The Windows registry is a vast database that stores low-level settings for your OS along with all software and hardware on your PC. Registry cleaner software is a tool that can safely and effectively clear the registry of the unneeded files and data. Here’s some information on how registry cleaners work.
When a program is uninstalled from a PC, its registry entry should theoretically be removed, too. Although it doesn’t always work like that. Eventually, the Windows registry can become bogged down with unwanted and unnecessary entries and files that clog up the system. Luckily, there are many free registry cleaners that will manage it automatically and give you plenty of other features besides.
A lot of free registry cleaner tools promise to optimize your PC, to make it faster and more efficient, and to remove any errors found in the registry. Nonetheless, cleaning the registry alone will not boost performance, but many programs provide additional tools such as drive cleaners, startup program managers, RAM cleaners, and more.
We are going to review the best free registry cleaners for Windows we found on the market. Our selections include programs simply dedicated to cleaning the registry and others that also provide PC maintenance tools.
1. Auslogics Registry Cleaner – top choice registry cleaner
Auslogics Registry Cleaner is highly regarded as one of the best free Windows 10 registry cleaners, and having tried it we totally agree. Simple and effective, this registry cleaning software allows users to conduct a one-press scan across registries.
We found scan times very quick, and Auslogics Registry Cleaner gives the users the ability to customize scans. Simply checking or un-checking file items selects what you want to be included in the scan. Alternatively, you can choose a full scan that runs across all registries of the computer. Before any changes are made, this registry cleaner backs up all registry points and stores them in the “Rescue Center”. So you don’t need a separate backup software for your Windows with Auslogic.
Once a scan is complete, Auslogics Registry Cleaner will give you the option to clean broken registries. Again, customization tools are strong, as you can dig deep into each section to find more information about the problem before selecting which items you want cleaned.
It’s fair to say that the Auslogics Registry Cleaner is comprehensive, but the registry cleaner is part of a suite of apps that are pushed on you through the download. Sure, these are all optional, but make sure you deselect any Auslogics programs you don’t want in the setup phase before installation.
OS: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8.1, 10
Licensing: Freeware
Our Rating: 10 / 10
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
2. Wise Registry Cleaner – registry cleaner to boost up your PC
Wise Registry Cleaner is a great software that is usually being called a CCleaner alternative (more on this one below) because of its fast and quality performance. Besides that, if you need to save some space on your PC then Wise Register Cleaner is your perfect option: not only does it optimize your files but also weights 3.10 MB which is nothing compared to a predominant number of registry cleaning software.
The only issue is that Wise Registry Cleaner would try to install its family apps such as Wise Duplicate Finder which you most probably don’t need when installing a registry cleaner itself.
OS: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8.1, 10
Licensing: Freemium with Premium $35.95 version
Our Rating: 9 / 10
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
3. CCleaner – rather well-known registry cleaner
CCleaner is a no-fuss registry cleaner that is ideal for basic user needs. This PC cleaner provides tools for checking different types of unused registries, including obsolete software, and allows users to delete, skip, or manage individual files.
We like that the CCleaner gives a clear option to back up files before deleting entries. As a registry cleaner, CCleaner is a part of a wider PC maintenance tool. It provides more file management abilities, such as deleting caches, cookies, and temp files, and can fix registry errors of all sorts. These will definitely help you to speed up your computer’s performance.
While a handy and powerful tool, the CCleaner free PC cleaner is basic in its free form. As you perform PC maintenance tasks, you will find that many cleanups are locked behind the paywall of the premium versions. Backup is also an awkward experience that takes longer than the one-click approach used in other registry cleaner software.
OS: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8.1, 10, MacOS 10.6 to 10.11
Licensing: Freemium with Premium $29.95 and $59.95 versions
Our Rating: 9 / 10
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
4. SlimCleaner – completely free registry cleaner for Windows
SlimCleaner is probably the best free registry cleaner. It is a more advanced Windows registry cleaning software that aims for a busier dashboard-style UI. That’s not to say the navigation is complicated; on the contrary, everything is visible and intuitive. We especially love the program manager – something that not all registry cleaning software have. It comes with this computer cleaner, allowing you to customize program use on your PC.
Interestingly, SlimCleaner also has an Advanced menu which hides plenty of features. For example, there are options for configuring files and customizing the Start Menu and Notification Tray. This free registry cleaner also boasts a strong community that rates each function and lets you know which of those would be worth using.
Solid maintenance tools are SlimCleaner’s main attraction, specifically in the computer cleaner itself and in startup managers. While having an enviable overall package, SlimCleaner is somewhat let down by its lack of filtering options, meaning this registry cleaner is relatively rigid and does not let you choose scans as finitely as other options.
OS: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8.1, 10
Licensing: Freeware
Our Rating: 9 / 10
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
5. JetClean – registry cleaner with advanced settings
Unlike the majority of registry cleaning softwares on this list, JetClean is first and foremost a free registry cleaner and limits the amount of system management tools. We see it as a great advantage, as this registry cleaner is dedicated to offering a fantastic registry cleaning experience.
Importantly, JetClean lets you delve deep into the parts of the registry you want, with strong filtering options including software locations and application paths. Data safety is a priority, so any changes made to the registry are backed up and can be accessed via the “Rescue” button within the application. It is also worth noting that this free Windows 10 registry cleaner is not constantly pushing you to download additional tools, which is something we appreciate.
However, these’s a point that might be an issue for some; this registry cleaner fails to provide detailed information about registry items. That may be fine for pro-level users but beginners may be left conducting internet searches to find the root problematic subjects. For standard cleans, there are admittedly no problems.
OS: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8.1, 10
Licensing: Freeware
Our Rating: 8 / 10
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
6. AML Registry Cleaner – easy-in-use registry cleaner for Windows
One of the best registry cleaning softwares for users due to its no-frills functionality, AML Registry Cleaner is a tool that gets the job done with minimal fuss. An easy-to-use and free registry cleaner with no added PC scanning facilities, AML is a fantastic choice for users who just want to have their PC clean.
It is a commonly known fact that the AML Registry Cleaner is really loved by its users, one of the main reasons for which is that it has a reputation of not mysteriously causing more problems with your PC than it already had before using registry cleaning sofrwares. Trust us, this happens more than you know with other registry cleaners.
It’s true that AML looks pretty old-fashioned. Indeed, this software is available in 64-bit and 32-bit versions and runs on any Windows version stretching back to XP. That said, it’s clear that some users will dislike the visuals of the app. AML Registry Cleaner is admittedly not for those who crave modern UI flourishes.
OS: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8.1, 10
Licensing: Freeware
Our Rating: 8 / 10
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Whether you’re looking for the best free registry cleaner or a suite of PC maintenance tools, one of the above solutions should have you covered. That said, as always, we will advise that this is a large market and there are certainly other registry cleaners that are worthy of recognition. Still, the programs on our list provide the best options out of numerous registry cleaners er tried to get most tasks done. Also make sure you have a reliable malware removal tool installed on your computer. This will guarantee lower risk of the computer getting damaged by malicious means.