AdwCleaner 8.8.1.639 for Windows

AdwCleaner 8.8.1.639 is a free Windows tool from Malwarebytes for cleaning unwanted software: adware, toolbars, browser hijackers and other programs you did not mean to install. It runs on demand rather than all the time, and you can download AdwCleaner from the official Malwarebytes website.

Specifications

What AdwCleaner is for

Unwanted software rarely arrives as an obvious virus. More often it comes bundled with a free program, hidden behind a pre-ticked box in an installer, and then changes your browser's start page, adds a search toolbar or shows pop-ups. A regular antivirus may ignore such programs because, strictly speaking, you agreed to install them. AdwCleaner is built for exactly this grey area. You run it when the browser starts behaving strangely, it scans the places where unwanted programs usually hide, and it shows a list of findings before removing anything. Because it does not stay in the background, it works well next to whatever antivirus you already use and does not slow the computer down between scans. It is a clean-up tool, not continuous protection, so combine it with careful installation habits.

How to run a scan

1. Download AdwCleaner from the official Malwarebytes page.
2. Save your work and close browsers, because the clean-up may restart them.
3. Start the program and run a scan.
4. Review the list of findings and untick anything you recognise and want to keep.
5. Confirm the clean-up and restart the computer when asked.

Malwarebytes publishes the system requirements and notes for each release, for example AdwCleaner version 8.8.0.

Preventing adware in the future

Download programs from their developers' own websites instead of large download portals. During installation choose the custom or advanced option and untick every extra offer. Be cautious with browser extensions that promise coupons, weather or video downloads, and remove extensions you no longer use. If a website insists that your PC is infected and must be cleaned immediately, close the tab: real security tools do not advertise that way.

Security note

Fake "cleaners" are themselves a common form of unwanted software. Take AdwCleaner only from malwarebytes.com, and be suspicious of any similarly named tool that asks for payment to remove problems it has just found.

Pros and cons

• Pro: focused on adware and unwanted programs.
• Pro: runs on demand, no background load.
• Pro: free.
• Con: not a replacement for an antivirus.
• Con: older Windows versions are no longer supported.

Alternatives

Our listings include Malwarebytes for broader malware scanning, and Avast Antivirus, AVG Antivirus, Bitdefender Antivirus and Norton Antivirus for continuous protection.