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Head-to-head · PC Optimization Software

Microsoft PC Manager vs CCleaner

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score Microsoft PC Manager #1 in PC Optimization Software 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 5 features Visit Microsoft
CCleaner #2 in PC Optimization Software 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 5 features Visit CCleaner

Microsoft PC Manager leads on 0 checks, CCleaner on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreMicrosoft PC Manager · 9.4/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresCCleaner · 5 of 5

Microsoft PC Manager scores higher on our rubric for pc optimization software: 9.4 against 9.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #2.

Microsoft PC Manager is the better fit for windows users wanting a free basic optimizer. CCleaner is the better fit for users wanting a mature all-round PC cleaner.

  • Microsoft PC Manager fits best

    Windows users wanting a free basic optimizer

  • CCleaner fits best

    Users wanting a mature all-round PC cleaner

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Side by side

Feature Microsoft PC Manager 9.4/10 Visit ↗ CCleaner 9.3/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 9.3
Ranking #1 in PC Optimization Software #2 in PC Optimization Software
Best for Windows users wanting a free basic optimizer Users wanting a mature all-round PC cleaner
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan $44.95/device/yr
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Windows Windows, macOS, Android
Support Email Tickets, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Microsoft PC Manager 2/5 · CCleaner 5/5
Junk cleanup ✓ ✓
Startup manager ✓ ✓
Driver updates Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Scheduled maintenance Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Restore-point tools Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Specs
Windows support Windows 10 and 11 Windows 10 and 11
Device limit Not checked yet 1 devices
Our review
Pros
  • Covers cleanup, storage analysis, startup, and process management
  • Includes Windows Update support and threat scanning
  • Adds uninstall, taskbar repair, and default-app reset tools
  • Free plan covers standard cleaning, privacy, and Basic Health Check
  • Professional adds driver updates, optimization, and scheduled cleaning
  • Supports Windows, macOS, Android, Google Drive, and OneDrive
Cons
  • Supports Windows 10 and 11 rather than multiple operating systems
  • Threat scanning runs through Windows Security Center
  • Its focus is routine maintenance rather than broader PC management
  • The Free plan omits driver updates and Performance Optimizer
  • Professional covers one PC per annual subscription
  • Some advanced features require higher-priced annual tiers
Our verdict

Microsoft PC Manager is a free Windows utility for maintaining and managing PCs. It suits Windows 10 and Windows 11 users who want one place to inspect system health, remove unnecessary files, review storage use, manage startup items and…

Read the review →

CCleaner is a PC maintenance utility for consumers and businesses, centered on cleaning removable junk such as temporary files, browser data, and application residue. It also manages Windows startup items, updates software and device…

Read the review →
  1. Microsoft PC ManagerPC Optimization Software 9.4Free plan
  2. CCleanerPC Optimization Software 9.3Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Microsoft PC Manager — where it wins

    • Covers cleanup, storage analysis, startup, and process management
    • Includes Windows Update support and threat scanning
    • Adds uninstall, taskbar repair, and default-app reset tools

    Where it doesn't

    • Supports Windows 10 and 11 rather than multiple operating systems
    • Threat scanning runs through Windows Security Center
    • Its focus is routine maintenance rather than broader PC management

  • CCleaner — where it wins

    • Free plan covers standard cleaning, privacy, and Basic Health Check
    • Professional adds driver updates, optimization, and scheduled cleaning
    • Supports Windows, macOS, Android, Google Drive, and OneDrive

    Where it doesn't

    • The Free plan omits driver updates and Performance Optimizer
    • Professional covers one PC per annual subscription
    • Some advanced features require higher-priced annual tiers

More comparisons

All PC optimization software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update