Windows 11 includes several built-in tools to help keep storage usage under control on your computer. Features like Storage Sense, the Temporary Files settings page, and Storage Recommendation can help you reclaim storage with ease, making third-party cleanup utilities less essential than they once were.
However, those features don't clean everything. If you want more control over temporary files, browser data, app caches, and privacy-related files, BleachBit is one tool you have to try. It's free, open source, and, unlike many PC "optimizer" apps, it focuses on cleaning unnecessary files rather than promising unrealistic performance improvements.
In this how-to guide, I'll explain what BleachBit does, how to use it on Windows 11, which settings I recommend, and which features you should avoid unless you understand exactly what they do.
What is BleachBit?
BleachBit is a free and open-source cleanup utility for Windows 11 that removes temporary files, caches, logs, browsing data, and other unnecessary files created by the operating system and many third-party apps.
Unlike many commercial cleanup tools, BleachBit doesn't include advertisements, bundled tools, or premium features. Instead, it gives you complete control over what gets removed and explains every cleaning option before you run it.
Rather than replacing the built-in cleanup tools available on Windows 11, I see BleachBit as an additional utility for users who want more control over what gets cleaned.
Why use BleachBit?
Although Windows 11 already provides several storage management tools, BleachBit adds several more capabilities.
For example, cleaning the system's temporary files as well as those junk files created by third-party apps. You can also use the tool to clean temporary browser data, such as cache, history, and downloads.
In addition, BleachBit provides secure file shredding to make recovery more difficult and wipes free storage space on supported drives.
Finally, the tool offers command-line support for scripting and automation, and there's a portable version that you can use without installation.
The biggest advantage is flexibility. Instead of cleaning everything automatically, BleachBit lets you decide exactly what should (and shouldn't) be removed.
Install BleachBit on Windows 11
Installing BleachBit is straightforward. You can download either the standard installer or the portable version, then launch the application. However, the quickest way to install the app is by running the winget install --id BleachBit.BleachBit command in Command Prompt (admin).
For most cleanup tasks, running it in normal mode is enough. Some system cleaning options may require administrator privileges.
Once opened, you'll notice a list of apps and cleaning categories on the left, along with a brief description of each option as you select it.
Always run Preview first
One feature I recommend using every time is Preview. Instead of immediately deleting files, the "Preview" option scans your system, estimates how much storage space can be reclaimed, and shows exactly what BleachBit intends to remove.
Even if you've used BleachBit before, I still recommend running the Preview option first.
Recommended cleanup options
For routine maintenance, I recommend starting with categories that are generally safe to remove.
For example, from the "System" section, some good choices include:
- Temporary files.
- Logs.
- Clipboard.
- Recycle Bin.
- Update uninstallers.
Usually, these items consume storage over time without affecting your daily workflow.
For browser cleaning, I suggest being more selective. Clearing cached files occasionally is perfectly reasonable, but deleting cookies will sign you out of websites, and removing session data will close saved browsing sessions.
Unless you're troubleshooting a browser issue or intentionally clearing your browsing activity, I usually leave those options unchecked.
The same advice applies to app caches. While they're generally safe to clear, some apps may take longer to launch the next time because they'll need to recreate those files.
As mentioned above, cleaning actions may require using the tool in Expert mode. If you receive the prompt, open the BleachBit main menu, select "Preferences," and choose the "Expert mode" option located in the "General" tab.
Securely delete sensitive files
BleachBit includes a built-in file shredder for permanently deleting sensitive files (and folders).
Unlike sending a file to the Recycle Bin (or even deleting it permanently with the "Shift + Delete" shortcut), secure shredding overwrites the file's contents before removing it, making recovery using standard data recovery tools much more difficult.
If you want to use this feature, open the BleachBit menu (the first icon at the top-left), choose the "Shred Files" option, then select the file to delete.
This feature is useful when you're deleting confidential content, financial records, or other sensitive files you don't want recovered later.
Wipe free disk space
The open-source tool can also overwrite unused space on a drive to remove traces of files that were previously deleted through the Recycle Bin.
This feature is intended primarily for drives before selling, donating, or retiring a computer, or for secondary drives.
The feature is available from the BleachBit main menu by selecting the "Wipe Empty Space" option and choosing the drive you want to clean.
I don't recommend running free-space wiping as part of regular maintenance because it takes time and provides little benefit for everyday use.
If you're preparing a device for resale, the Reset this PC feature is generally the better approach.
One feature you won't find
One thing that BleachBit doesn't offer is a Registry cleaner.
I actually consider that an advantage. For years, Registry cleaners have been marketed as a way to improve performance in the operating system, but in practice, they rarely provide measurable benefits. Worse, removing the wrong Registry entries can cause apps or the system itself to behave unexpectedly.
Microsoft doesn't include a Registry cleaner on Windows 11, and I don't think most users should use one.
By focusing on cleaning unnecessary files instead of modifying the Registry, BleachBit avoids one of the biggest sources of risk associated with older computer optimization suites.
Does BleachBit make Windows 11 faster?
Not directly. When you delete temporary files, you can free up storage space and occasionally resolve issues caused by bad caches, but it won't make your computer faster.
If Windows 11 feels sluggish because your drive is nearly full, cleanup may help. However, performance issues are usually caused by factors such as not enough memory, older hardware, too many startup apps, malware, or software conflicts, not because your temporary files folder is too large (at least not the majority of the time).
Should you use BleachBit?
If you're comfortable with the built-in cleanup tools available on Windows 11, you may never need another maintenance utility.
However, if you want additional control over browser data, temporary files, app caches, privacy-related cleanup, secure file shredding, and other advanced maintenance tasks, you may benefit from BleachBit.
The open-source nature, easy-to-use interface, and decision to avoid questionable features like Registry cleaning make it one of the few utilities for cleaning up Windows 11 and one of the few alternatives to CCleaner.
Windows Central's Take
In the many years I've used the desktop version of Windows, I've tested and relied on countless cleanup utilities. Some of them were genuinely useful at the time, but many were eventually discontinued, acquired by other companies, or changed so much that they no longer offered the same experience.
Over time, I've become much more selective about the tools I recommend, especially when it comes to software that makes changes to the operating system.
More often than not, I recommend learning and using the built-in tools. However, BleachBit takes a different approach, and that's why I think it stands out. It focuses on cleaning files, not "fixing" the operating system, and I appreciate that it skips gimmicks like Registry cleaning that can do more harm than good.
If you decide to use it, my advice is not to treat it like a one-click optimization tool. Take advantage of the Preview feature, understand what each option does, and only clean what you actually need. If you use it that way, I think BleachBit is one of the few maintenance utilities that still deserve a spot in your toolkit.
What are your thoughts about BleachBit? Do you prefer Windows 11's built-in cleanup tools, or do you use a third-party utility? Let me know in the comments.
More resources
Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:
- Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
- Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know
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