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Task Manager and PC cleaner alternatives for Windows 11
Short answer: for deep inspection of processes, use Process Explorer (free, from Microsoft Sysinternals) or System Informer (free, open source). For cleanup plus driver and app updates on a subscription, CCleaner. For an AI helper you show your screen to, FixKon. For plain-English control of startup apps, services, cleanup and Windows settings, with every change previewed and most undoable, and no telemetry, RIVET. Windows' own Task Manager covers the basics for free.
This page is written by the developer of RIVET, so read it knowing that. Every claim about another product comes from that product's own website, checked on the date at the bottom, and each comparison says where the other tool is better.
At a glance
| Tool | Best for | Price | Open source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Task Manager | Ending a stuck app, the basics of startup apps | Built into Windows | No |
| Process Explorer | Finding which process has a file or DLL open | Free | No |
| System Informer | Power users: monitoring, debugging, malware hunting | Free | Yes (MIT) |
| CCleaner | Cleanup, browser privacy, driver and app updates | Free; Professional from £29.95 for the first year | No |
| FixKon | Asking an AI about whatever is on screen | Free allowance; $16.99 or $49.99 a month | No |
| RIVET | Startup apps, services, cleanup and settings with preview, undo and an on-device assistant | Free; Pro a one-off $4.99 | No |
Windows Task Manager
Already on every Windows PC (press Ctrl+Shift+Esc). It ends unresponsive apps, shows performance graphs and lets you turn startup apps on or off. It doesn't explain what processes are, delay startup apps, clean up files or keep a history you can undo. Start here; reach for something else when you need more.
Process Explorer
A free Sysinternals tool by Mark Russinovich that shows the handles and DLLs each process has open, with a search across all of them, and runs without installing. It is the tool for tracking down which program has a file locked. It doesn't manage startup apps, clean up or change settings. RIVET vs Process Explorer.
System Informer
A free, open-source (MIT) tool to monitor system resources, debug software and detect malware, with handle and DLL search, per-program network connections you can close, and full service control. Built for people who know Windows internals. RIVET vs System Informer.
CCleaner
A long-running PC cleaner from Gen Digital: junk and browser privacy cleaning, a Performance Optimizer that puts apps to sleep, and on Professional a Driver Updater and Software Updater. Runs on Windows 11, 10 and 8.1, with Mac, Android and iOS versions. Paid plans are yearly subscriptions. RIVET vs CCleaner.
FixKon
An AI co-pilot for Windows: press Win+Alt to capture your screen and ask about it, plus large-file and duplicate cleanup. The Starter plan has a one-time allowance; Pro and Max are monthly. RIVET vs FixKon.
RIVET
A free system manager for Windows 10 and 11 by Kirby Systems. Processes and services explained in plain English; startup apps you can disable or delay; cleanup with each row's size shown first; Windows settings including Recall and Copilot switches. Every change is previewed and written to a history; settings, startup apps and service start types can be undone even after a restart. No telemetry, no account. Pro (a one-off $4.99) adds Ask RIVET, an assistant that runs on your own PC.
What it doesn't do: no handle or DLL views, no driver or app updates, no browser history cleaning, no screen reading, and cleanup and ending a process can't be undone.
Questions
What is the best free Task Manager alternative for Windows 11?
It depends on the job. Process Explorer and System Informer are free and best for deep inspection. RIVET is free (with an optional one-off Pro) and best for safely changing startup apps, services and settings with undo.
What is a good CCleaner alternative without a subscription?
RIVET covers startup apps, services, temp file cleanup and Windows settings, is free, and its Pro upgrade is a one-off $4.99. It does not update drivers or apps or clean browser history.
Which of these tools have no telemetry?
RIVET states it has no telemetry, no analytics and no account. For the other tools, check each product's own privacy policy; their product pages don't all say.