| Feature | CCleaner Installed | CCleaner Portable | |---------|--------------------|--------------------| | Installation required | Yes | No | | Writes to Registry | Yes | No | | Leaves traces on PC | Yes (logs, shortcuts) | No | | Runs from USB drive | No | Yes | | Automatic updates | Yes | Manual update only | | Suitable for IT pros | Limited | Excellent |

Since it doesn’t install, you don’t need to worry about background services, auto-updaters, or telemetry from the tool itself.

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5) — Minus half a star for no official portable autoupdater, but otherwise excellent.

Windows 10 has built-in storage sense and disk cleanup tools, but they lack the depth and speed of CCleaner. Here’s why the portable version shines: