AdwCleaner icon

AdwCleaner

AdwCleaner is a free removal tool that targets unwanted adware programs, browser hijackers, toolbars and registry keys. It is easy to use and effective at cleaning up malware and bloatware.

What is AdwCleaner?

AdwCleaner is a popular and free anti-malware program focused specifically on removing adware, toolbars, hijackers and other potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) from Windows computers. It was originally developed by Xplode and is now maintained by Malwarebytes.

Some key features of AdwCleaner include:

  • Quick scan and easy 1-click removal of adware, toolbars, hijackers, Bitcoin miners and other PUPs
  • Cleans entries in the Windows registry to remove deeply embedded malware
  • Lightweight and fast - won't slow down your computer
  • Frequent updates to detect new threats
  • Complements full antivirus solutions by targeting specific hard-to-remove malware
  • Free for personal use

AdwCleaner is frequently recommended as an extra malware cleaning tool to use alongside full-featured antivirus programs. Its targeted approach makes it effective at finding and removing difficult infections that other scanners may miss. For most home users with an adware infection or browser hijacker, running AdwCleaner should remove the unwanted programs with just a couple clicks.

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Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, Avast Free Antivirus, HitmanPro, SUPERAntiSpyware, Windows Security, SpyHunter, ComboFix, ESET Online Scanner, RogueKiller, ZHPCleaner, WiperSoft, Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool, Norton AntiVirus, Ad-Aware, AVZ Antiviral Toolkit, Tron Script, Zemana AntiMalware, SpyShelter, McAfee Security Scan Plus, Emsisoft Emergency Kit, IObit Malware Fighter, UnHackMe, herdProtect, iVerify, ByteFence, Kaspersky Security Cloud Free, F-Secure Anti-Virus, Emsisoft Anti-Malware, Sophos Virus Removal Tool, Crystal Security, Cezurity Antivirus Scanner, LOARIS, 9-Lab Removal Tool, MalwareFox Anti-Malware, Spyware Terminator, Junkware Removal Tool, SpyDllRemover, MacScan, Malware Hunter, Spy Emergency, Norton Security Scan, Norman Malware Cleaner, Kaspersky System Checker, Prevx, Kaspersky Security Scan, aswMBR, Auslogics Anti-Malware, Winpooch Watchdog, ThreatFire, NoBot, RunScanner, ActiveScan, RogueRemover, Security Reviver, SmitFraudFix, AdwareMedic, VirCleaner, Adware Doctor, Smartsoft Anti-Malware, NoVirusThanks Malware Remover, Privilege Escalation Vulnerability Scan Tool, Pc SpeedBoost, Spyware Doctor, Wise Anti Malware are some alternatives to AdwCleaner.

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