I usually don't rely on cleanup tools on Windows 11 anymore. However, I still remember when apps, such as CCleaner and the old Symantec Norton utilities, were considered essential for keeping a computer running smoothly.
Those tools still exist today, but many have shifted toward bloated feature sets, aggressive upselling, or questionable cleanup practices. If you're still looking for a lightweight utility focused on maintenance and cleanup, however, Fluent Cleaner may be worth a look.
Getting started with Fluent Clanner
The tool is available through its official GitHub page, and it's a self-contained tool that comes in a Zip file and doesn't require traditional installation.
Installation
Since there isn't a traditional installation process, you only have to download and extract the package.
First, open the GitHub page, and download the FluentCleaner-win-x64.zip package from the "Assets" section. Select the archive in File Explorer and use the "Extract All" button from the command bar to extract the file.
Once you have extracted the files, you can use FCleaner.exe to launch the application.
Interface
The tool features a modern design that matches Windows 11's style using the WinUI framework.
On the left side, Fluent Cleaner lists the components, including Windows and apps, you can analyze and optimize with the application.
The "Terminal" tab lets you issue commands to interact with the application. You get started using the "Help" command.
According to the developer, the tool doesn't include any spyware, scareware, upsell garbage, dark patterns, or fake Registry magic.
Furthermore, it uses the methods that CCleaner used to perform system cleaning, including the use of the Winapp2.ini, which is a "community-driven database of declarative cleaning routines" for the operating system that is even used by other cleaning tools.
If you open the "Settings" page via the gear icon at the bottom left, you can change the theme color. Also, you'll have access to the databases Fuent Cleanner uses to scan and clean the operating system.
The default database is the Winapp2, but you can also use the Winapp3, which is an experimental database at this point, and uses more aggressive entries to clean the operating system.
Finally, there's a Winappx database that allows you to remove bloatware from your computer.
On this page, you can also add a custom database using ".ini" files.
If you don't understand what each database does, it's recommended to stick with the default configuration.
Extensions
One feature that sets Fluent Cleaner apart is its support for extensions, which let you access other scripts and tools from a single interface.
For instance, you can load the Chris Titus Tech debloating tool, the Clear Icon Cache extension to fix broken icons on the desktop, as well as Explorer Tweaks and Remove Windows AI.
The process to add the extensions is straightforward. On the main page where you downloaded the tool, download and extract the Extensions.zip file.
Once you've unzipped, copy the Extensions folder to the folder where you extracted the Fluent Cleaner files, then restart the utility. Then all the tools will be listed in the "Extensions" page.
Windows 11 cleanup
If you want to give it a try, double-click the "FCleaner.exe," and click the "Analyze" button. The scan is quick, but it can also take a while depending on the system configuration.
You can also use the "Select options" (three dots) menu to manage the selection of items. For instance, you can select none to choose exactly what you want to clear, instead of using the default configuration.
If you hover over one of the items from the left side, you can select all or none of the items for a specific application.
While writing this, I also opened the "Temporary files" tool in Windows 11, and by default, the system found 15.9GB of junk.
On the other hand, Fluent Cleaner went deeper and found 19.43GB of junk that can be deleted from my setup.
Although there is a big difference, it's not the case that the tool available in the operating system is bad. It's more about Fluent Cleaner being more capable.
Once you're ready, click the "Run Cleaner" button from the bottom-right to clean up the system.
Windows Central's Take
I stopped recommending cleanup utilities years ago because many evolved into bloated apps filled with upsells and questionable "optimization" features. Fluent Cleaner feels different. It focuses on the basics, looks native on Windows 11, and gives users more control without pretending it can magically speed up your computer.
I still think most people are fine using Windows 11's built-in cleanup tools, but Fluent Cleaner clearly goes deeper for enthusiasts who want more advanced maintenance options. The open-source approach is also refreshing at a time when many system utilities feel more focused on subscriptions and telemetry than actually helping users.
My only caution is with the more aggressive cleanup databases and extensions. Like with any optimization tool, going too far can sometimes create more problems than benefits. However, based on what I've seen so far, Fluent Cleaner feels closer to the lightweight utilities users actually use without having to worry.
What are your thoughts about this tool? 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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