Quick Answer
ccleaner64-updater.exe is safe. It's the legitimate updater component for CCleaner 64-bit installations; it checks for new versions, downloads updates, and applies patches in the background.
Is it a Virus?
4 NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\CCleaner\ccleaner64-updater.exe
Warning
Update checks run in background
Updater may launch when CCleaner is open or per scheduled task; multiple updater threads may appear during an update cycle
Can I Disable?
4 YES
Disabling updater may stop automatic CCleaner updates; manage via CCleaner Options > Updates or Task Scheduler
What is ccleaner64-updater.exe?
ccleaner64-updater.exe is the background updater component for CCleaner 64-bit installations. It periodically checks Piriform's servers for new CCleaner versions, downloads updates when available, and applies patches in the background without requiring user interaction.
The updater runs as a separate process launched by CCleaner, validates updates, and uses a temporary directory to stage files before applying patches. It may spawn helper processes during download and patching to keep CCleaner consistent.
Quick Fact: CCleaner introduced automated updaters to streamline maintenance; the updater runs briefly and exits after applying updates.
Types of CCleaner Updater Processes
- Updater Controller Process: Main updater that checks for updates and coordinates other updater components
- Download Process: Downloads update packages from Piriform servers
- Installer/Patcher Process: Applies the downloaded updates and patches CCleaner
- Signature Verification Process: Validates update package signatures to ensure authenticity
- Scheduler/Triggered Process: Triggered by Windows Task Scheduler or CCleaner to run at set intervals
- Cleanup/Temporary Files Process: Removes temporary files created during update
Is ccleaner64-updater.exe Safe?
Yes, ccleaner64-updater.exe is safe when it's the legitimate updater from Piriform and located in the official CCleaner installation directory.
Is ccleaner64-updater.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real updater is not a virus. Malware may imitate updater names; verify digital signature and path.
How to Tell if ccleaner64-updater.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\CCleaner\ccleaner64-updater.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\CCleaner\ccleaner64-updater.exe. Any updater elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in File Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show 'Piriform Ltd' as the signer.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is low CPU and modest memory. Constant high usage or activity when CCleaner is not updating is suspicious.
- Behavior: Updater should run briefly as part of an update cycle. If it runs continuously without CCleaner needing an update, investigate.
Red Flags: If ccleaner64-updater.exe is located outside the CCleaner folder, lacks a valid signature, or runs when CCleaner isn't updating, scan for malware and verify with Piriform support.
Why Is ccleaner64-updater.exe Running on My PC?
ccleaner64-updater.exe runs to check for and apply CCleaner updates. It may start automatically or during a CCleaner session to ensure the software stays current and secure.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Update Check: CCleaner is configured to check for updates, and the updater runs to retrieve version metadata and download packages.
- Scheduled Update Task: A Windows Task Scheduler entry or CCleaner internal task prompts the updater to run at defined intervals.
- Background Patch Application: Updates may be applied in the background to minimize downtime and keep the app current.
- Pending Update: If a previous update failed or was interrupted, the updater may retry to complete installation.
- User-Initiated Check: Opening CCleaner or manually forcing an update check triggers the updater to run.
Can I Disable or Remove ccleaner64-updater.exe?
Yes, you can disable ccleaner64-updater.exe. Disabling the updater stops automatic CCleaner updates, but you can still use CCleaner with manual updates.
How to Stop ccleaner64-updater.exe
- End Updater Process: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate ccleaner64-updater.exe, and End Task.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Find CCleaner Updater and Disable.
- Pause Updates in CCleaner: Open CCleaner → Options → Updates → Turn off 'Check for updates automatically'.
- Repair/Reseat CCleaner: If issues arise, run CCleaner installer again to repair the updater components.
- Manual Uninstall: If you want to remove updater entirely, you may uninstall CCleaner from Settings → Apps, then reinstall without updater components if offered.
How to Uninstall CCleaner (and updater components)
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → CCleaner → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → CCleaner → Uninstall
- ✔ Optionally remove leftover CCleaner folders in C:\Program Files\CCleaner and C:\ProgramData\Piriform
Common Problems: Updater-Related Issues
If ccleaner64-updater.exe is misbehaving or consuming resources, try these common fixes.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Pending Updates: Allow the updater to finish, or manually trigger a clean update from CCleaner or reinstall.
- High CPU or Memory Usage: Ensure CCleaner is updated; disable unnecessary extensions; run Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus scan.
- Updater Not Starting: Repair CCleaner install; verify that Windows services/Task Scheduler entries are enabled.
- Failed Download or Signature Error: Check internet connection, temporarily disable firewall/antivirus blocks, re-run update.
- Updates Blocked by Antivirus: Whitelist ccleaner64-updater.exe in antivirus and real-time protection settings.
- Corrupted Update Files: Clear temporary update cache located in C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Local\Temp and reinstall CCleaner.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open CCleaner and go to Options > Updates to check for updates manually
2. Run a repair installation of CCleaner to refresh updater components
3. Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall protections and try updating again
4. Restart Windows to reset updater state and try again
5. If problems persist, reinstall CCleaner from the official website
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ccleaner64-updater.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate updater from Piriform is not a virus. Verify it's in C:\Program Files\CCleaner and has a valid signature from 'Piriform Ltd'.
Why is the updater using CPU?
CPU usage typically occurs during update checks or patch installation. If it stays high for long, check active CCleaner tabs or extensions and ensure the update is legitimate.
Can I delete or disable the updater?
You can disable automatic updates via CCleaner settings or End Task in Task Manager, but this may prevent automatic security updates.
How do I update CCleaner manually?
Open CCleaner > About > Check for updates, or download the latest CCleaner installer from the official site and run it to apply updates.
Where is ccleaner64-updater.exe located?
Typically in C:\Program Files\CCleaner\ccleaner64-updater.exe. If found elsewhere or without a signature, investigate for malware.
Will disabling updater affect CCleaner features?
Disabling updater may prevent automatic updates, but core CCleaner features will still run. You may update manually when needed.