In order to 'protect' Windows users, Microsoft Defender Antivirus flags CCleaner as a potentially unwanted application (PUA).

Microsoft added that while the CCleaner installer offers users the option to opt-out of unnecessary software, many Windows users end up inadvertently installing the programs. Don't hesitate to take it for a test drive for a week or two, if you don't like it then just uninstall.Software applications that are often bundled with CCleaner include Google Chrome, Google Toolbar, Avast Free Antivirus and AVG Antivirus Free. And NO I wasn't paid to endorse this (or any other product) I just thought I'd put in my 2 cents for those trying to make a decision. If the free one is this good, then I don't think I can go far wrong w the higher horsepower version! You can expect to be offered a free update about once around the end of each month. It does a nice job of 'taking out the trash!' You won't suddenly see pop-ups and notice performance slow downs, to the contrary CCleaner will help purge your machine of all that annoying and potentially dangerous garbage! It also doesn't hog a lot of space or resources, and it isn't loaded w malware. I personally like it better than some cleaning software I paid for in the past on my old Dell. It's a favorite among C-Net visitors, and it has tons of positive reviews. IMHO Piriform's CCleaner has proven to my satisfaction that it works well. I wouldn't want to be w/o my handy CCleaner! I first tried it on my old Dell w XP, and now it's been busy tidying up and protecting my replacement Dell PC since the day I fired it up 1 yr ago as of late Feb 2013.

I found the controls intuitive right out of the box, and it's more user friendly and much less cluttered w features I don't need or use. I have used the free version for several years.

Install ccleaner piriform