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PC TuneUp Maestro Unwanted Application

Also Known As: PC TuneUp Maestro potentially unwanted application
Damage level: Medium

What is PC TuneUp Maestro?

PC TuneUp Maestro developers promote this app as a legitimate tool that allows users to enhance PC performance and stability, improve Windows Startup performance, and improve performance of the operating system and programs.

Initially, this app may seem legitimate and useful tool, however, developers distribute PC TuneUp Maestro using the "bundling" method (a deceptive marketing method) and thus it is often installed by users unintentionally. These programs are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).

PC TuneUp Maestro unwanted application

The main function of PC TuneUp Maestro is to scan the system for various issues and fix them, however, the 'free version' only scans the system and provides no fixes - this requires users to purchase the so-called 'full version'.

Programs distributed using the "bundling" method cannot be fully trusted and there is no guarantee that any paid version will fix the issues or improve PC performance. Like most apps of this type, PC TuneUp Maestro will probably find 'issues' (potentially, many), but these untrustworthy apps often display fake scan results to trick users into purchasing rogue software.

PC TuneUp Maestro might be one of these dubious products. Even if it claims to have fixed detected issues after the 'full version' is purchased, this does not necessarily mean that the issues were genuine in the first place or that any 'fix' has taken place. "Bundled" apps are often useless, and so we recommend that you consider uninstalling PC TuneUp Maestro.

Also check for other potentially unwanted applications installed - it is possible that PC TuneUp Maestro was not the only app bundled into a 'setup' that was used to install it. The "bundling" method is used to distribute various browser hijackers and adware-type programs that are designed to gather data, cause unwanted redirects, and deliver advertisements.

Threat Summary:
Name PC TuneUp Maestro potentially unwanted application
Threat Type PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application)
Symptoms A program that you don't recall installing suddenly appeared on your computer. New application is performing computer scans and displays warning messages about found issues. Asks for payment in order to eliminate the supposedly found errors.
Distribution methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake flash player installers.
Damage Monetary loss (unnecessary purchase of fake software), unwanted warning pop-ups, slow computer performance.
Malware Removal (Windows)

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Hundreds of potentially unwanted applications distributed using the "bundling" method are described as 'useful', but most PUAs do not provide the functions promised and are designed only to generate revenue for their developers by collecting data, delivering ads, causing unwanted redirects, and so on.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

It is possible to download PC TuneUp Maestro from its official website, however, many users install it inadvertently. Software developers use the "bundling" method to trick users into installing PUAs, including PC TuneUp Maestro. Bundling is stealth installation of potentially unwanted apps with regular software.

Developers achieve this by hiding rogue apps in "Custom", "Advanced" or other settings of this type. In most cases, information about the presence of bundled apps is not properly disclosed. The most common reason for these unwanted installations is rushing installation process and skipping steps.

Developers are aware that some users do not check the aforementioned settings or simply skip steps, and they use this behaviour to their advantage.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

We strongly recommend that you download software from official websites and using direct links only. Avoid using third party software downloaders, torrents, and other similar sources. Pay attention to details when installing software - do not skip installation steps, check all available "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar options of the installation processes.

Opt-out of "bundled"/additionally-included apps or programs and only then finish the installation. Bear in mind that developers of intrusive ads invest time and money to make malicious ads seem legitimate, however, once clicked, they cause unwanted redirects that can result in serious problems.

If you encounter ads that redirect you to gambling, pornography, adult dating, and other similar websites, check the list of installed plug-ins, extensions, and add-ons on your browser and remove any suspicious/unknown/unwanted entries immediately. Also check the list of installed programs on your computer and remove suspicious entries.

If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

Screenshot of PC TuneUp Maestro application:

PC TuneUp Maestro application

PC TuneUp Maestro installation setup:

PC TuneUp Maestro installation setup

Screenshot of third party installed promoting PC TuneUp Maestro app:

pcmaestro trhird party installer

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Quick menu:

Removal of potentially unwanted applications:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.

Windows 10 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.

Windows 7 users:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.

macOS (OSX) users:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.

PC TuneUp Maestro adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "PC TuneUp Maestro" and other suspicious/recently-installed applications, select these entries and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove rogue extensions from Internet browsers:

At time of research, PC TuneUp Maestro did not install any unwanted browser extensions, however, some unwanted applications are installed together with adware and browser hijackers. If you see unwanted ads or experience unwanted redirects when browsing the internet, continue with the removal guide below.

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing rogue extensions from Internet Explorer step 1

Click the "gear" icon Internet Explorer options icon (at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for any recently-installed suspicious browser extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removing rogue extensions from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the pc tuneup maestro potentially unwanted application, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.

Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows XP

Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 7

Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.

Reseting Internet Explorer settings to default in Windows 8 - accessing

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - Internet options advanced tab

Click the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - click the Reset button in the Internet options advanced tab

Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - confirm settings reset to default by clicking the reset button

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing rogue extensions from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and remove them.

Removing rogue extensions from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the pc tuneup maestro potentially unwanted application, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing rogue extensions from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click on "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.

Removing rogue extensions from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with pc tuneup maestro potentially unwanted application removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.

Optional method:

Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the pc tuneup maestro potentially unwanted application, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.

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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
PC TuneUp Maestro potentially unwanted application QR code
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