AfterDawn: Tech news

CCleaner update addresses privacy concerns, reverses previous changes

Written by James Delahunty @ 30 Aug 2018 9:02

CCleaner update addresses privacy concerns, reverses previous changes A new version of CCleaner has been released that rolls back some of the changes in the controversial v5.45 update while addressing some data collection concerns.
On the privacy side of things, the new CCleaner v5.46.6652 now allows for the Monitoring feature and reporting of anonymous usage data can now be controlled separately (previously both were controlled by the 'Active Monitoring' checkbox). A separate control is also added for the reporting of anonymous usage data.

Additionally, there is now a Data Factsheet on what exactly is reported back to the developer and why. You can read it at the CCleaner website.

In the previous version, users also noted that trying to close the program minimized it to the system tray and the option to exit the app had been removed. This meant that to exit the previous version, you would need to use Task Manager or a similar tool to manually kill the process.



In the new update, the prior minimize behavior has been restored to the application, while the Exit option has also be added to the Tray menu again.

On top of that there has been fixes for stability issues and other changes. Here is the changelog for CCleaner v5.46.6652.

Privacy Settings
  • The Monitoring feature and reporting of anonymous usage data can now be controlled separately (previously both were controlled by the 'Active Monitoring' checkbox)
  • Added a separate control for the reporting of anonymous usage data
  • Added a link to a Data Factsheet, which explains the data reported from CCleaner, why it's reported, and what it's used for (in summary, CCleaner only reports anonymous, statistical data for the purposes of maintaining and improving the app, and it does not report any personal information)
Smart Cleaning
  • Renamed the 'Monitoring' feature to 'Smart Cleaning', to better describe its purpose (intelligent cleaning alerts) and underline the fact that it does not report usage data
  • Reworded the 'System Monitoring' checkbox to 'Tell me when there are junk files to clean'
  • Reworded the 'Browser Monitoring' checkbox to 'Enable automatic browser cleaning'
  • Reworded the 'Active Monitoring' checkbox to 'Enable Smart Cleaning'
  • If Smart Cleaning is disabled, CCleaner's background process will close and the feature will not run on startup (same behavior as in v5.44)
General
  • Added 'Minimize to System Tray' option and restored previous minimize behavior
  • Added 'Exit' option to the Tray Icon menu (closes the background process)
  • Fixed various stability issues

You can get the new CCleaner v5.46.6652 from AfterDawn now, or from the CCleaner homepage.

Tags: CCleaner
Previous Next  
Comments have been disabled for this article.

Latest news

Windows 11 26H2 released - Start menu changes, improved search, Task Manager changes, .. Windows 11 26H2 released - Start menu changes, improved search, Task Manager changes, .. (30 Sep 2026 12:48)
Microsoft released Windows 11 version 26H2, bringing light updates and deeper AI integration. This update is the first more lightly installing annual Windows update.
Meta VR Glasses revealed - very light, tons of 3D content coming up Meta VR Glasses revealed - very light, tons of 3D content coming up (24 Sep 2026 3:23)
Meta introduced new pair of VR glasses that combine entertainment, work, and AI. According to Meta, lightweight glasses offer an unobtrusive virtual reality experience with cutting-edge technology and an intuitive user interface.
Samsung smart refrigerators received a software update - stopped working, food spoiled Samsung smart refrigerators received a software update - stopped working, food spoiled (24 Sep 2026 3:17)
According to Korean media sources, a software update for Samsung's smart refrigerators has failed miserably. After the update, the refrigerators stopped working completely, and several consumers report that their food has spoiled.
1 user comment
Now sharing links to Facebook costs money Now sharing links to Facebook costs money (22 Sep 2026 5:57)
Meta has started restricting the sharing of external links on Facebook pages, moving a feature that has been completely free and self-evident until now behind an expensive paywall.
Winamp makes a comeback - combines streaming and MP3 player Winamp makes a comeback - combines streaming and MP3 player (20 Sep 2026 3:37)
Winamp returns to the market in 2027 as a streaming service. The new version combines a traditional MP3 player and modern streaming services. Deezer will provide the streaming for Winamp through a partnership.

News archive