Key features

    • Files restoring
    • Safety deleting
    • Files encrypting

    With WinUtilities you can 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 ($22 per year) offers 3 devices support, disk optimization, file encryption, 24/7 support. Winutilities free 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. Main functions, registry cleaning and disk cleaning, deserve high marks, as it all does the job perfectly: removing temp files, app traces, junk files. In addition, there’s “BHO remover” - for editing and deletion of special lists built into Windows explorer (browser helper objects). Finally, extra tools like RAM optimizator, shortcut fixer, uninstaller, history cleaner, file shredder, file protection, context menu manager. Winutilities, as we see, is much more than a registry cleaner.

    WinUtilities Pros

    • Great performance
    • Handy flexible settings
    • Numerous possibilities to manage registry

    WinUtilities Cons

    • Basic version has restricted functionality
    • Some features are slower than others
    • No live/chat technical support
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Are you experiencing a slowed down performance of your PC or laptop? Do you have a not so powerful computer from few years back or one running on older versions of Windows? Does your computer lack CPU and/or RAM to cope with today’s applications? Then PC optimization software, such as registry cleaners is one of the options to take care of issues.

Of course, there is Windows Disk Cleanup tool, but it is less effective than cleaner apps, mostly dealing with recycle bin, temp and system files. A typical registry cleaner program can do much more: remove temporary Internet files, browser cache and history, junk files, log files, system memory dumps, bloatware, thumbnails, as well as shut down unnecessary background programs. Essentially, a registry cleaner is a third-party application designed to remove redundant and obsolete files from Windows registry. More advanced cleaners can also correct invalid registry keys. 

Registry cleaners are computer utility programs that primarily have to repair corrupted/missing files. Many of those tools provide additional functionality characteristic of PC maintenance software. Typical features of a proper registry cleaner are the following:

  1. Registry scan and fix (selectively or in bulk);
  2. System files cleaner - recycle bin, temporary files, log files, etc.;
  3. Applications and utilities cleaner - for browser cache, cookies, etc.;
  4. Programs uninstaller / repair tool;
  5. Startup programs disabler tool;
  6. Inclusions / Exclusions menu;
  7. Scan scheduling;
  8. Simple clean interface, easy setup;
  9. Backup and restore capability.


As we've seen, most registry cleaners have the same functionality, more or less: they scan, clean, and fix. Some perform faster, others bet on thorough cleaning. In terms of pricing, it may seem strange but these utilities aren't the most important software to use, so it would be senseless to pay a lot for it. On the other hand, cheap price means poor quality, we all know that. With free and paid cleaners, we may assure that you can find effective ones for free.

While the array of cleaner and PC optimization utilities is growing, there has been quite a lot of skepsis lately about their relevance. Controversy lies in the assumption that many of these tools don’t do much in terms of performance boost, but rather prompt a user to buy a paid version or just being a space for advertising.

In addition, there are certain serious grounds for discussion. First, registry damage risk: low-quality programs can cause more damage than benefit, as many just try to free disk space without making distinction of entries and files. Secondly, and more menacingly, there could even be rogue utilitie that facilitate malware installation or trick users out of their money providing no real help.

There even appeared a term “scareware” due to some programs that tend to find too many errors and flag them all as “critical” or “severe”. Critics also say, that in most cases reported errors are just entries from uninstall programs, and are neither good nor bad, and removing them won’t speed up PC performance. However, if a user detects a real issue slowing down the device, or a malware file that snuck into the registry, a reputable cleaner program would be a fit option. In terms of popularity, CCleaner is a definitive #1.

  1. Back up the registry. Most of these utilities prompt users to back up data or do it automatically, in some of them you have to find this option. Never start cleaning registry without creating a backup. As soon as you notice issues after the cleaner (e.g. a program doesn't start as it did before), it is better to restore registry.
  2. Do not overdo. You don't need to clean registry more often than once a month. Well, maybe you, for example, install several similar programs to choose the best alternative and then uninstall all the rest. Then you can run a scan additionally. In other cases a monthly scanning will be enough.
  3. Leave a PC alone for a while. After the scan, when a utility starts removing and fixing job, leave it to the job. When using a device it makes changes to the registry, and therefore it will impede the cleaning process and may cause mistakes.


There is no denying the fact that CCleaner has been the overwhelming #1 tool among Windows registry cleaners, and shows no sign of stopping. It is super easy, free and offers great functionality, even beyond dealing with registry. It is free for non-commercial use. Be sure to download it from the official website of Piriform, as some websites may try to trick you into buying products disguised as CCleaner. Before proceeding to repair, it offers to create a backup, as result, you can choose to fix all problems or a certain issue. Note: there's CCleaner for Mac, it doesn't clean up the registry, it performs other functions. Surely enough, there are plenty of CCleaner alternatives. Other top-performing utilities include WiseCleaner, Auslogics, Eusing, AVG TuneUp, JetClean, WinUtilities, Registry Fixer, jv16, Glary Utilities, EasyCleaner, IObit. 

For instance, Auslogics Registry Cleaner is a free app that will display severity rate of issues found - low, normal or high. It has a simple interface, one-click repair button, automatic backups. It is also absolutely free, with free updates and without any term limitations. It gives full control to a user and, in case you want it, you can review scan results and exclude registry entries from the cleaning list. Auslogics has been tested by many industry experts and has got positive reviews generally. A scan takes seconds, and results are grouped by categories. However, if you are not interested in digging into the results, there is a Scan and Repair option.

Note: by default, it sets Yahoo as homepage and search engine. 

Another example is Wise Registry Cleaner that is designed to stabilize and boost computers by fixing errors. Scheduled cleaning, restore option, various scan types are very handy appendices. There is a free version and a $20 annual subscription. It is user-friendly, interface supports multiple languages, online help documentation is thorough, and there's a 24/7 support via email. Three scan types are normal, safe, and deep, plus the ability to schedule monthly, weekly or daily cleanups. The example of features not available in free version, we can highlight multi-user cleaning, that allows admins of public or home computers shared by several people, and consequently scanning/fixing registry without login under each account. Or system settings optimization to improve Internet speed for that matter.

jv16 which costs $35 annually or $99 for a lifetime license (with 60-day free trial) proved to be one of the most efficient. While scanning takes longer than with CCleaner or Auslogics, it is able to detect more system issues. This program allows finding and replacing specific registry entries, monitoring, defragging and cleaning the Windows registry. With jv16, you can choose how aggressive the cleaning will be. You can choose to ignore data related to definite programs (for example, antivirus, Firewall, server, and backup software). Scan results show registry keys, entry name, modified date, severity level, file reference, reason for detection; and scan results can be exported to CSV, HTML, SQL. Backups and restore points are in place as well. The only disadvantage is that some people find interface inconvenient and pretty difficult for beginners.

A free utility, Jetclean has a "Scan and Repair" button which means no need to wait until the initial scanning completion. Also a "Scan Now" button to review results before fixing. Jetclean provides additional tools, e.g. Apps Clean, Windows Clean (uncheck if do not want them at the moment). Moreover, you can search for certain issues in the registry, such as problems with startup programs, application paths, uninstalled programs, fonts, virtual devices, file extensions, etc. Jetclean automatically creates system backups, offers scheduled scans, automatic shutdown option - after registry errors are repaired. As extra, there are system information tool, startup optimizer, performance booster, registry defragger, internet booster, software uninstaller. Note: during setup, it may install unwanted software.

How much do registry cleaners cost?

While there are many freeware registry fixers, most cleaner tools charge for 1-year or lifetime license. The average price range for annual Pro/Plus subscription is $15 to $45, one-time purchase can cost between $40 and $100.

What problems does a cleaner fix?

A registry cleaning program automates manual tasks for repairing Windows registry. The registry stores all the system settings and as it grows it might gets cluttered, which can cause errors with some programs. In reality, a cleaner would most likely to solve error popup messages related to registry issues rather than an issue itself. Despite advertisement, it won’t speed up the performance, improve RAM, or boost Internet connection. Instead it will remove obsolete, “leftover” files or clean browser cache.

What are the best free registry cleaners?

Depending on a user’s goals, good options could be Wise, JetClean, Registry Fixer, WinUtilities, Auslogics, jv16 PowerTools. Based on our performance tests, Wise and Auslogics found and fixed the biggest number of issues - both over 500. Softonic recommends Wise, SlimCleaner, Registry Repair and 5 more. According to Fossbytes, best free cleaners include EasyCleaner, Argente, Eusing.

How often is it necessary to run a cleaner?

There’s no clear answer to this due to the aforementioned debate over effectiveness of registry cleaner utilities. On one side, vendors recommend running it every 3 days or so, on the opposite side, tech many experts argue there’s no need doing it on regular basis at all. Somewhere in between, based on own experience and needs, would be a good idea.

Are registry cleaners safe to use?

As long as it is a reliable utility, it is safe. General rule of thumb is to choose not by flashy ads over Internet and social media, or by responding to “critical error-fix now” messages, but going with trustworthy software vendors, studying top-lists, reading user reviews. With tools like CCleaner, Wise, Auslogics, AVG TuneUp, you can’t go wrong.

What are the best registry cleaners for Mac?

Irrelevant, because only Windows has a registry, Mac OS devices simply do not need it. There is some software that can clean up a Mac in a way - cleaning out logs, extensions, unnecessary login items, large unused files. Though if you see claims about "Mac registry" optimization, it is a scam.

What are the best registry cleaners for Ubuntu?

Irrelevant, because Linux cleans up temporary files automatically and it doesn’t have any registry.

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