You may have heard that you shouldn't tinker with the Windows Registry, but sometimes cleaning up the Windows Registry is still necessary. Over time, the registry accumulates corrupted, outdated, and even missing registry keys, which can hurt your computer's performance. You may also see frequent error messages. Use built-in or third-party tools to fix any problems the registry causes.
1. Use Disk Cleanup
The simplest way to clean up the Windows Registry is to use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool. It is also useful for removing unneeded files from your hard drive. Although it isn't designed specifically for registry cleanup, it can help clear out leftovers from apps and drivers. When those files are removed, the corresponding registry entries are usually deleted as well.
To use it, open Start, type disk cleanup, and select the Disk Cleanup result.
After the tool finishes its scan, you can click Clean Up System Files to see additional options once the tool runs a second time.
Next, choose the options you want to delete, or select them all. Make sure there are no files in the Recycle Bin that you want to keep. Finally, click OK to clean up your system.
2. Use DISM
DISM, short for Deployment Image Servicing and Management, is a built-in Windows tool used to fix update and system errors. It can also help repair problems related to a corrupted registry. Although it isn't a full registry cleaner, DISM can improve the health of the registry.
To use DISM, open Start and type cmd. Then select Run as administrator for Command Prompt.
Once Command Prompt is open, enter the following command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
The tool will scan for and clear out errors. Although this isn't directly related to the registry, fixing the problems it finds can help your computer run more smoothly.
3. Clean Up the Windows Registry Manually
If you don't want to dig deep into the Registry, you can clean it up manually without any other tools. Before trying this method, always make sure you have backed up your data.
Press Win + R and type regedit to open Registry Editor. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Software. Look for software or apps you have uninstalled. If you see a folder for that software, right-click it and select Delete.
Delete the software keys from the Registry. When you're done, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > Software and repeat the process to delete the folders of uninstalled software.
4. Use CCleaner
CCleaner is a popular PC cleaning program that has been around for many years. From deleting cookies and temporary files to helping manage startup options, it handles many useful jobs, including cleaning up the Windows Registry. CCleaner can also back up the Registry before cleaning, which is a good idea.
To clean the Windows Registry with CCleaner, just open the program, select Registry, then click Scan for Issues. Next, you can choose Review selected Issues > Yes to back up the Registry and delete items one by one or all at once.
Although premium options are available, the free version of CCleaner still offers all the features you need. You can run the tool by right-clicking the Recycle Bin or opening it from the Start menu.
5. Clean Up with Wise Registry Cleaner
Wise Registry Cleaner is a lightweight, free tool for cleaning the Windows Registry. Just select Registry Cleaner > Scan. You will be prompted to back up the Registry the first time.
Clean the Windows Registry with Wise. A premium version is available, but the free version handles almost everything you need. The premium version includes scheduled cleaning. If you use the free version, make a note to run it every few months.
6. Use Auslogics Registry Cleaner
Auslogics Registry Cleaner is a program with a long history of helping users clean the Windows Registry. The free version offers basic scanning, enough to meet most users' needs. However, users can upgrade to the premium version to get notifications, as well as more detailed scanning and cleaning. Just select Scan Now at the bottom to start scanning for errors.
Clean the Registry with Auslogics. Before deleting any entries, you can review them all to stay in full control. The tool removes only safe entries to keep your system safe.
