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About AdwCleaner
Malwarebytes AdwCleaner is a free, lightweight tool that scans a Windows PC for adware, potentially unwanted programs, unwanted toolbars and browser hijackers, then removes them to restore normal behavior. It targets the kind of junkware that regular antivirus can miss, such as programs that change your homepage or redirect searches.
It runs on demand without installation and is aimed at both home users and technicians cleaning up an infected or cluttered machine. It complements rather than replaces a full antivirus.
Strengths
- Removes adware, PUPs and browser hijackers
- Runs on demand without installation
- Free and lightweight
Limitations
- Windows only
- On-demand cleaner, not real-time protection
- Closed source
Details
- Pricing
- FreeFree to download and use.
- License
- Proprietary
- Developer
- Malwarebytes
- Platforms
- Windows
- How it runs
- Downloadable app
- Account
- Not required
- Works offline
- Yes
- Best suited for
- Cleaning adware and junkware off a Windows PC
- Categories
- System utilities, Security tools
- Last verified
- Added
- Provenance
- Facts checked against the developer's own pages and store listings, 1 sources on file.
Alternatives to AdwCleaner
Compare allSoftware that can replace AdwCleaner for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.
Malwarebytes
An anti-malware scanner with real-time protection, VPN and scam detection for computers and phones.
Malwarebytes adds real-time protection and covers Windows, macOS, Android and iOS, though most features need a paid plan rather than a free on-demand cleaner.
SUPERAntiSpyware
Windows scanner that detects and removes spyware, adware and other malware.
SUPERAntiSpyware removes spyware, adware and PUPs on Windows and runs alongside existing antivirus, with real-time protection reserved for the paid edition.
HitmanPro
A Windows malware scanner and removal tool meant as a second opinion alongside existing antivirus.
HitmanPro is a paid Windows scanner meant as a second opinion, using cloud-assisted detection rather than AdwCleaner's free offline adware focus.
Spybot - Search & Destroy
A long-running Windows anti-spyware and anti-malware scanner sold in several editions.
Spybot - Search & Destroy is a paid Windows anti-spyware scanner with several editions, broader than AdwCleaner's free adware and PUP cleaning.
Emsisoft Anti-Malware
A Windows anti-malware program with a dual-engine scanner, real-time file protection and web protection.
Emsisoft Anti-Malware is a paid Windows product with a dual-engine scanner and real-time file and web protection instead of an on-demand cleaner.
Avast Free Antivirus
A free antivirus for Windows, Mac and Android from Avast, alongside optional paid products.
Avast Free Antivirus provides ongoing free antivirus on Windows, macOS and Android but promotes paid products, going beyond AdwCleaner's single-purpose cleanup.
Similar software
Related functionality, not necessarily a direct replacement.
Autoruns
A Sysinternals utility that shows every program and driver configured to start automatically on Windows.
Malwarebytes Browser Guard
A free browser extension from Malwarebytes that blocks malicious sites, scams, trackers and unwanted ads.
HollowsHunter
A Windows scanner that checks every running process for injected code, hollowing and other implants.
