If you use CCleaner before you open it again be sure your internet is not connected!! Then go inside settings and make sure automatic updates is turned off!! Now make sure it isnt enabled in your task manager startup programs!!

I start my computer today and my normal routine is to open CCleaner and do files cleanup and registry cleaning but today it automatically updated to a new major version number and a totally new and different program opened. I know when I first installed and setup I turned off updates so soemwhere it got retriggered in a manual update I guess. They really f*&%^%$# it up I think. They move things around in the menus and its not the same and it also didnt work like normally saying some internet browsers couldnt be cleaned with no option to why or how to fix or setup that. then I went online and check email and there is some weird behavior with a popup long list of information when the pointer sits idle on a web page element. I never saw this before in my life.

If it is too late and you already updated before knowing this then you can only system restore to your last point to get back the old version of CCleaner and then repeat the first steps I put at the top and all will work like it did before which I am using now. All is working normal now. The weird popups are now gone also.

I hope they fix this soon because I rely on CCleaner a lot these days and its a great program but this major version update is garbage!!!!

 

I've seen more posts about malware/spyware in CCleaner and Clean My Mac than probably any other utility programs people use like these. It probably helps they are so widely used and have been around a long time.

 

Wait, clean my Mac has malware in it? How would I clean it then?

 

Good you mention this. When I did the change-over from win7 to 10 I got hold of the CC version (5.5.0.6911 x64) that was just workable under win10 that DID NOT have all the complete bullshit crammed into it that the latest versions do. Also made certain that NO internet access was granted to it or any other executables in the CC folder. Finally, no updating (it doesn't need updating), or "sharing data" in settings - all that junk is turned off (all internet access is blocked to it anyway so it couldn't update even if it wanted to). It works fine in this configuration and cleans up all the garbage that other apps leave on the system (like chrome and outlook). Despite what its dev tells you to the contrary, ccleaner does not need updating. I have been using the same version called out above for years. It does what it does and that's all I need from it, and I let it do nothing automatically. The only thing accomplished by allowing CC to update itself is allow newer versions with greater amounts of adware and other junk crammed into it to be installed on your system. It's a fine tool when it's reined in properly and allowed to do ONLY what you want it to do...

 

Last edited: Oct 8, 2025 at 1:42 AM

People download stuff from a poor choice of warez sources and end up with stuff. PUPs, browser hijacks, adware, whatever. Then they go somewhere else and post help requests. Just like this thread, unless CCleaner is on sister site; just a normal bad update version or not. Those kinds of programs are frequent targets, probably because the average downloader doesn't already have a program like it to prevent anything.

 

Im not asking for help if you mean that. I just want to warn other people about this today. However lol, does anyone have a list we can add to host file as a backup for blocking any connections? I also have it all tunred off but this still happened and made me realize I need to take further action when using CCleaner like always only use it when internet is not connected!

host file address?

Thank you in advance to who helps!

 

CCleaner isn't a tool for malware - at least that's not what I ever use it for. There are way better tools that load countermeasures for PUPs, adware, browser 'jacks, etc, so your system becomes immune to that bad stuff in the first place.

 

Spybot S&D (free one) when you update the signatures will add countermeasures to the host file to prevent bad sites from ever being a problem in the first place. FYI, I don't let spybot update itself automatically either. A manual update once every week/couple of weeks is more than sufficient.

 

Only get from Safer Networking Ltd. This is the site. I only use the SpyBot free version because it does all that I need it to do, but there are paid versions that supposedly do anti-vir, malware, telemetry blocking etc...

 

I stopped using Ccleaner a couple of years ago because of the “suspect” hidden crap in it nowadays. An equally good open source, CLEAN software alternative is: Bleach Bit.
https://www.bleachbit.org/

 

IF you wish to use CCleaner safely (Without it updating by itself)

Among the things to disable are Tools/Startup/Scheduled tasks/ CcleanerskipUAC This is enabled by default and can cause it to update itself to a new version of Ccleaner without your knowledge. So disable it


ALSO:-

Disable Tools/Startup/Windows cCleaner Smart Cleaning if you want more control as to when the software runs.


Go to Options / Privacy and make sure NOTHING is checked here.

Now go to Updates Tab and again, make sure nothing is checked here either.

 

Last edited: Oct 8, 2025 at 3:56 AM

So the most likely thing is just they got a version from the wrong place and not somewhere reliable?

 

CCleaner free version a decade ago was one of the fastest and most reliable and was widely used. It's much like all of them. They decide to change a recipe that works and then somehow it stops working as intended. Even Malwarebytes changed their interface - they all have in one way or another. Some maintain their credibility and others...well...as the OP says...it gets polluted by hackers and other less than savory losers hacking others because they do not have the skills to get what they want by legitimate means.

 

The OP is talking about an automatic update to a new version with problems. Those typically only come from the official websites of a program. They only happen when a program has either been left with a default setting to do so; or because a program has automatically updated itself because the program has no preferences option which will disable auto-updating. (example: UA Connect)

My comment was about the sheer volume of alarmist posts like this about these two particular utility programs. If you want to continue reading into it more than that, please do so via google. They are frequent targets of malware, because many very computer illiterate people install them without knowing what they are installing.

Spoiler

AI Overview

Installing "computer cleaner" programs is generally not recommended for beginners. These programs often promise performance boosts but can be unreliable and potentially cause harm
. Instead, focus on simpler, safer steps using tools already on your computer.

Safer and more effective steps to speed up your computer

1. Uninstall unneeded applications
Many computers come with "bloatware" from manufacturers, and over time, you may install apps you no longer use. Removing these can free up disk space and system resources.

• On Windows: Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, and uninstall anything you don't need.
• On Mac: Drag unused applications from your Applications folder to the Trash.

2. Clean out temporary files and downloads
Junk files can accumulate over time and slow down your system, especially if your hard drive is nearly full.

• On Windows: Type Disk Cleanup in the Start Menu and run the utility. Select the file types you want to remove, such as temporary internet files, and click OK.
• On Mac: Emptying the Trash and the Downloads folder is a quick way to clear out unneeded files.

3. Manage startup programs
Many applications automatically start when your computer boots up, which can significantly increase startup time.

• On Windows: Right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager. Go to the Startup tab to see what programs are launching. Right-click and Disable anything you don't need running constantly.
• On Mac: Go to System Settings > General > Login Items, and remove applications that you don't want starting automatically.

4. Restart your computer regularly
A simple restart can often solve performance issues by clearing your computer's memory and resetting all its running processes.

5. Check for malware
Malware and viruses running in the background can consume your computer's processing power. Use the built-in antivirus software on your system to run a scan.

• On Windows: Use the built-in Windows Security to run a virus and threat protection scan.
• On Mac: A built-in feature of macOS called Gatekeeper automatically checks for malicious software.

What to avoid and what to consider

Avoid PC "cleaner" and "booster" software
While some products like CCleaner are popular, they are generally unnecessary and can sometimes cause problems, especially the "registry cleaner" features. Using your computer's built-in tools is a safer and more reliable option.

Consider hardware upgrades for older computers
If your computer is still slow after performing the steps above, the issue may be your hardware, not your software. For older machines, upgrading a traditional hard drive to a Solid-State Drive (SSD) or adding more RAM can have a dramatic effect on performance.

 

Last edited: Oct 8, 2025 at 5:33 AM

Well, I'll go out on a limb here and say that you don’t need to delete registry files every day, unless you’re installing and uninstalling dozens of apps daily. It doesn’t really make any difference to your system unless something is actively causing conflicts. And even then, you’re probably better off using something like Registry Finder.

I don’t see the point of using CCleaner in 2025, but if you want to keep using it for whatever reason, pick the portable installation.

 

Maybe you could try Wise Registry Cleaner :
Very safe and very efficient : it's the one that Ghost Spectre recommend

 

If youre just looking for general clean up and are on Windows, the native disk cleaner does a great job. If you're looking for an app that covers the same ground as CCleaner but not as heavy handed and definitely not as intrusive, I recommend:

https://www.glarysoft.com/

It has all the features of CCleaner Pro, plus a few more, and its absolutely free.

 

Last edited: Oct 8, 2025 at 11:52 AM

I dont have CC doing anything to the registry at all, among other things that it supposedly does that are not needed. Just turn that stuff off. The thing it is good for is getting rid of garbage that other apps leave on the system. Like Chrome for instance. Chrome leaves junk everywhere and that junk just sits there and piles up - I have cc cleaning it all up among other apps that leave trash build up on a system. Older versions (for win10 use CC 5.5.0.6911 x64 from Piriform) that you disallow from updating work fine and keep things perfectly clean. Unfortunately the newer versions are junk and should be avoided.

 

Last edited: Oct 8, 2025 at 7:54 AM

Better : use the 1.6.2 version, the last freeware version before it turned to a commercial product. It is still updated and works flawlessly. It is easier to update (manual only) and use with a better GUI, without the start center opening sub-windows.