PC Clean Plus Unwanted Application

What is PC Clean Plus?

The PC Clean Plus application is described as the best registry cleaner and optimizer to improve PC performance by removing all registry errors. This may appear to be a useful tool, but it is categorized as potentially unwanted application (PUA), since it is distributed using the "bundling" method. Therefore, many users install it inadvertently.

PC Clean Plus scans for system for the following errors: Com and ActiveX, user-related, and startup/uninstall. Once the scan is complete, it displays a number of different errors in each section and the registry damage level. The app is not able to fix any of these errors unless the 'full version' is purchased. Note, however, that it is possible that the scan results are false.

Bogus results are shown by this type of application to trick users into paying for so-called 'full versions'. There is no guarantee that the full version will fix any errors - it is likely to clean the fake error list only. Many applications are designed in this way, and this might include PC Clean Plus.

It is possible that during installation of PC Clean Plus, other potentially unwanted applications (browser hijackers or adware) were also installed. These often cause unwanted redirects, collect data, and deliver intrusive ads.

We do not recommend that you keep PC Clean Plus installed and also advise you to check the list of installed applications on your browser (and programs on the operating system). Uninstall any unwanted/unknown entries immediately.

Threat Summary:

Name	PC Clean Plus 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. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner 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.

The list of potentially unwanted applications that supposedly provide 'useful tools' is long. Some examples of similar apps include SweepTools PC Cleaner, Cosmos System Care, and Swift PC Optimizer. These PUAs might offer different features, but few deliver the functionality promised. Most are designed only to generate revenue by delivering ads, collecting data, and causing redirects.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

PC Clean Plus can be downloaded from its official website, but it is also distributed using the "bundling" method - stealth installation of potentially unwanted applications with third party software.

Software developers hide bundled apps in "Custom", "Advanced" and other settings of the installation processes, and thus information regarding bundled apps is not properly disclosed. Furthermore, many users install software without checking the aforementioned settings and go on to install potentially unwanted applications. These installations might lead to privacy/browsing safety issues.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Use direct links and official sources to download software. Do not use third party software downloaders/installers or torrents as sources for downloading software. Never skip installation steps and check "Custom", "Advanced", and other similar options/settings.

Opt-out of unwanted offers (potentially unwanted applications) and only then finish the installation or proceed to the next step. If you encounter advertisements that redirect you to gambling, pornography, adult dating, or other similar websites, immediately check the list of installed programs on your computer and applications (plug-ins, add-ons, extensions) on your browser.

Remove all suspicious entries immediately. 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 Clean Plus application:

Screenshot of third party installer promoting PC Clean Plus application:

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 PC Clean Plus?
• 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 "PC Clean Plus" 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 Clean Plus 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:

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 pc clean plus 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 pc clean plus 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 pc clean plus 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 pc clean plus 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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