CCleaner Automatic Scheduling - Windows 7, Vista, XP

Automating CCleaner for Scheduled Nightly Runs

Following a recent article detailing how to execute CCleaner silently via a shortcut or hotkey, numerous requests have been received regarding automated nightly scheduling. This article addresses those inquiries, providing a comprehensive guide for users.

Configuring Your CCleaner Options

First, determine the specific settings you wish to apply during the automated runs. Consider whether to include or exclude cleaning of cookies and recent documents – a feature frequently utilized by many users.

Navigate to Options \ Advanced within CCleaner and verify that the "Save all settings to INI file" option is enabled. This ensures your chosen configurations are preserved in an INI file located in the application's directory.

Creating a Scheduled Task in Windows 7 or Vista

Access Task Scheduler by entering it into the Start menu search field, or by browsing to Accessories \ System Tools.

Within Task Scheduler, select "Create Basic Task" from the right-hand panel.

Assign a descriptive name to the task, such as "Run CCleaner".

Choose either "Daily" or "Weekly" as the trigger, based on your desired frequency.

Specify a time of day when your computer is typically powered on but not actively in use.

On the subsequent screen, select "Start a program" and proceed to the next step.

Locate the CCleaner executable file, commonly found at:

C:\Program Files\CCleaner\CCleaner.exe

However, the installation location may vary.

In the "Add arguments" field, include the /AUTO switch.

On the Summary screen, ensure the "Open the Properties dialog" checkbox is selected before clicking Finish.

Within the Properties dialog, select "Run with highest privileges" to ensure the task executes with administrator rights.

Optionally, explore the Conditions tab to configure the task to run only when the computer is idle for a specified duration.

The "Wake the computer to run this task" option is available if your computer is typically in Sleep mode; enabling this will initiate the computer to execute CCleaner.

Test the task by right-clicking it in the list and selecting Run. CCleaner should operate silently in the background.

Consider adjusting the schedule; some users prefer multiple daily runs, though a weekly execution may suffice.

Creating a Scheduled Task in Windows XP

For Windows XP users, the process differs. Open Scheduled Tasks via Control Panel or the Start Menu's Accessories \ System Tools section, then select "Add Scheduled Task".

If CCleaner is listed, select it. Otherwise, browse to its installation directory.

Provide a descriptive name for the task and choose either "Daily" or "Weekly" as the schedule.

Select a time when your computer is on but not in active use, such as 1 AM or 8 AM.

You will be prompted to enter your user account password.

Check the "Open advanced properties" box and click Finish.

Modify the Run command to include the /AUTO switch, preceded by a space.

Within the Settings tab, you can configure the task to run only when the computer is idle and enable the "Wake the computer to run this task" option for standby mode scenarios.

Test the scheduled task by right-clicking it and selecting Run. CCleaner should launch and operate in the background.

Download CCleaner from ccleaner.com (Opt for the Slim build to avoid bundled software like the Yahoo! toolbar).