Windows default cleaning apps vs PC cleaners

rodion15 said:

As a repair tech, I’m used to using CCleaner, Glary utilities, Malwarebytes, etc to troubleshoot PC issues (just the free versions). I never clean the registry as I think it’s useless.

I always wondered if all these third-party apps are unnecessary.

What about switching to a Windows defaults-only approach? something like this:

Clear unwanted stuff with Storage sense/disk-cleanup > Clear unwanted startup programs > clear browser data (history, cookies, cache) and, if necessary, reset browser settings > Run Windows Defender (do an offline scan if needed).

Any opinions much appreciated.

I use CCLeaner v5.78 and for the rest, Windows cleaners.
Mainly, Disk Cleanup and Component Store cleanup.

Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup

sfc /scannow


Occasionally...

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

rodion15 said:

As a repair tech, I’m used to using CCleaner, Glary utilities, Malwarebytes, etc to troubleshoot PC issues (just the free versions). I never clean the registry as I think it’s useless.

I always wondered if all these third-party apps are unnecessary.
What about switching to a Windows defaults-only approach? something like this:

Clear unwanted stuff with Storage sense/disk-cleanup > Clear unwanted startup programs > clear browser data (history, cookies, cache) and, if necessary, reset browser settings > Run Windows Defender (do an offline scan if needed).

I find CCLeaner is still invaluable for just one thing that it can do better than Windows. It can clean browser data across all browsers with just one click. Windows only knows how to clean Microsoft's own browser Edge (and IE if you still have it).

Not only that, but CCleaner can have a whitelist of cookies you need to keep, such as the Ten Forums login cookie. Try selectively deleting cookies in Edge and you'll soon find out just how difficult it can be to save the ones you want to keep.

rodion15 said:

Thanks. I guess those commands save space but won't fix issues, right?

No, they work pretty well.

SFC is Windows system file checker
DISM... restoreHealth is what you run if SFC finds things it can't fix.
DISM... componentcleanup, I usually run after each Windows update.

Hello @rodion15,

rodion15 said:

I guess those commands save space but won't fix issues, right?

The last two will.

SFC scans the integrity of all protected system files and replaces incorrect [ corrupted or modified ] versions with the correct Microsoft versions.

RestoreHealth scans the image for component store corruption and performs repair operations automatically using WU as the source rtc.

I hope this helps.

Wise Disk Cleaner has some useful features but ensure you know what you are cleaning

FYI:
Can Temporary Files and Registry Junk Data Slow Down Window.