How to Fix CCleaner Not Opening on Mac

Edited 2 months ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

CCleanerMacTroubleshootingIssuesFixSoftwareProblemsAppleRepairPrograms

CCleaner is a widely used system optimization and cleaning tool that helps clean unnecessary files, fix registry issues, and boost system performance. However, Mac users may sometimes find that CCleaner fails to open on their system. This guide will provide a detailed explanation on how to troubleshoot and fix these issues when CCleaner won’t open on Mac. We will break down the possible causes and solutions in a comprehensive manner, ensuring simplicity and ease of understanding. By following these instructions, you can potentially solve the problem without the need for professional technical support.

Understanding the problem

Before considering how to fix the problem, it is important to understand what might cause CCleaner not to open on Mac. By identifying the possible causes, we can apply the most appropriate solution. Some common causes include:

• Software corruption: The application itself might have some corrupted files that prevent it from starting.
• Compatibility issues: Sometimes, CCleaner may not be compatible with specific versions of the macOS operating system.
• Permission restrictions: There may be issues related to permission settings that prevent the app from launching.
• Conflicting applications: Other applications and services may interfere with CCleaner's ability to start.
• System errors: Mac system errors can also cause applications to fail.

Step-by-step solution

Solution 1: Update macOS

A common reason why an application won't open is compatibility issues with the operating system. Ensuring your Mac is running the latest version of macOS can often solve these compatibility issues.

To check for macOS updates, follow these steps:

1. Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen.
2. Select "About This Mac" from the drop-down menu.
3. Click "Software Update...".
4. If updates are available, follow the prompts to install them. This may require restarting your Mac.

After updating macOS, try opening CCleaner again to see if the problem persists.

Solution 2: Verify app permissions

Applications sometimes require specific permissions to run. If the permissions are not set correctly, this can prevent CCleaner from opening. To make sure the application has the necessary permissions, follow these steps:

1. Go to System Preferences by clicking the Apple icon in the upper-left corner of the screen.
2. Select "Security and Privacy."
3. Go to the "Privacy" tab.
4. Click the lock icon in the bottom-left corner to unlock the changes.
5. Enter your administrator password.
6. Review each category, such as Accessibility or Full Disk Access, to see if CCleaner is listed. Make sure it has the necessary permissions by checking the corresponding checkbox.

Once you've adjusted the permissions, try opening CCleaner again.

Solution 3: Reinstall CCleaner

The application may become corrupted, causing operational failure. Reinstalling CCleaner ensures that you have the latest version and that no files are corrupted.

Here's how to reinstall CCleaner:

1. Open Finder and go to the Applications folder.
2. Locate CCleaner in the applications list.
3. Drag CCleaner to the Trash to remove it.
4. After deleting, empty the Trash to ensure complete deletion.
5. Go to the CCleaner website and download the latest version of the software.
6. Install CCleaner by following the instructions during setup.

After successful installation, re-check if CCleaner opens properly.

Solution 4: Check for conflicting applications

Some applications may conflict with each other, preventing them from running simultaneously. You need to make sure that no background application is causing CCleaner to malfunction. To address this, you can:

1. Open Activity Monitor, which can be found in the Utilities folder under Applications.
2. Look for any suspicious or unnecessary processes that might be causing conflicts with CCleaner.
3. Select these processes and click the stop icon to close them.

When the conflicting applications are gone, try opening CCleaner again.

Solution 5: Run Disk Utility

Mac's built-in Disk Utility can help you troubleshoot problems related to your system's hard drive that might prevent applications from running correctly. Follow these steps:

1. Open Disk Utility, which is located in the Utilities folder under Applications.
2. Select your hard drive from the list of available drives.
3. Click on the "First Aid" tab.
4. Select "Run" to check your drive and fix any problems.

When Disk Utility is complete, open CCleaner to see if the problem is resolved.

Solution 6: Check the system log

System logs can provide valuable information about why an application failed to start. You can examine these logs for any possible clues:

1. Open Console from the Utilities folder in Applications.
2. In the Console app, navigate to the “system.log” file.
3. Look for any errors or warnings related to CCleaner when you tried to open the application.

This may lead to a specific error message or code, which can be researched further for additional assistance.

Solution 7: Reset the Mac's System Management Controller (SMC)

The System Management Controller (SMC) on a Mac controls many hardware functions and sometimes resetting it can resolve problems associated with system performance and software applications. Here's how you can reset it:

For MacBook (2018 and newer):

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds, then release it.
3. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn on your Mac.

For MacBooks with T2 security chips (2017 models):

1. Choose Apple menu→Shut Down.
2. When your Mac shuts down, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds.
3. Release the power button. Wait a few seconds and then press it again to turn on your Mac.

For all other MacBooks:

1. Shut down the Mac.
2. Press and hold the left Shift + Control + Option keys and the Power button simultaneously for 10 seconds.
3. Release all keys, then press the Power button to turn on the Mac.

Now, open CCleaner again and see if it works or not.

Conclusion

If CCleaner won’t open on your Mac, there are several troubleshooting steps you can follow to resolve the issue. By updating the system, ensuring proper application permissions, reinstalling CCleaner, and checking for conflicts with other applications, you can eliminate many of the obstacles that may be causing the software to not work correctly. Additionally, using utilities like Disk Utility and checking the system logs can provide potential information. If none of these strategies work, resetting the SMC may be the solution. It is always recommended to keep your applications and system updated to prevent data loss, and to back up any important data before making major system modifications. Following this guide will help you resolve any issues related to CCleaner not opening on Mac.

  Share This Article

If you find anything wrong with the article content, you can request an update