Compare software

Microsoft Safety Scanner vs AdwCleaner: catalog facts
Microsoft Safety Scanner	AdwCleaner
Free Free download from Microsoft.	Free Free to download and use.
Windows	Windows
Portable on-demand scanner that needs no installation Attempts to reverse changes made by detected threats	Removes adware, PUPs and browser hijackers Runs on demand without installation
No real-time protection; scans only when you run it Windows only, and requires SHA-2 signing support	Windows only On-demand cleaner, not real-time protection
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Closed source	Closed source
License not stated	License not stated
No account needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 24, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.