SlimCleaner Unwanted Application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is SlimCleaner?
Developed by Slimware Utilities Holdings Inc., SlimCleaner is a deceptive application presented as a legitimate system optimization tool. Although its features may seem legitimate and useful, SlimCleaner is categorized as a potentially unwanted program (PUP). Furthermore, SlimCleaner typically infiltrates systems without users' consent.
Following infiltration, SlimCleaner displays various pop-up messages claiming that the system is corrupted. It also performs a fake computer scan and displays many supposed infections and damaged files. To resolve these 'issues', victims are encouraged to purchase a full version of SlimCleaner.
Note that SlimCleaner's developers attempt to scare and trick victims into paying for the full version, even though the system is not damaged. All of the listed errors are fake - this application is a scam. Therefore, we strongly advise you to ignore all pop-ups delivered by SlimCleaner and remove this application immediately.
| Name | SlimCleaner potentially unwanted program |
| Threat Type | PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application) |
| Detection Names | DrWeb (Program.Unwanted.2505), Emsisoft (Application.InstallOpt (A)), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Slimware.A Potentially Unwanted), McAfee-GW-Edition (BehavesLike.Win32.Slimware.th), Full List (VirusTotal) |
| 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) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
As mentioned above, SlimCleaner typically infiltrates systems without users' consent. This behavior is common to potentially unwanted programs. There is a high probability that SlimCleaner will have been delivered together with a number of other PUPs.
These applications often deliver intrusive advertisements, modify browser settings, gather sensitive information, and misuse system resources to run unwanted processes. Intrusive ads are delivered using tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site.
Therefore, pop-ups, coupons, banners, and other displayed ads often conceal underlying website content, thereby diminishing the browsing experience. In addition, the ads might redirect to malicious sites and run scripts that download and install malware. Thus, even a single click can result in high-risk computer infections.
PUPs also modify browser options (e.g., default search engine, homepage, new tab URL, etc.) by assigning them to rogue sites (typically, fake search engines). These applications are essentially used to build the traffic of malicious sites. PUPs are also known to record confidential information.
This data is shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse private details to generate revenue. The presence of data-tracking apps can therefore lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft.
In addition, PUPs often misuse systems resources to mine cryptocurrencies or run other unnecessary background processes. In doing so, they significantly diminish overall system performance. All potentially unwanted programs must be eliminated immediately.
How did SlimCleaner install on my computer?
All PUPs are very similar. By offering useful features (file conversion, download performance increase, system optimization, anti-virus, etc.), potentially unwanted programs attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, they are designed only to generate revenue for the developers.
Rather than giving any real value for regular users, potentially unwanted programs pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.
Research shows that, although SlimCleaner has an official download website, it typically infiltrates systems without permission. Developers proliferate this PUP using intrusive advertisements, together with a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" (stealth installation of unwanted software with regular [usually free] programs).
Developers hide "bundled" programs within "Advanced/Custom" settings or other sections of the download/installation processes. Many users skip download/installation steps and click advertisements. In doing so, they expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
To prevent system infiltration by PUPs, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and, especially when downloading/installing software. In addition, criminals invest many resources into intrusive ad design. Therefore, most appear legitimate. Once clicked, however, these ads redirect to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other dubious websites.
If you experience these redirects, immediately eliminate all dubious applications and browser plug-ins. Furthermore, carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs and opt-out of all additionally-included programs.
Using a legitimate anti-virus/anti-spyware suite is also paramount. Poor knowledge of these threats and rushing steps are the main reasons for computer infections - key to safety is caution.
Screenshot of a pop-up displayed by SlimCleaner:
Screenshot of SlimCleaner PUP:
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is SlimCleaner?
- STEP 1. Uninstall SlimCleaner application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove adware from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue plug-ins from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove adware-type extensions from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove malicious extensions from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
SlimCleaner PUP removal:
Windows 11 users:
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:
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:
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:
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.
In the uninstall programs window, look for "SlimCleaner Plus", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program that causes SlimCleaner ads, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove SlimCleaner adware from Internet browsers:
At time of research, SlimCleaner did not install its browser plug-ins on Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, however, it was bundled with other adware. Therefore, you are advised to remove all potentially unwanted browser add-ons from your Internet browsers.
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" 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".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the slimcleaner potentially unwanted program, 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.
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.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the 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, select these entries and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the slimcleaner potentially unwanted program, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the 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.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(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.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with slimcleaner potentially unwanted program removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
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...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge 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.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the slimcleaner potentially unwanted program, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
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.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Summary:
Commonly, 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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Outstanding!
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