Best Registry Cleaner for Windows 10 (Updated 2021)

After using your PC for some time, you may start feeling as if it has gotten ‘older.’ It starts booting slower, loading applications for longer, etc.

However, PC hardware lasts far longer than most people think, and the issue is not with your hardware but with your registry.

What is the registry?

Windows registry is a database that keeps the information about settings, user-preferences, hardware devices, and operating-system configurations. For example, when you install a program, a new subkey is created in the registry. When you set your preferences on the program, new entries are added.

The constant update however means that the registry can quickly become clogged with information. Some of this information may no longer be necessary, and some of it may be erroneous and can even cause crashes. This is where registry cleaners come in.

Why you need a registry cleaner

Windows registry is one of the most important parts of any computer system as it affects system performance, reliability, and even stability. Maintaining it is therefore important to optimize your PC.

Registry cleaners help accomplish this by:

Resolving Windows or supplication crashes
Removing unnecessary entries (freeing space)
Fixing invalid or erroneous entries
Optimizing settings

The registry is however a sensitive part of your PC that should not be messed around with unnecessarily. Further, you also need to be careful about the registry cleaner that you decide to use – some may end up messing with your operating system.

Luckily, we have done the hard part for you and reviewed the best registry cleaner software. The brands reviewed here are the best in the market, and we’ll go through each of them in detail. You can find a fit whether you are looking for a simple interface, free product, additional useful tools, or you run an old version of Windows.

Top 10 Best Registry Cleaners for Windows 10

1. Iolo System Mechanic

Iolo System Mechanic is one of the best PC utility tools, and it tops our list of the best registry cleaners. The utility software is more than just a registry cleaner as it provides PC care, cleans your device, speeds it up, and protects it. It promises 89% faster startup, 39% faster downloads, 17% improved CPU speed, and 8.6% improved graphics.

This is made possible through several features:

A Registry Tuner that defrags, compacts, optimizes and backs up system registry.
ActiveCare feature which cleans and removes unsafe clutter. It works when the PC is idle.
A Real-time & on-demand boost functionality that adjusts device settings to improve processor, memory & hard disk stability, and performance when using a PC or when you want to maximize performance.
A PC Cleanup & Privacy Cleaner tool that removes over 50 types of junk files and lets users wipe their internet history, clutter, and cache.
A Program Accelerator tool that re-aligns and defragments disjointed program files to enhance access speed.
A Startup Optimizer that locks unnecessary apps at startup to accelerate boot time and enhance performance.
A NetBooster tool that speeds up internet, video streaming, downloads, and games.
A Security Optimizer feature that is useful in finding and plugging operating system security holes with the latest available patches.
A Deceptive and Unwanted Programs Remover that identifies and helps remove programs that drain your PC for no significant reason.
An incinerator tool that lets you safely and permanently delete unwanted sensitive files.

Once you install the Iolo System Cleaner, you will get two scan modes: Quick scan and Deep Scan. The quick scan provides a brief report with several errors and then offers a one-click fix. The deep scan on the other hand provides a full report that organizes errors into categories and then provides explanations and tips.

One of the best features of the Iolo System Mechanic is that it has a built-in backup center. This allows users to roll back any changes that they have made in case of any system errors.

Free Trial & Pricing

System Mechanic has a free version that allows users to perform a quick scan and repair several issues. The premium version costs $39.96, and it comes with a 1-year whole-home license.

Pros

Attractive & easy-to-use interface
Detailed reports
System backup
Additional useful tools
Smooth scanning & quick analysis
Whole-home licensing

Cons

Registry cleaning is part of the deep scan
The free version is very limited

2. IObit Advanced SystemCare

IObit’s Advanced Systemcare is another of the best registry cleaners, and it doubles as an optimizer as well as a data protection utility. The utility software has a well-structured and attractive interface that is easy to navigate even for the most basic user.

Some of the features you will get from the solution include:

A Cleaner function that clears out clutter and junk files from your system. This creates more storage space and also improves RAM.
Web browser monitoring helps keep your system safe by blocking malicious content from the internet.
A clean and optimized tab to scan your device every time. While you don’t get an option to pause it, you can stop the process whenever you want.
Backup function to automatically secure a copy of your most important data.
Restart or shutdown features in case you want to reboot your PC after cleaning.
Startup manager that optimizes startup items to help your system boot up faster.
Drive error resolver to keep your drivers healthy and fix any windows problems
1-click option to remove and clear away any software left-overs

IObit’s Advanced Systemcare is compatible with all Windows operating systems. It also features more than ten areas of PC optimization to ensure your computer runs at its best.

Free trial & Pricing

The Advanced SystemCare solution by IObit is available in two versions: There is a free plan with limited functionality and a premium plan that comes with advanced features. The premium version costs $19.99.

Pros

Simple and clean interface suitable to users that aren’t tech-savvy
One-click scan and repair mode
12 different target areas of optimization
Active and real-time monitoring

Cons

Its many features can be overwhelming

3. CCleaner

The CCleaner solution by Piriform is a strong contender for the best registry cleaner. Alongside Iolo System Mechanic, it is among the best computer optimization freeware.

It comes with an inbuilt registry cleaning function that does what is expected. Further, it has a sharp and neat user interface that contributes to the software’s overall ease of use.

Below are Ccleaner’s best features:

Backup option for the registry.
Optimizer to boost your internet speeds and overall system performance.
Automatic browser cleaning (limited to the premium version only) that helps block any suspicious material.
A cleanup function that identifies and removes registry keys and values pointing to non-existent programs on your system.
Automatic update, which saves you the trouble of having reminders to let you should update the software.
A tool section where users can modify or uninstall programs they don’t use anymore. Users can also locate and delete unnecessary files using up disk space that can be used elsewhere.
Real-time monitoring to identify any issues and fix them as soon as they are detected.

Unlike other registry cleaners, the Ccleaner tool is presented as an installable tool and a portable tool. The latest Ccleaner version is supported on all Windows operating systems higher than Windows 7.

There is also a macOS software that is compatible with macOS 10.8 and higher.

Free trial & Pricing

Like the other two solutions above, Ccleaner comes in two versions. Their free version is however one of the best you can opt for as it has a lot of free features. The pro version is available in two plans – $19.95/year for 1 PC and $29.95/year for 3 PCs. There’s also an option for businesses.

Pros

Ideal for beginners
Optional backup
Several PC maintenance tools
Available as a portable software
Automatic software updates

Cons

Annoying, incessant pop-ups
Does little to boost computer startup time
May ask you to install an extra software

4. SysTweak RegClean Pro

It not hard to see why SysTweak RegClean’s solution finds itself next on our list once you know what it has to offer. The tool is designed to clean, fix, and optimize your Windows registry in a simple and efficient manner.

SysTweak RegClean Pro also corrects the invalid registry entries present from outdated files and programs, thereby improving PC performance.

Here are the features you’ll find on the tool:

Error resolver that fixes a wide range of errors, including DLL’s issues. It also eliminates performance lag.
Registry defrag that reorganizes your registry in sequential order to boost system response time.
Automatic backup function for the whole PC. This helps do a quick roll-back.
A scheduler that allows you to set intervals for registry cleaning. This can be daily, weekly, or monthly.
Custom scan feature that helps you target specific issues like a startup.
An exclusion option you can use to specify the registry entries that you want to be skipped during the scan process.
Full registry backup before carrying out any fixes when you run it for the first time. You also get incremental registry backups in the successive runs.
Multi-user cleaning that allows you to scan and also clean your system without having to log in for each user.
Recommended action section where you get suggestions on how to boost the performance based on scan results.

We also love that RegClean pro has a great interface that both experts and amateurs will find easy to deal with. The tool is compatible with all Windows operating systems, including and higher than XP (32- & 64-bit architectures).

Free Trial & Pricing

The paid version of the award-winning registry cleaner is available at US$ 39.95, and it comes with the Systweak PhotoStudio v2.1 tool for free. You can alternatively download and use the free version that is also available on the website.

Pros

Scheduler option
Registry defrag
Registry back-up & restore
Customized scans
Exclusion list
Plenty of other useful features

Cons

It is pricey

5. Auslogics Registry Cleaner

The Auslogics Registry Cleaner is not only one of the best registry cleaners but also one of the easiest to use. It provides users with a convenient way of doing repairs to the registry using a categorized view that is much like a list form.

Here, you can select the areas that you want to clean and repair. While the tool’s interface is not as appealing as other cleaners like Wise Cleaner, the tool does get the job done.

Auslogics also helps deliver a smooth and fast browsing experience by adjusting internet connection settings.

Here are the features that make the tool one of the best:

Severity rating in the form of colours. It notifies you how serious a registry error is.
Real-time detection of registry issues.
Automatic processor and memory management for optimum system performance.
Pause and resume function that lets you put its work on hold and pick it up later when you want it to run.
Automatic registry backup that comes in before beginning the cleaning & repairing process. You can disable this option through the settings menu under backup changes.
Groups the issues affecting your system conveniently under tags like missing software, file associations, and history lists.
The cleaner that fixes error crashes, and other system issues to restore the PC’s performance (optimization).
Left-over remover that deletes unwanted data, e.g. files left behind by uninstalled apps mostly due to poorly written code.
A review section where you can choose which registry entries identified by the software as the corrupt need to be deleted or excluded.

The tool is compatible with both 32- and 64-bit architecture of Windows 7 and higher. It can also be used in PCs running 32-bit versions of Windows XP & Vista.

Free Trial & Pricing

You can choose to go with the freeware version that comes with an ultra-fast scanning engine and does registry check-up and other essential repairs. To get additional features like notification settings control and priority support, you’ll need the pro version. For $9.98, you get three PC licenses of the pro version for one year.

Pros

Takes a convenient approach to identifying and fixing registry issues
For most PC users, the freeware version is enough to get the job done
Gives you full control to choose what you want to delete
Has a straightforward interface that is easy to use

Cons

Often installs other unwanted software
The in-depth optimization feature is limited to the pro version

6. Wise Registry Cleaner

If only visual appearance counted, then Wise Registry would easily be among the top three registry cleaners. Unfortunately, there’s more to a reliable registry cleaner than how it appears. That, however, doesn’t mean Wise Registry Cleaner is not good. On the contrary, it is a great tool for managing your registry entries, and that’s why it has earned a position in our list of the best registry cleaners.

The utility software presents you with two scanning modes: fast scan and deep scan. Users can also run the scans from the command line. After running a scan, the tool will categorize the detected errors conveniently to make it easy to start repairing.

Other Wise Registry Cleaner features include:

Automatic registry backup before the program starts running a scan.
Registry defrags to reorder the entries.
Multi-user cleaning that is handy in cases where a computer is shared e.g. home computers. You can use the Administrator account to scan all others.
Registry cleaner that scans your system to identify registry issues and residual items from obsolete programs and files.
Option to create registry backup manually when you want to reconfigure your PC’s network or system settings.
Automatic scheduler that allows you to set when the program should clean the registry. You can choose between daily, weekly, or monthly intervals.
1-click registry cleaning option in the form of a desktop icon that can be created from the settings menu. The icon allows you to run scans and clean the registry without launching the main program.
System tune-up that boosts overall system performance. Users can choose to reverse the optimizations by switching back to the default registry settings.

The Wise Registry Cleaner is available as an installable software and a portable one. You’ll notice a skippable push notification during the installation asking you to download Wise Disk Cleaner, but that shouldn’t be a problem. The registry cleaner is compatible with all PCs running Windows XP and higher.

Free trial & Pricing

Wise registry cleaner’s paid version costs $29.95 and comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee. There is also a free version of the program.

Pros

Three scan levels – normal, safe, and deep scan levels
Not only cleans the registry but also optimizes system settings for better performance
Comes with plenty of features, including the command line option
All-around the clock customer support

Cons

Will try to install another program
Requires rebooting when making changes

7. JetClean

BlueSprig’s JetClean is one of the few genuinely free, albeit reliable registry cleaners you can find out there. It has a well-designed and clean interface that makes navigation easy.

JetClean has a portable and installable version of the software, although there is a catch. The portable version is not available directly, and you need to generate it from the installable version.

Here are the features you can expect from JetClean:

1-click option that allows you to manage your registry entries and tune the system for better performance.
Registry manager removes unused registry entries making your system even more stable by reducing crashes.
File cleaner that identifies and clears any obsolete and junk items in sections such as recent documents, recycle bin, clipboard, DNS cache, and memory dumps.
Internet connection optimizer to boost online gaming experience by removing hitches that cause slow internet connection.
System cleaner to declutter your system by getting rid of temp files and recent file lists (MRUs) from apps, including Windows Media Player, Microsoft Office, Google Toolbar, WinRAR, eMule, and Adobe Acrobat to clear hard drive space.
Error fix function in the registry to improve the PC’s access speed to the registry.

JetClean Registry cleaner is compatible with all Windows operating systems.

Free Trial & Pricing

As mentioned above, this is the first free registry cleaner on our list. You can download the software from BlueSprig’s official website.

Pros

Well-designed interface
Has a portable version
All-round registry cleaner

Cons

The amount of cookies the software regards as important are way too many
Attempts to install a toolbar during the installation process
A portable version can only be obtained after installation

8. JV16PowerTools

Unlike other standalone registry cleaners, JV16PowerTools is a set of optimization tools that feature a registry cleaner component. Other tools in the set are startup optimizer, windows anti-spy, file cleaner, registry compactor, history cleaner, and software uninstaller.

Jv16PowerTools allows you to save scanning results in different formats, and you can also choose to print out the scan results. The program has a separate registry editor section where users can manage the registry errors detected.

Some of the features in the program include:

System cleaner that runs a check throughout your system for any registry errors. It also inspects for any orphaned cache and obsolete files.
A data manager lets you choose to remove the recommended files or choose what gets deleted. We like that the tool provides information on why each item presented was flagged.
Online privacy protection by cleaning the browser cookies and history. The program allows you to select what needs to be removed domain by domain. This way, you won’t lose data on the sites you use. Browsers supported include Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Opera.
Error resolver that identifies and tries to fix Windows Events Log related errors such as Windows update not working.
Software uninstaller to remove remaining left-over files of uninstalled programs that make the system bloated and consequently slow.
Internet optimizer to boost browsing speeds by making changes to the DNS settings with a single click.
A finder option where you can search for files with advanced settings. You get the option to write the protected files and even delete the locked ones.
Duplicate file finder that identifies similar files and similar content in files even if even they are named differently. The function also gives you an option to keep or choose which files to delete.
Task closer that shuts down the programs that often distract you when you’re focused on a project. You can also use this feature to close some programs, draw their resources, and direct them elsewhere e.g. to a game application.
Software updater that helps you keep the installed PC applications updated. The program offers a click option that directs you to the sites of the vendors.
The program also comes with a translation feature that automatically updates the language to match the one set on your computer. You can also change the language from the menu.

JV16 PowerTools is compatible with PCs running Windows SP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10. While the program comes with several components, it can be a challenge for users that love straightforward registry cleaners.

Free trial & Pricing

The program comes with a 14- day free trial that doesn’t require you to provide your credit card details. After the free trial, you can sign up for any of the plans offered. The yearly plan costs $16, the 2-year plan goes for $29.9, and the lifetime plan costs $39.95. All plans support up to 5 computers.

Pros

Automatic registry backup
Doesn’t attempt to install other applications
Features a websites blacklist
Can be used in different languages

Cons

It is not as user friendly as other registry cleaners

9. Defencebyte Computer Optimizer

Computer Optimizer is developed by Australia-based company defencebyte. It comes with a registry cleaner tool coupled with other tools.

The cleaner tool helps users fix their system software, startup entries, shared libraries, fonts, and virtual devices.

Here are some of the optimizer’s best features:

A browser cleaner that checks your browser for unwanted URLs and other items that slow done the browser speeds.
A cleaner that clears the invalid paths and removes unwanted file extensions
Uninstaller function that removes left-over data from previously deleted software and removed entries.
Scheduler where you can set intervals for system scans

Supported operating systems include Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10.

Free trial & Pricing

The pricing period is yearly, and the amount varies depending on the number of PCs you’d like to use it on. The pricing starts from $38.95 for 1 PC to $181.95 for 10 PCs. defencebyte offers a 15-day free trial version and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

Delivers fast and accurate performance
Features additional tools in the program
Has a 15-day free trial
Has a money-back guarantee

Cons

Expensive plans
Can be hard to configure and use sometimes

10. AML Registry Cleaner

AML cleaner is a simple PC cleaner software that fixes Windows registry problems to make the PC run efficiently. The utility software is quite good at cleaning common junk files that accumulate over time.

Here are the features the cleaner packs:

Startup manager where you can access and manages the programs that automatically start when the PC boots. You can disable specific programs to make the startup process faster.
A cleaner that deletes the obsolete and junk files
The program has 22 pre-configured file extensions that are generally regarded as disposable. Beyond this, users can also add other file types to the list.
Finder tool that you can use to search for words in the Windows registry

The program’s interface is ‘old,’ but as a trade-off, the cleaner packs a solid registry search tool. AML registry cleaner supports both 32- and 64-bit versions of all Windows operating systems (Windows XP, 2003, Vista, 7, and 8).

Free trial & Pricing

The AML registry cleaner software is available for free and can be downloaded from the official AML website.

Pros

Has a basic interface that is easy to use
It is free
Gives you the option to search for words in the registry

Cons

It lacks a backup feature
Some users might find its interface outdated
It doesn’t support Windows 10

Trends & controversy of registry cleaners

While reading about registry cleaners, you will definitely come out across statements such as “they do more harm than good,” “they do not do much to boost performance,” etc. Such has led to skepticism about their importance.

However, registry cleaners can be quite beneficial especially when your PC is slowing down or has errors. The problem comes in that most of the products out there are not good enough, and there are lots of rogue PC utilities too.

To reap the most out of a registry cleaner, opt for a highly rated product, preferably one that is not free. The guide above should be quite beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a registry cleaner?

A registry cleaner is a utility software designed to help remove redundant items and correct errors in the Windows registry. It also performs several other registry maintenance tasks that boost system stability, reliability, and performance.

Can I clean the registry without a software?

You can, but do not attempt it. Windows registry is like the nerve center of your PC, and messing with it can easily lead to errors.

Does Microsoft provide a registry cleaner?

Microsoft does not provide a registry cleaner, and so you have to rely on third-party software. The above list features the best registry cleaners in the market.

What causes a Windows Registry error?

Registry errors can be caused by improper shutdowns, viruses/ malware, multiple entries, orphaned entries, and a fragmented registry, among others.

Why buy a registry cleaner when there are plenty of free alternatives?

Most free registry cleaners can introduce adware, spyware, or viruses to your PC. They can also install other programs and toolbars without exclusively stating it during installation. And although the free options listed above are reliable, they offer minimal functionalities.

Conclusion

When you start getting frustrated with your computer’s performance, the solution doesn’t have to be purchasing a new computer. With the tools above, you can easily perform any required cleaning tasks and solve all registry errors. The tools we have listed are the best in the market, and so you can choose the one that fits your needs best.