How to Schedule CCleaner

Optimize computer performance by removing clutter through CCleaner and Windows Task Scheduler.

CCleaner is free Windows utility that can help you remove all sorts of clutter from your computer. With it, you can easily erase your browser cookies, temporary files and history. You can also use CCleaner to empty your Recycle Bin, control which applications run at start-up or uninstall programs from your hard drive. CCleaner does not have a built-in scheduling system, but you can configure it to work with the Windows Task Scheduler. With both tools, you can keep your computer clean without less hassle.

Instructions

1. Run CCleaner, and click on "Cleaner."

2. Go to the "Windows" tab. Check the items you would like CCleaner to remove from your computer, and uncheck the items that you would like to keep. Do the same with the items under the "Applications" tab.

3. Go to "Options," and then click on "Advanced." Make sure that "Save all settings to INI file" is checked.

4. Click "Start," and type "Task Scheduler" into the search field. Press "Enter."

5. Open the "Action" menu, and click on "Create Basic Task." This launches the "Create Basic Task Wizard."

6. Enter a name for your task. Use a word or phrase that you can easily recognize such as "Run CCleaner" or "Clean my PC." Click on "Next."

7. Choose "Daily," "Weekly" or "Monthly" depending on how often you'd like CCleaner to clean your computer. Click on "Next."

8. Click the small calendar button to set a Start date for your task, and enter your preferred time. Leave "Synchronize across time zones" unchecked. Click on "Next."

9. Make sure that "Start a program" is selected, and then click on "Next."

10. Click on "Browse," navigate to the CCleaner installation folder and then select "CCleaner.exe." Click on "Open."

11. Type "/AUTO" into the text field beside "Add Arguments (optional)" and then click on "Next."

12. Make sure that "Open the Properties dialog for this task when I click Finish" is checked. Click "Finish." On the next window, make sure that "Run with highest privileges" is checked ,and then click on "OK."

Tips & Warnings

• The default installation folder for CCleaner is "C:\Program Files\CCleaner." If you cannot locate the installation folder for CCleaner, right-click on its shortcut and then choose to "Properties." Go to the "Shortcut" tab and then click on the "Open File Location" button. This opens the installation folder for CCleaner in another window.

• You may not be able to access the "Windows Task Scheduler" unless you are logged on as Administrator.

References

• How-To Geek: Setup CCleaner to Automatically Run Each Night in Windows 7, Vista or XP
• Microsoft Windows: Schedule a Task