AdwCleaner
AdwCleaner scans Windows for adware and unwanted software components.
Developer Malwarebytes
Version 8.8.1 · Freeware · Windows
Looking for an alternative to AdwCleaner?Compare Malwarebytes, ESET Online Scanner, Malware Hunter, ESET NOD32 Antivirus.Compare alternativesAdwCleaner scans Windows for adware and unwanted software components, such as software that changes browser settings or repeatedly displays advertisements. It focuses on cleanup and does not provide all your day-to-day security.
After scanning, you see a list of detected items. Review this list before starting cleanup. A restart may be needed to complete the changes.
Download AdwCleaner
Downloads are available for Windows.
Assess a scan result
Check which program, folder or browser setting each detection refers to. Unwanted software is not necessarily an active virus. Save and close important work before removing selected items, and note the proposed changes. If redirects keep returning, also check browser extensions and the syncing of browser settings.
Compare AdwCleaner with alternatives
Decide whether you want an additional scan or continuous protection. An on-demand scanner does not replace real-time security. Compare what each scanner checks and which features are paid. Do not assume it is appropriate to run several complete real-time antivirus products together.
| Software | What can it do? | Platform and licence |
|---|---|---|
| AdwCleanerYou are viewing this app | Check Windows for adware, unwanted programs and modified browser settings. The app focuses on cleanup and does not provide complete continuous antivirus protection. | WindowsFreeware |
| MalwarebytesView this alternative | You scan for malware and unwanted software; real-time protection depends on your license. You can also use the app as an additional check for an existing security solution. | Windows, macOSFreemium |
| ESET Online ScannerView this alternative | You run an additional Windows malware scan with ESETs scanner. The emphasis is on checking and removing, not a permanent antivirus installation. | WindowsFreeware |
| Malware HunterView this alternative | You scan Windows for malware and use additional features that differ per edition. Check that the features you need are free or paid for. | WindowsFreemium |
| ESET NOD32 AntivirusView this alternative | You use an installed antivirus product with real-time protection. That's a different bet than a loose second-opnie scanner. | Windows, macOSPaid |
Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.
Who is it for?
AdwCleaner is useful for investigating unwanted toolbars, advertising software and preinstalled extras. It suits targeted cleanup alongside your normal security software. For recurring infections, also examine download sources, browser extensions and accounts that may restore unwanted changes.
Getting started
Save and close your work, then run a scan. Review the selected items and remove only those you do not want to keep.
Privacy
A scan examines parts of your system. Review a scan log before sharing it: it may contain file paths and your Windows profile name. Quarantine stores detected items; it is not a storage location for your own confidential documents. When asking for help, share only the information needed to assess the detection.
Good to know
AdwCleaner does not fully replace continuous security protection. Cleanup may change settings or remove unwanted browser components.
Please note
A detection alone does not prove that you never need the program concerned. Read its name and location before removing it. Save documents first and allow for a restart during cleanup. Restore an item from quarantine only after establishing that it was removed by mistake.
Advantages
- Targeted scanning for adware and unwanted additions.
- Review the results before cleaning up.
- Quarantine provides an intermediate step, so an incorrect selection need not immediately be permanent.
Things to consider
- You need to assess which software belongs on your system.
- The tool does not provide complete continuous protection.
- Browser problems may return if you reinstall the same unwanted extension or download.
Download AdwCleaner
The download page opens in a new tab.
Provider’s website · www.malwarebytes.com
Version history
8.8.1
You get a security correction and prevent SetMe from being unintendedly shut down.
What’s new?
- You are better protected against loading a malicious DLL file next to the program.
- If you use SetMe for remote support, the associated processes will no longer be terminated unduly.
Report a new version
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Our verdict
AdwCleaner is designed to remove adware and potentially unwanted software. It can help investigate unwanted browser changes or extra programs bundled with other software. The scan helps you assess these items; it does not replace continuous protection or establish that every possible infection has been ruled out.
Use it to address a specific problem. It is not a routine button for making a PC faster. Review proposed removals by name and location. If a problem keeps returning, look for the extension or installer bringing it back. Repeating the scan does not automatically address that cause.
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