How to Fix CCleaner Not Supported Error on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

CCleaner is a popular tool for cleaning up unnecessary files and optimizing your PC’s performance. However, some users encounter the “CCleaner Not Supported” error on Windows 11, which can be frustrating. This error usually means the app is having trouble recognizing or working properly with your operating system.

Fortunately, there are several simple solutions you can try to fix this issue and get CCleaner running smoothly again. This guide will walk you through each step in a clear and easy-to-understand way.

Before diving into more complex fixes, it’s important to check a few basic things to avoid wasting time. Let’s start with some quick notes that will help you prepare.

By following these instructions carefully, even beginners can troubleshoot and resolve the error without hassle.

Quick Note: Basic Checks Before You Begin

Check Windows Version: Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date. CCleaner requires the latest updates to work properly.
Verify CCleaner Version: Download the latest version of CCleaner from the official website. Older versions might not support Windows 11.
Restart Your PC: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches causing the error.
Administrator Rights: Ensure you are running CCleaner as an administrator for full access to system files.

Step 1: Run CCleaner as Administrator

Running CCleaner with administrator privileges can solve permission-related issues that cause the “Not Supported” error. Here is how to do it:

Locate the CCleaner shortcut or executable file on your desktop or in the installation folder.
Right-click on it and select Run as administrator.
If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow the app to make changes.
Check if CCleaner works without showing the error.

This step is important because some system files require elevated permissions to be accessed or cleaned, and running as administrator grants those rights.

Step 2: Update CCleaner to the Latest Version

Running an outdated version of CCleaner can cause compatibility issues with Windows 11. To update:

Open CCleaner if possible.
Go to the Help menu and select Check for Updates.
If an update is available, follow the prompts to download and install it.
Restart your PC after updating.

If you cannot open CCleaner, download the latest installer directly from the official CCleaner website and reinstall the app.

Step 3: Check Windows Updates

Windows updates often include fixes that improve compatibility with software like CCleaner. To check for updates:

Click on the Start button and select Settings.
Go to Windows Update.
Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
Restart your computer after installing updates.

Keeping Windows updated ensures your system has the latest drivers and security patches, which can prevent errors.

Step 4: Reinstall CCleaner

If updating doesn’t work, reinstalling CCleaner can fix corrupted files or installation issues. Follow these steps carefully:

Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
Type appwiz.cpl and press Enter to open Programs and Features.
Find CCleaner in the list, click on it, and select Uninstall.
After uninstalling, restart your PC.
Download the latest version of CCleaner from the official site.
Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install CCleaner again.

This process removes any corrupted files and installs a fresh copy that is compatible with Windows 11.

Step 5: Run CCleaner in Compatibility Mode

If CCleaner still shows the error, try running it in compatibility mode for an earlier version of Windows. Here’s how:

Right-click the CCleaner shortcut or executable file and select Properties.
Go to the Compatibility tab.
Check the box that says Run this program in compatibility mode for:
Select Windows 10 or Windows 8 from the dropdown.
Click Apply and then OK.
Try running CCleaner again.

This step forces Windows 11 to treat CCleaner as if it were running on an earlier version, which can fix compatibility problems.

Alternative Method: Use an Older Version of CCleaner

Sometimes the latest CCleaner version may have bugs with Windows 11. As a temporary workaround, you can try installing an older stable version:

Search for older CCleaner versions from reputable software archives or the official website’s version history.
Download and install an older version that was known to work well on Windows 10.
Be cautious when downloading software from third-party sites to avoid malware.

Use this only if the latest version consistently shows errors and no updates are available.

FAQs

Why does CCleaner say “Not Supported” on Windows 11?

This error usually means CCleaner isn’t fully compatible with your version of Windows or lacks the necessary permissions to run properly.

Can I use CCleaner safely on Windows 11?

Yes, but ensure you download the latest version and run it with administrator rights to avoid errors.

Is it okay to run CCleaner in compatibility mode?

Yes, compatibility mode can help if the app hasn’t been fully optimized for Windows 11 yet.

Will uninstalling and reinstalling CCleaner cause data loss?

No, CCleaner mainly cleans temporary and junk files. Reinstalling the app won’t affect your personal data.

What should I do if CCleaner still doesn’t work after these steps?

Try checking for Windows updates, or consider alternative cleanup tools until CCleaner releases a fully compatible update.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and CCleaner still shows the “Not Supported” error, here are some final options:

Visit the Official CCleaner Support: Access the CCleaner Help Center for official troubleshooting guides and contact support.
Use Alternative Software: Consider other PC cleaning tools like BleachBit, Wise Disk Cleaner, or Windows’ built-in Disk Cleanup.
Wait for Updates: Sometimes software updates take time to fully support new OS versions like Windows 11.
System Restore: If CCleaner was working before, you can try restoring your system to an earlier point when it worked.

Conclusion

The “CCleaner Not Supported” error on Windows 11 can be frustrating but is often easy to fix by following a few straightforward steps. Starting with running the app as administrator and updating both CCleaner and Windows usually solves the problem. If that doesn’t help, reinstalling or running CCleaner in compatibility mode are good next steps. Always ensure you download the software from official sources to avoid issues.

By carefully following this guide, you should be able to resolve the error and keep your PC clean and optimized with CCleaner on Windows 11.