Kudu is a free, open-source system cleaner and security scanner for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
The tool addresses the need to reclaim disk space, remove malware, and protect privacy without relying on commercial software that bundles ads or upsells. It operates entirely locally with all code available for audit. Kudu combines multiple cleaning functions—system, browser, app, and game cache removal; registry and startup management; disk analysis; malware scanning; privacy controls; and software updates—alongside performance monitoring and scheduled scan capabilities. A command-line interface provides scriptable automation for these operations.
Kudu suits users seeking a transparent alternative to commercial system maintenance tools. The project supports a broad range of applications through a JSON-based rule system that requires no coding to extend, making community contributions straightforward. The tool is available across three major operating systems in multiple installation formats, with the installer recommended for automatic updates and scheduled startup scans, while portable builds allow manual updates and local settings storage. The interface is localized in thirty languages.
Development activity shows consistent engagement with both bug fixes and feature additions across the codebase. The maintainers actively review and merge pull requests that expand cleaner coverage and improve core functionality. Community contributions are encouraged through clear documentation of the JSON rule format and setup conventions, lowering the barrier for adding support for new applications.
