CC Cleaner
Create a backup file before making any changes to the registry.
Contains an excellent feature set.
Available in installable and portable versions.
Unless permission is explicitly denied, the installer adds another program.
Extended documentation is available for new users.
Free for home users only.
CCleaner is the best free registry cleaner I've ever tested. It's easy to use, prompts you to back up the registry before making changes, and contains many other useful tools.
Piriform offers installable and portable versions of its free registry cleaner.
If you plan to use an automated tool to resolve problems caused by registry issues, I highly recommend using Piriform's CCleaner free registry cleaning tool.
I tested the latest version, CCleaner v6, in Windows 11 using its portable and installable versions. It can also clean the registry in Windows 10, 8 and 7.
Free registry cleaners can only be used to solve specific problems.
02 Total 27Auslogics Registry Cleaner
Clean with one click.
Automatic registry backup.
You can pause and resume later.
Beautifully formatted problem reports found and fixed.
Allows you to create portable versions.
Try installing other programs during the installation process.
Some additional features are not free.
Of all the tools I've tested, Auslogics Registry Cleaner is probably one of the easiest to use.
One nice feature is the extremely detailed reporting page. After any cleanup, you can open a document detailing everything the program fixed.
In Settings you can access the Rescue Center, which is a list of registry backups made before each cleanup. If you don't want to lose your backups, you can edit your settings to keep them permanently. This is a great feature not found in any registry fixer, so I'm glad to see it included here.
It is compatible with modern versions of Windows like Windows 11 and Windows 10 as well as Windows 8 and Windows 7.
When I tested the Auslogics Registry Cleaner, it had been updated to v10.
Before and after installing Auslogics Registry Cleaner, you may be asked to install other programs, but you can easily deselect it if you don't want to install them.
03/27Smart registry cleaner
Easy to use.
Automatically back up the registry before cleaning.
Some features appear to be free but require payment.
Wise Registry Cleaner is very close to other top registry repair tools. They make a great free registry cleaner.
Some of the great things about Wise’s free registry cleaner include fast registry scans, in-place updates, and a clear distinction between normal and “unsafe” issues, which is a feature I love.
It is available in installable and portable versions and works on Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP (only the portable version is available for XP).
I tested the installable version of v11 in Windows 11.
04/27Jiejie Cleaning
Clean, intuitive interface.
Automatically back up the registry.
Scheduled cleaning.
Scan with one click.
Try installing the toolbar during installation.
A portable version built into the installed version.
Saved a lot of cookies.
JetClean is a free registry cleaning tool from BlueSprig that I don't see mentioned much, but I find it does a pretty good job. It scans the entire registry in just a few seconds and has a well-designed interface.
There are two things I don’t like about JetClean. One: By default, it thinks the number of cookies it can keep is a bit too high. Two: It tries to install the toolbar, but you can deny it during the installation process.
I also don't like that the program doesn't have an easy-to-use portable version. Yes, one exists, but you have to "generate" one from the version installed on your computer. Strange!
JetClean Registry Cleaner supports 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP and Windows 2000.
I tested v1.5.0 in Windows 10 and Windows 7. This may be its final version; it hasn't been updated in a long time.
05 Total 27Advanced system maintenance-free
One-click scan and repair mode.
There is no need to review the scan results before repairing the registry.
Suitable for non-technical users.
All other options must be unchecked before scanning the registry.
All the features can be overwhelming.
Advanced SystemCare Free is one of IObit's many free software programs. Registry Cleaner is a utility which performs registry cleaning.
Just like me, you'll notice right away how much you can do in this program. In addition to cleaning the registry, you can also enable checkboxes to perform various actions such as defragmenting the registry, running privacy scans, and deleting junk files.
I found that no matter how many errors the program found, the registry scan was very fast. ASC is great for the non-technical because you can fix them without even seeing the results. Plus, you can actually shut down or restart your computer once the cleanup is complete, so you don't have to worry.
One thing I don't like is that if you want to perform a specific type of cleanup (such as a registry clean), you have to uncheck all other options first. All the features on offer can be overwhelming and get in your way.
To run the registry cleaning process, select Manual Mode from the Maintenance tab. Select Select All a few times to clear all checkboxes, then select Registry Cleanup, then Scan .
The deep cleaning option requires the professional version of the program.
ASC is available for Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP. I tested v16 in Windows 11.
06 of 27Registry repair
Automatically create backups.
Clean interface.
The program updates automatically.
There is no option to create a restore point.
There may be attempts to install unwanted programs during the installation process.
Glarysoft's Registry Repair is another excellent freeware registry cleaner. It's very simple to use and is a good choice if some of the better tools don't work for you.
I appreciate automating backups because you never know when you may need one. Unfortunately, unlike some similar tools, Glarysoft's program doesn't create restore points for you, although you can always create restore points yourself.
Registry Repair is designed for Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7 and some older versions of Windows.
I tested v5.0.1 in Windows 10 and Windows 7.
07 of 27Kingsoft Computer Doctor
Automatic registry backup.
Clean interface.
Includes other useful tools.
It hasn't been updated in many years.
No scheduling options.
Not all identified problems can be fixed and will reappear on subsequent scans.
Kingsoft PC Doctor is another registry cleaner embedded in a software suite. It's really easy to use, and the registry cleaner isn't hidden deep inside - it's easy to find and run without any hassle.
One thing I don't like about this option is that you can't schedule a registry cleanup for later and have to run it manually. While this is the case, manual scanning does find a large number of errors that can be removed with just one click.
It is said to only work with Windows 7, Vista and XP, but I tested v3.7 in Windows 10 and Windows 8 without any issues. Considering there have been no recent updates, this may be the final version of the software.
08/27Lite version of PowerTools
The interface is not cluttered.
Generate automatic registry backup.
Highly customizable.
The interface is showing its age.
Many options increase the chance of causing problems.
Not as user friendly as other registry cleaners.
PowerTools Lite is free registry cleaning software created by Macecraft, the maker of several popular Windows utilities. When I last used it, PowerTools Lite was fast and found a similar number of unnecessary registry entries as other tools in this area on this list.
There are no toolbars or other programs that try to install like some other free registry cleaners.
It works with Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP. However, this tool is not supported on Windows 7 and above.
09/27Eusing Free Registry Cleaner
User friendly interface.
Scan for invalid or outdated information.
Automatic registry backup.
No adware.
Insufficient description of the registry problem.
You may need to use RegEdit after scanning.
I often see references to Eusing Free Registry Cleaner in other "top" lists, but aside from the large number of issues it finds, I don't see anything that stands out. I don't know how accurate this program is, but it's worth a try if you don't get what you need from the other tools listed above.
Remember, a registry cleaner is not a regular PC maintenance tool. Registry cleaners typically do not speed up your computer or provide any other day-to-day improvements to your computer. Registry cleaners can only be used to help solve certain types of problems.
Eusing Software says the program is available for Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista and XP. I tested v4.6 in Windows 10.
10 of 27Argente Registry Cleaner
Choice of two analysis modes.
Easily undo changes to the registry.
Automatically back up the registry.
Interface learning curve.
There is no scheduled scan.
ArgenteRegistryCleaner is a registry cleaner that walks you through a small wizard when you first open the program, which makes scanning for errors fairly easy. It finds just as many problems as any other program on this list.
Registry backups are automatically created before any registry keys are deleted, and automatic maintenance mode does all the cleaning for you when the computer first boots up without any intervention on your part, which is nice.
Undoing changes to the registry is easy, as you can revert to an automatically created backup, or you can make your own registry backup at any time and then restore the registry from the "Undo Changes" section of the program.
Argente Registry Cleaner is available for Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP. I tested v3.1 on Windows 10 and Windows 7.
There is also a portable version of the Argente registry cleaner available on Softpedia.
11 of 27Easy to clean
Automatically back up the registry before scanning.
Easy to use interface.
Includes other useful tools.
Tons of setting options.
Not available on newer versions of Windows.
It hasn't been updated in many years.
No scheduling options.
EasyCleaner is one of the oldest free registry cleaning tools. The interface is a little dated, but it's a solid registry repair tool...assuming you don't need to use it on a modern computer!
Scanning the registry takes much longer than other registry cleaners, but overall it does a good job. I also liked that the installation process didn't ask me to install another completely unrelated and useless program.
The ToniArts website says the software is available for Windows XP, 2000, NT, ME, 98, and 95, but you can also use it with newer versions of Windows.
I tested v2.0.6 in Windows 8 without any issues, but it doesn't work properly in Windows 10. Both installer and portable versions of the tool are available.
12 of 27Small registry cleaner
Automatic registry backup.
Portable version.
Open source, multi-language software.
Ad-supported.
There is little guidance.
Slower than some other programs in this area.
Development appears to have ended.
This free Windows registry cleaner packs some powerful features into a minimal program.
For starters, Little Registry Cleaner finds far more problems in the registry than most other registry cleaners I've used, so if one of the other registry cleaners on this list Not for you, try this.
The program also allows you to select which folder on your computer to use for automatic registry backup before cleaning, can ignore scanning of certain files and folders, will create restore points before deleting registry files, and can scan your computer for The search for invalid registry keys proceeds as planned.
Little Registry Cleaner should work well with any recent version of Windows as well as older versions such as Windows XP. I tested version 1.6.0 in Windows 10 and encountered no issues.
13 of 27Free Windows Registry Repair
Full scan and custom scan options.
Create a restore point.
Option to back up the registry.
You can set it to automatically scan the registry when the system starts.
There is insufficient guidance on how to use the program.
Multiple scans are required to identify all errors.
Free Window Registry Repair reminds me a lot of Eusing Free Registry Cleaner listed above, so my assessment is similar. If you need it , try this registry cleaner, if not, skip it and try a better registry cleaner.
A registry scan with Free Window Registry Repair takes longer than some of the more highly rated registry cleaning tools, but overall, it looks like a good tool.
RegSofts Software's website says it's compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000, NT, ME, and 98. There are installable and portable versions.
I successfully used Free Windows Registry Repair to clean the registry in Windows 10 and Windows 7.
14 of 27safety eraser
Attractive and easy to use interface.
The scan generates a list of obsolete and invalid files.
Requesting permission to install unrelated programs.
Annoying prompt to upgrade to paid version.
German documentation.
Secure Eraser is a suite of programs that includes a dedicated section for registry cleaning as well as other tools such as a file shredder.
The registry cleaning feature seems to find the same errors and invalid entries as other cleaners on this list.
After cleaning the registry, the resulting page will appear in your browser. This can be annoying, but it can be easily turned off from the settings.
It works with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista and XP. When I tested it, the installer tried to add another program to my computer, so be aware of this and skip/reject any offers if you don't want them.
15 of 27Cleaner
Easy to use.
Complete toolset.
Strong cleaners are best for experienced users.
Haven't upgraded in several years.
New users may end up deleting items their computer needs.
Confusing interface.
nCleaner seems to be as good a registry cleaner as any other in this area of this list. It can perform all standard registry cleanups as well as some system cleanups.
I find nCleaner's interface a bit confusing, and I don't like that it hasn't been updated in years (like most of the tools on this list). However, after receiving so many suggestions to add it to the list, I felt compelled to at least include it here.
v2.3.4 is what I tested. It seems to work well in Windows 10 and Windows 8, but it's only listed as supporting Windows Vista.
16 of 27Registered life
Clean user interface.
Registry Wizard.
Make a backup before scanning.
Defragment the registry.
Provides installation of promotional software and third-party software.
Contains advertising.
If the other options above seem too confusing, you might like this option for its easy-to-use registry cleaning wizard.
With Registry Life, you can not only repair registry problems, but also defragment it and even get quick access to other free tools to stop or delay programs from starting with your computer.
One thing I didn't like during my testing was the occasional ads next to the program.
Registry Life should work on 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 8 up to Windows XP. It works for me in Windows 10, but the startup optimizer doesn't always work as advertised.
17 of 27AC cleaner
Scan all or part of the registry.
Provides a list of all errors.
Delete all or selected errors.
Make backups automatically.
The interface looks outdated.
Contains irrelevant tools that may be confusing to new users.
ACleaner is another free registry cleaning tool, its user interface is a bit outdated, but it works on newer operating systems and works well.
I like this program because the Windows registry is automatically backed up before any issues are fixed and can be restored with just a few clicks. ACleaner also comes with a startup manager and system cleaner, but a registry cleaner isn't hard to find.
It works from Windows 11 to Windows 2000. I tested v5 in Windows 10 and Windows 7 and found no issues.
18 of 27PCSleek Error Cleaner
Back up the registry before scanning.
Option to automatically repair items after every scan.
Recover deleted items at any time.
Looks like a basic interface.
It hasn't been updated in many years.
PCSleek Error Cleaner is a registry cleaner with an easy-to-use interface. It also combines some other search parameters in addition to the registry, but they are easily disabled if you just want to fix registry issues.
Although this program looks outdated and simple, it backs up the registry before cleaning it and seems to find as many problems as other registry cleaners on this list.
PCSleek is said to run on Windows 7, Vista and XP. I tested v3.46 in Windows 8 without any issues.
19 of 27Registry Recycler
Clean interface.
In addition to scanning for errors, the registry is also defragmented.
Installed and portable versions available
Option to schedule daily or weekly registry checks.
Sometimes multiple scans are needed to find all errors.
Some virus scanners call it "unwanted" or "deceptive" software.
Registry Recycler is another free registry cleaner that seems to find more errors than some of the other programs on this list. I include this because I appreciate the ability to run registry error checks on a schedule.
The program automatically creates a registry backup before cleaning, ensuring that if anything goes wrong during the process, you can always get back to work. In addition to cleaning, Registry Recycler can also defragment the registry.
You can use this free registry cleaner tool as a portable program or install it like regular software, depending on the version you choose on the download page.
Registry Recycler is available for Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista and XP.
20 out of 27Register a distiller
Quick scan can quickly locate errors.
Automatically back up the registry.
Undo changes function.
Registry Wizard.
The clunky interface is not easy to use.
There is no option to select a custom area of the registry.
Registry Distiller doesn't look as neat as other programs on this list, and the program's interface isn't easy to use or view results. But, that being said, it clearly does a good job of finding bugs.
When I tested it, it took 10 seconds to find over 500 errors, which is much better than some of the other registry cleaning tools on this list.
It is said to run on Windows Vista and XP. I tested Registry Distiller version 1.03 in Windows 8 and Windows 7 without any issues.
21 of 27SS registry fix
Super easy to use.
The option to back up the registry is enabled by default.
Only basic functionality is included.
It hasn't been updated in many years.
This free registry cleaner from SS-Tools is probably one of the easiest programs I've ever used. There are almost no options required, and with an open, clean program window, scanning can begin in seconds.
The registry repair program only has one option available, which is to back up the registry before cleaning. I'm glad it's there, it's even enabled by default, which is great.
Supposedly the registry fix only works on Windows XP, but I tested version 2.0 in Windows 8 without any issues.
22 of 27TweakNow Registry Cleaner
Offers periodic and deep scan options.
Fast scanning and defragmentation.
Create a backup before scanning.
No content will be removed until instructed to do so.
It's difficult to determine which items will be removed and which will remain.
TweakNow RegCleaner is another registry cleaner that comes as a suite with many other built-in tools.
The registry cleaning option has a regular scanner and a deep scanner to ensure it gets as many errors and problems as possible. You can even open a specific path directly in the Windows Registry Editor to see exactly what you're looking at.
What I don't like about this program is that it's a bit confusing to know which registry keys will be deleted and which ones will remain unchanged.
TweakNow RegCleaner is available for Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista and XP.
23 of 27Tools for Viz Care
Clean and colorful interface.
Scanning is fast.
Options for setting restore points.
Huge collection of tools.
The registry cleaner tool is just one of 50 tools, and these tools can be overwhelming.
It may take several scans to find all errors.
Not enough help for new users.
Toolwiz Care has more than 50 built-in tools, one of which is called Registry Cleaner in the program's Cleaning tab.
Register Cleaner works quickly, classifying errors and removing them almost instantly. It even seems to find more registry issues than some other programs on this list.
You can enable an option in the settings to automatically create a restore point before removing any registry issues, which is a great way to prevent computer problems that may arise during the removal process.
When you open the installation file for the first time, click the "Run without installing" button to use Toolwiz Care without installation. This way, it acts like a portable tool and a built-in regular installer.
Toolwiz Care is available for Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista and XP.
24 of 27MV conditioning cleaning
Powerful backup and recovery capabilities.
Restore point.
A portable version is also available.
Outdated interface.
Scanning speed is slightly slower.
It may take several scans to eliminate all errors.
MV RegClean looks very outdated, because it is, but it seems to do a good job at deep registry cleaning.
When testing this program, it seemed to find more issues than most other programs on this list. The registry is automatically backed up, so there is no need to do it manually.
The program should work on all versions of Windows, but I only tested it in Windows 7 and Windows 10.
25 of 27Baidu computer is faster
Intuitive user interface.
Deep cleaning options.
Automatically back up the registry before scanning.
Contains other useful programs.
It's difficult to determine which files to clean.
It may take several scans to eliminate all errors.
Baidu's PC Faster is a program suite that contains a large number of system optimization tools, one of which is a registry cleaning tool. The program installs and runs quickly and has a user-friendly interface.
Baidu Computer Faster automatically backs up the registry before modifying it, which is great, but unfortunately, you have to scan and clean Windows junk files at the same time as you clean up registry issues.
Find the Baidu Computer Faster Registry Cleanup section in the Cleanup menu.
I tested Baidu PC Faster in Windows 10, 8, and 7 without any issues; it should work in Vista and XP as well. I used to use this program a lot to clean out junk files, so if you're interested in doing the same, this might be a good option.
26 of 27your cleaner
Automatically back up the registry before scanning.
Easy to use interface.
Scan all files in the registry or selected file types.
The download is a RAR file.
The installer's default language may be Estonian (but this can be changed).
Your Cleaner is an excellent registry cleaning tool with an easy-to-use interface.
When testing this program, it found a large number of bugs, making it comparable to most other programs on this list. Additionally, the registry is automatically backed up before any cleanup is performed, which is a nice feature.
Your Cleaner works on all versions of Windows. I tested v1.11 in Windows 10 and Windows 8.
The downloaded file is a RAR file, which means you'll need a program like 7-Zip to open it. Also, the default language of the program installer may be Estonian, but you can easily change it from the drop-down box.
27 of 27RegScrubVistaXP
Efficient registry cleaning function.
Option to scan the entire registry or only parts of it.
Easy to use tool.
Outdated interface.
Not particularly user friendly.
There is no automatic backup function.
RegScrubVistaXP may not look modern at all, but the registry cleaning capabilities are very good.
This program finds many more invalid registry entries than most programs on this list. Having said that, it really isn't the most user-friendly program.
During my testing, I found that it doesn't have an automatic registry backup feature, which makes using it a bit dangerous unless you remember to make a backup yourself (you can do this within the program).
RegScrubVistaXP is said to only work with Windows Vista and XP, but I tested version 1.6 in Windows 10 and encountered no issues.
I've tried to list all the free software registry cleaners available on this list, however, if I've missed one, please let me know so I can add it!
