BleachBit: free open source tool to clean junk files and free disk space
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BleachBit says it is free of charge, open source under GPLv3, and cleans junk files, caches and logs to free disk space.
What it is
BleachBit is a disk cleaner for Windows and Linux. Its site says it clears temporary files, browser caches, logs and other junk, and that it shows every file before deletion: "Preview everything, delete only what you want." It also lists secure deletion (shredding) of files and a mode that overwrites free disk space.
Is it free?
Yes, per the vendor. The features page says "You always have the 'Pro' version: BleachBit is free of charge", and the home page says "100% Free Forever. Open source under GPLv3. No ads. No upsells." All features work offline and without registration or licence activation, per the home page. No price appears on the pages we read, so there is nothing to convert to rupees.
What the site lists
- Cleaning of temporary files, browser caches, logs and application traces, with a preview step.
- Shredding files so they cannot be read back, and overwriting free disk space.
- A cookie manager to choose which cookies to keep, listed as new in 5.1.0 beta.
- A command line interface, custom cleaners written in CleanerML, and import of winapp2.ini cleaner files.
- 61 languages, and an installer or a portable mode on Windows.
Good to know, per BleachBit
- The Windows download page lists BleachBit 6.0.6 (stable) for Windows 10 or 11. The news page says 6.0.6 was published on 17 October 2026.
- Older Windows (XP, Vista, 7, 8) needs version 4.7.0.
- Linux packages (.deb and .rpm) are offered. Mac OS X support is called experimental with limited features.
- The site warns about imposter BleachBit sites and fake copies. It suggests checking for the Verified Publisher "Andrew Ziem" on Windows, and it links signed checksums.
- It mentions a Windows Defender SmartScreen warning that some people see when running the installer.
Our advice
- Read each item before you tick it. Cleaning browser data can log you out of sites or remove saved cookies. Shredding cannot be undone. We did not test either.
- Run Preview first, and start with only temporary files and caches.
- Download only from bleachbit.org.
Privacy and data
- The privacy policy says "The downloadable software application does not collect any personal information." The features page lists "No adware, spyware, telemetry" as a claim by the vendor.
- The policy says the website may collect details such as your email address if you register for the forum or send an email.
India
- No region limit appears on the pages we read. We did not test it from India.
Frequently asked questions
Is BleachBit free?
Yes. Its site says it is free of charge and open source under GPLv3.
Does it work on Mac?
Only experimentally and with limited features, per its download page. It lists Windows and Linux.
Does it collect my data?
Its privacy policy says the downloadable software does not collect any personal information.
Sources: bleachbit.org, Features, Windows download, News, Privacy Policy. Checked 20 October 2026.