Top 10 Best Junk File Cleaners to Boost Windows Performance (2025 Edition)

Top 10 Best Tools to Clean Junk Files and Optimize Windows Performance (2025 Edition)

Over time, every computer slows down. It’s not always due to outdated hardware — often, the culprit is junk files: temporary system files, browser caches, log files, old backups, and unused data sitting quietly on your hard drive. These unwanted files not only eat up valuable storage space but also slow performance, extend boot times, and may even cause software crashes.

If you’ve ever wondered why your brand-new PC feels sluggish after a year, the answer usually lies in accumulated digital clutter. That’s where PC cleaning and optimization tools step in. They scan your system, identify unnecessary files, and delete them safely to free up space and boost overall responsiveness.

In this guide, we’ll explore the Top 10 junk file cleaners for Windows in 2025. Some are lightweight and straightforward, others include advanced optimization features like privacy protection, startup management, or real-time monitoring. Whether you’re looking for a one-click solution or a professional-grade cleaner, this list has you covered.

1. CCleaner

CCleaner has been the household name in PC cleaning for over a decade. Its strength lies in simplicity — with one click, you can remove temporary files, browser histories, registry issues, and more. It also includes optimization tools like startup manager and uninstaller.

Why it’s popular: because it balances ease of use with effectiveness, making it accessible to both beginners and tech-savvy users.

Key Features:

• Cleans browser cache, cookies, and histories.

• Removes temporary system files and logs.

• Startup and program manager for faster boot.

• Basic registry cleaner.

  
  

Best Use Case: Perfect for everyday PC users who want a reliable, fast, and proven tool to keep their systems running smoothly.

Pricing & Platform Support:

• Free version available.

• Premium: $24.95/year.

• Windows and macOS.

2. BleachBit

BleachBit is an open-source alternative to CCleaner. While lightweight, it’s surprisingly powerful and trusted by privacy-conscious users. In fact, it gained notoriety when it was reportedly used for securely wiping data during high-profile political events.

Unlike many cleaners, BleachBit not only removes junk files but also allows you to shred files permanently, ensuring they can’t be recovered.

Key Features:

• Open-source and completely free.

• Cross-platform: Windows and Linux.

• Deep cleaning for browsers and applications.

• Secure file shredding for privacy.

  
  

Best Use Case: Ideal for privacy enthusiasts and users who want a transparent, community-driven cleaner.

Pricing & Platform Support:

• Free.

• Windows, Linux.

3. Wise Disk Cleaner

Wise Disk Cleaner combines a friendly interface with powerful junk-cleaning features. It excels at clearing temporary files, system cache, and browser data. Additionally, it offers a disk defrag tool, which helps speed up older HDDs.

It’s lightweight, meaning you can run it on older machines without worrying about performance impact.

Key Features:

• One-click junk file removal.

• Browser cache and cookie cleaning.

• Disk defragmentation tool built-in.

• Schedule automatic cleanups.

  
  

Best Use Case: Great for users with older PCs who want to keep performance snappy without heavy software.

Pricing & Platform Support:

• Free.

• Windows only.

4. Glary Utilities

Glary Utilities isn’t just a junk file cleaner — it’s a full system optimization suite. With over 20 tools, it can clean, repair, optimize, and protect your PC.

Its disk cleaner module targets temporary files, browser caches, and residual junk, while additional features include memory optimization, registry fixing, and startup management.

Key Features:

• Junk file cleaner with customizable scans.

• Startup, memory, and registry optimization.

• Over 20 system utilities in one package.

• Simple “1-Click Maintenance” option.

  
  

Best Use Case: Perfect for users who want all-in-one performance tuning, not just junk cleaning.

Pricing & Platform Support:

• Free version.

• Pro version: $39.95/year.

• Windows only.

5. WebMinds FileCleaner Pro

If you’re looking for a powerful and automated solution, WebMinds FileCleaner Pro is one of the most advanced junk removal tools available. Unlike most cleaners that require manual scans, FileCleaner Pro runs in the background with real-time monitoring, deleting junk files as they accumulate.

It doesn’t stop at temporary system files — it also targets browser cache, chat logs, crash reports, and other hidden data sources that can clog up your PC.

Key Features:

• Real-time junk file monitoring and cleanup.

• Deletes browser cache, temporary files, logs, and crash dumps.

• Privacy cleaner: wipes chat history, online traces, and sensitive files.

• Automated scheduling for hassle-free maintenance.

  
  

Best Use Case: Best for users who want a hands-off solution. With FileCleaner Pro, you install it once and let it work quietly in the background, ensuring your PC stays optimized at all times.

Pricing & Platform Support:

• Paid (Pro version).

• Windows only.

  
  

👉 If you want a cleaner that goes beyond basic scans and offers real-time junk file removal, check out the FileCleaner Pro full version here and keep your PC performing like new.

6. Clean Master for PC

Originally popular as a mobile app, Clean Master also offers a PC version. It specializes in deleting temporary files and optimizing memory. Its interface is modern and beginner-friendly, making it great for casual users.

However, its development has slowed in recent years, so while still effective, it’s not updated as frequently as competitors.

Key Features:

• Junk file and cache cleaner.

• Memory optimization for faster performance.

• Simple, mobile-style interface.

• Privacy cleaner for browsing data.

  
  

Best Use Case: Best for casual PC users who want a simple, attractive cleaner without complex features.

Pricing & Platform Support:

• Free.

• Windows only.

7. AVG TuneUp

AVG TuneUp is more than just a cleaner — it’s a premium PC optimization suite from the makers of AVG Antivirus. Alongside junk removal, it includes features like automatic program updates, sleep mode for unused apps, and disk health monitoring.

The junk cleaning module is robust, covering everything from browser caches to system logs and temporary files.

Key Features:

• Junk cleaner with advanced scanning.

• Automatic program updates.

• App “sleep mode” for faster performance.

• Disk health checks.

  
  

Best Use Case: Great for users who want a premium optimization suite with junk cleaning as part of a larger toolkit.

Pricing & Platform Support:

• $49.99/year.

• Windows and macOS.

8. Ashampoo WinOptimizer

Ashampoo WinOptimizer is a professional-grade optimization tool that includes a powerful junk cleaner. Its “One-Click Optimizer” removes browser traces, temporary files, and system junk efficiently.

Ashampoo’s tool is also designed with modern Windows versions in mind, so it works seamlessly with Windows 10 and 11.

Key Features:

• One-click cleaning for system and browsers.

• Startup manager, registry cleaner, and privacy settings.

• Regular updates for modern Windows.

• Sleek, user-friendly design.

  
  

Best Use Case: Ideal for users who want a reliable, constantly updated cleaner tailored to Windows 10/11.

Pricing & Platform Support:

• $29.99 lifetime license.

• Windows only.

IObit Advanced SystemCare

Advanced SystemCare is one of the most popular PC optimization tools. Its junk cleaning capabilities are excellent, but it also includes advanced features like malware protection, registry cleaning, and system tune-ups.

With its modern dashboard and automation options, it’s perfect for users who want a visual and comprehensive optimizer.

Key Features:

• Junk and temp file cleaning.

• Browser privacy protection.

• Registry and shortcut fixes.

• Performance boost mode.

  
  

Best Use Case: Best for users who want a visual dashboard with both junk cleaning and system optimization in one.

Pricing & Platform Support:

• Free version available.

• Pro: $29.99/year.

• Windows only.

10. SlimCleaner

SlimCleaner stands out as one of the first cleaners with community-based ratings. It not only deletes junk files but also provides insights on startup programs and services, letting you decide whether to disable them based on user feedback.

This unique crowdsourced approach makes it ideal for users who like recommendations backed by community data.

Key Features:

• Junk file cleaner and system optimizer.

• Community ratings for apps and services.

• Startup and performance management.

• Lightweight and fast.

  
  

Best Use Case: Perfect for users who enjoy community-driven tools and want guidance when managing startup programs.

Pricing & Platform Support:

• Free version.

• Premium available.

• Windows only.

How to Choose the Right Junk File Cleaner

When picking a junk cleaner in 2025, keep these factors in mind:

• Ease of Use: If you’re a beginner, tools like CCleaner or Wise Disk Cleaner are simple.

• Automation: FileCleaner Pro and IObit Advanced SystemCare handle cleanups in the background.

• Privacy: BleachBit and FileCleaner Pro excel at deleting sensitive logs and browser data.

• Extra Features: If you want more than cleaning, Glary Utilities, AVG TuneUp, and Ashampoo WinOptimizer offer all-in-one optimization.

• Budget: Many tools offer free versions, but premium options add automation and deeper cleaning.

Final Thoughts

Regularly cleaning your system is one of the easiest ways to extend its life and maintain smooth performance. From basic free tools like Wise Disk Cleaner to premium, automated options like WebMinds FileCleaner Pro, the market in 2025 offers solutions for every type of user.

• Need simple? Start with CCleaner or BleachBit.

• Need automation? Go for FileCleaner Pro.

• Need all-in-one optimization? Try Glary Utilities or Ashampoo WinOptimizer.

  
  

No matter which tool you choose, the key is consistency — set up scheduled cleanings, and your PC will thank you with faster performance and more available storage.