Registry cleaners are probably the software that divide the digital world to this day the most. While some argue that they’re pointless since modern computers have powerful registries that don’t need human interference, others claim that these can help you optimizing your Windows to turn your computer into a real speedster. Both arguments have a valid point: registry is a very delicate thing to mess with and registry cleaners should only be used carefully if you have no other choice to fix a particular fatal issue. Think of it as making a controversial heart surgery where the patient is your computer and the doctors are Microsoft and/or some registry cleaning service providers. In short, you shouldn’t do it, unless strictly necessary.
Common Errors
Windows 7 is quite a beloved operating system despite the fact that it already has two younger brothers. Nonetheless, it is still the victim of some of the most annoying performance and registry errors, especially if you have upgraded from Windows Vista. In fact, downloading this update can be in itself a problem since it might cause the progress bar to be stuck at the 60% mark. In addition, there is still the risk of bumping into registry issues such as the DVD drive not being found, the taskbar going haywire or not being able to shut down the computer properly. Although said issues can be fixed manually, the correct use of a registry cleaner will do it for you hassle-free.
This kind of software takes care of any uninstall leftovers (also called Orphaned Entries), duplicate keys that are created upon reinstalling or updating any software, system shutdown errors, plus determines how fragmented your registry is. Even though you might think that all of the above have minor impact on your PC, but rest assured, in time they can accumulate in your registry resulting in a slowdown.
Best Registry Cleaners for Windows 7 of 2024
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Tweaks & Repairs
After scanning your registry for the aforementioned results, use the repair function carefully as the slightest change can delete important and necessary files in charge of the optimal running of Windows 7. In fact, several companies warn users to only turn to a registry cleaner if they absolutely need to delete a specific entry causing any anomaly in your system. Therefore, make sure the chosen registry cleaner provides access to scan log details so you can check and edit only those files that need to be fixed. However, you should never delete everything at once and you should always make a safety backup or, better yet, a safe point before fixing the registry in case something goes terribly wrong during the process.
Many registry cleaners also look for malware or viruses; if this happens you should act immediately and remove the threats as quick as possible. To further secure your computer against malicious intent, make sure to also use a decent antivirus and perform scans on a regular basis.
Last but not least, registry cleaners also come with additional features you can use more regularly than registry fixes. Disk cleaning and startup optimizers, for instance, can assure you an overall increase in Windows 7 performance, even more than wiping your registry, as the majority of the more serious threats are not caused by faulty registry anyways.
Top Registry Cleaners for Windows 7
There are dozens of registry cleaners out there, some with more features but being pricier, while others are less expensive but have fewer features too. Make sure to choose the best solution possible, some of which are included in the following list:
RegCure Pro
Due to being developed by ParetoLogic, RegCure Pro is eerily similar to PC Health Advisor especially regarding pricing and support. However, before you accuse this software of being a shameless copy, it still provides some neat unique features such as the Browser Helper Options. With RegCure Pro you’ll be able to perform scans on your hard drives and your OS or edit the scan patterns and aim specifically at the registry, disks, etc. You can access a threat list and choose what to scan therefrom, and you are also provided restore points to return to previous savings should something go wrong. RegCure Pro is available for as low as $24.97 including a 6-month license for one computer and a 15-day free trial.
PCKeeper Live
Aside from offering this registry cleaning service, the owner of PCKeeper Live also has antivirus solutions to serve as perfect complementary if malware threats are discovered on your computer. Even though editing scanning patterns is not allowed, you can still perform different scans for different purposes such as finding duplicates, cleaning disks etc., and even perform extra tasks like removing unwanted toolbars, cleaning up junk files and optimizing the overall Windows processes. The software is also capable of recovering Windows files (although no restore points are provided) and it has a built-in live chat feature with which you can contact support 24/7. PCKeeper Live is available in a 6, 12 or 24-month plan starting from $4.95 per month.
CleanMyPC
MacPaw’s CleanMyPC brings a simple and smooth client with plenty of unique features such as hibernation that earned our appreciation many times. If you encounter a problem, you can scan your hard drives, registry, browser extensions and more individually and fix only those files whose boxes you have ticked. Despite not providing any restore point, repairing is easy with CleanMyPC, as the developers assure that the program only cleans non-vital system files. CleanMyPC is available for $39.95 per year; however; if you buy the license for up to 5 computers, you can save 55% on the purchase price.