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How to Fix CCleaner Taking Forever to Scan on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

CCleaner is a popular tool used to clean unnecessary files and optimize your Windows 11 system. Sometimes, however, users notice that CCleaner takes an unusually long time to complete its scanning process. This delay can be frustrating and may affect your computer’s performance.

Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can follow to fix CCleaner when it’s taking forever to scan. These solutions range from basic checks to more advanced adjustments.

This article will guide you through step-by-step methods to speed up CCleaner scans on Windows 11. Each step is explained clearly, so even beginners can follow along easily.

By the end, you should be able to resolve the issue and enjoy faster scans with CCleaner.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before diving into the solutions, make sure you have done the following quick checks:

  • Update CCleaner: Ensure you are running the latest version of CCleaner. Developers frequently release updates that fix bugs and improve performance.
  • Restart Your Computer: Sometimes, a simple restart can clear temporary glitches affecting scan speed.
  • Close Other Programs: Running many applications at once can slow down CCleaner. Close unnecessary programs before scanning.
  • Check System Health: Make sure your Windows 11 system is running smoothly without disk errors or malware.

Step 1: Adjust CCleaner Scan Settings

CCleaner scans many areas of your system by default, which can increase scanning time. Adjusting these settings can help speed up the process.

  1. Open CCleaner on your Windows 11 PC.
  2. Click Options in the left sidebar.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Look for the section labeled Scan for Issues or similar.
  5. Uncheck any areas that you do not want to scan, such as deep registry sections or browser caches you rarely use.
  6. Save your changes.

Why this helps: By reducing the number of items CCleaner scans, it requires less time to complete the process.

Step 2: Run CCleaner as Administrator

Running CCleaner with administrative privileges can improve its access to files and system areas, potentially speeding up scans.

  1. Close CCleaner if it is open.
  2. Right-click the CCleaner shortcut or executable icon.
  3. Select Run as administrator.
  4. Confirm any User Account Control prompts.
  5. Perform the scan again and check if it runs faster.

Why this helps: Administrator mode allows CCleaner to bypass certain restrictions and access files more quickly.

Step 3: Exclude Large or Problematic Folders

Sometimes CCleaner gets stuck or slows down by scanning very large folders or folders with many files.

  1. In CCleaner, go to Options > Exclude.
  2. Click Add to specify folders or files to exclude from scans.
  3. Choose folders you know are large or not critical to clean, such as download folders with many files.
  4. Save the exclusions.
  5. Try scanning again.

Why this helps: Excluding these folders reduces scan workload and avoids slowdowns caused by huge file counts.

Step 4: Temporarily Disable Antivirus Software

Sometimes, antivirus programs interfere with CCleaner by scanning the same files simultaneously. This can cause CCleaner to slow down.

  1. Temporarily disable your antivirus software.
  2. Run a CCleaner scan to check if it speeds up.
  3. If the scan is faster, add CCleaner to your antivirus’s exception or whitelist.
  4. Re-enable your antivirus for protection afterward.

Important: Only disable antivirus temporarily to test. Do not leave your system unprotected.

Step 5: Clear CCleaner’s Cache and Temporary Files

CCleaner itself stores some temporary data which can sometimes cause slowdowns if corrupted or bloated.

  1. Close CCleaner.
  2. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
  3. Type %appdata%CCleaner and press Enter.
  4. Delete all files and folders inside this directory.
  5. Restart CCleaner and try scanning again.

Why this helps: Removing old or corrupted cache files can improve CCleaner’s performance.

Step 6: Reinstall CCleaner

If the problem persists, reinstalling CCleaner can fix any corrupted program files or settings.

  1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps in Windows 11.
  2. Find CCleaner in the list and select Uninstall.
  3. Download the latest version of CCleaner from the official website: https://www.ccleaner.com.
  4. Install it and restart your PC.
  5. Run CCleaner and test the scan speed.

Why this helps: A fresh installation removes any damaged files or incorrect settings causing slow scanning.

Alternative Options and Advanced Tips

  • Use Custom Cleaning: Instead of full scans, use CCleaner’s custom clean feature to focus on specific areas.
  • Limit Registry Cleaning: Registry scans can be slow; use them sparingly or skip them if not necessary.
  • Check Disk Health: Run chkdsk in Command Prompt to check for disk errors that might slow file access.
  • Run CCleaner in Safe Mode: Boot Windows 11 in Safe Mode and run CCleaner to avoid interference from other programs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is CCleaner taking so long to scan on Windows 11?

It may be scanning too many files, running without admin rights, or being slowed down by antivirus software or large folders.

Is it safe to exclude folders from CCleaner scans?

Yes. Excluding folders that you know contain important or large files you don’t want deleted can speed up scans without harming your system.

Can antivirus software cause CCleaner to slow down?

Yes. Antivirus programs may scan files simultaneously, causing delays. Temporarily disabling antivirus can help identify if this is the issue.

Should I use registry cleaning to speed up CCleaner?

Registry cleaning can slow down scans and is generally optional. Only use it if you understand the risks and need it.

Will reinstalling CCleaner delete my settings?

Usually, yes. Reinstalling removes previous settings, so you may need to reconfigure your preferences.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and CCleaner is still slow, consider these final options:

  • Contact CCleaner Support: Visit the official support page for help: https://support.ccleaner.com.
  • Use Alternative Tools: Explore other cleaning tools like BleachBit or Windows built-in Disk Cleanup.
  • Check Windows System Health: Run Windows Troubleshooter or perform a system reset if your PC shows signs of deeper issues.

Conclusion

CCleaner taking forever to scan on Windows 11 is a common issue that can usually be fixed with simple steps. Adjusting scan settings, running CCleaner as administrator, excluding large folders, and managing antivirus interference are effective ways to speed up scans.

Clearing CCleaner’s cache and reinstalling the program can also resolve deeper problems. Always start with the easiest solutions and gradually move to more advanced steps as needed.

By following this guide, you can get CCleaner working efficiently again and keep your Windows 11 PC clean and optimized.

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