SweepTools PC Cleaner Unwanted Application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is SweepTools PC Cleaner?
Developers present SweepTools PC Cleaner as a high quality system optimization tool that enhances computer performance. Its appearance suggests that SweepTools PC Cleaner is legitimate and useful, however, developers promote this tool using the "bundling" method.
Therefore, SweepTools PC Cleaner often infiltrates systems without permission and is thus categorized as a potentially unwanted application (PUA).
SweepTools PC Cleaner provides a number of "useful features" that supposedly optimize the system. Be aware, however, that the 'free version' is only capable of scanning the system - it is unable to resolve issues. Therefore, users are encouraged to pay for the so-called 'full version'.
Be aware that "bundling" is often used to proliferate fake system optimization tools that feed users with false scan results just to trick them into paying for advanced versions. Once purchased, this software gives no real value for the user - it simply cleans the fake list. SweepTools PC Cleaner might also be once of these bogus applications.
Therefore, we advise you to consider uninstalling this application. Furthermore, "bundling" is often used to distribute several unwanted applications (usually adware and browser hijackers) at once. Therefore, SweepTools PC Cleaner might not be the only PUA that has infiltrated your computer.
In most cases, these applications cause unwanted redirects, deliver intrusive advertisements, and gather personal information. As well as uninstalling SweepTools PC Cleaner, you should remove all other dubious applications.
Name | SweepTools PC Cleaner 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) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
There are hundreds of potentially unwanted applications that share many similarities. Most offer "useful functionality", but few provide any real value.
Potentially unwanted applications are often designed only to generate revenue for the developers. Rather than giving any real value for regular users, they cause unwanted redirects, deliver ads, and record information. In doing so, PUAs pose a direct threat to your privacy and web browsing safety.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Although SweepTools PC Cleaner is free for anyone to download on its official website, this application is likely to infiltrate systems without permission, since developers proliferate it using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" - stealth installation of third party apps with regular software/apps.
Developers know that users often rush and skip download/installation steps. Therefore, "bundled" apps such as SweepTools PC Cleaner are hidden within various sections (e.g., "Custom/Advanced" settings) of these procedures. By carelessly rushing and skipping steps, many users expose their systems to risk of infection and compromise their privacy.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
To prevent this situation, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software. Carefully analyze each step of the download/installation processes using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings. Decline offers to download/install third party applications and opt-out of those already included.
We strongly recommend that you avoid using third party download/installation tools, since developers monetize them by promoting ("bundling") rogue apps. Programs should be downloaded from official sources only, using direct download links. Third party downloaders/installers often include rogue applications, and thus these tools should not be used.
Bear in mind that intrusive ads are also used to proliferate unwanted applications. They usually seem legitimate, but redirect to dubious sites (gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.).
Most are delivered by adware-type applications. If you encounter suspicious redirects, check the list of installed applications/browser plug-ins and eliminate any 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 SweepTools PC Cleaner application:
SweepTools PC Cleaner installation setup:
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:
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Quick menu:
- What is SweepTools PC Cleaner?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove malicious plug-ins from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Removal of potentially unwanted applications:
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 "SweepTools PC Cleaner" 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, SweepTools PC Cleaner did not install any unwanted browser extensions, however some unwanted applications can be installed together with adware and browser hijackers. If you experience unwanted ads or redirects when browsing the Internet, continue with the removal guide below.
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 sweeptools pc cleaner 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.
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 and remove them.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the sweeptools pc cleaner potentially unwanted application, 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 sweeptools pc cleaner 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, 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 sweeptools pc cleaner potentially unwanted application, 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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