PC Cleaner Web Unwanted Application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is PC Cleaner Web?
PC Cleaner Web is promoted as an application that scans the operating system, fixes system errors, cleans temporary and unnecessary files, and improves computer performance. Judging on appearance alone, this app may seem legitimate and useful, however, it is classed as a dubious and potentially unwanted application (PUA).
This is due to the way it is installed: PC Cleaner Web is proliferated using a deceptive marketing method called "bundling", and thus users often install it inadvertently.
PC Cleaner Web allows users to perform a scan and to check for files that need to be fixed, megabytes of memory space that could be freed up, and so on. In fact, this is the only functionality provided by the 'free version'. To go further and fix various errors, remove unnecessary files, etc., users must purchase the 'full version' of PC Cleaner Web.
Note, however, that it is not known if this app is useful and can be trusted. There are many apps of this type that allow users scan and check results, however, it is possible that the search results are fake and they are displayed simply to trick users into purchasing the so-called 'full version' of a particular product. PC Cleaner Web might be one of these deceptive applications.
Some of the apps provide no real value for regular users even when the full version is purchased. Therefore, do not pay for PC Cleaner Web. These applications are proliferated using the bundling method and are often installed in packs, and thus more than one potentially unwanted application might have been installed together with the PC Cleaner Web.
These additional apps might be browser hijackers or adware and you should uninstall them immediately. The same also applies to unwanted plug-ins installed on browsers.
| Name | PC Cleaner Web 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 many potentially unwanted applications (some examples are SweepTools PC Cleaner, Cosmos System Care, and Swift PC Optimizer), many of which are very similar or identical. They are promoted as useful apps, but few provide the features promised.
Once installed, many PUAs collect data, deliver intrusive ads, cause unwanted redirects, and sometimes promote in-app purchases. Having these applications installed might lead to privacy issues and problems with online browsing safety.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Many potentially unwanted applications can be downloaded from their official websites, including PC Cleaner Web, however, they are usually installed unintentionally when software developers use the "bundling" method, a deceptive marketing method (stealth installation of PUAs with regular software).
Developers hide PUAs in "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar options or settings of the installation processes. Information about the presence of bundled apps is not properly disclosed and users often do not notice them, especially those who skip installation steps without checking the settings.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Do not download software from unofficial/untrustworthy websites, using third party software downloaders/installers, torrents, or other similar sources. Use only official and trustworthy websites/sources. Install software carefully, analyze each installation step, and check all available "Advanced", "Custom", and other similar settings.
If you see unwanted applications, features, or tools, deselect them and only then proceed to the next step. Avoid clicking various ads, especially intrusive ones - they might seem legitimate, but once clicked, some redirect to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other dubious websites.
If you encounter these redirects, check your browser and uninstall all dubious extensions, plug-ins, and add-ons. Also check for unwanted programs installed on your computer. 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 Cleaner Web application:
Screenshot of third party installer promoting PC Cleaner Web 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 Cleaner Web?
- 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 Cleaner Web" 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 Cleaner Web did not install any unwanted browser extensions, however, some unwanted applications can be 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 cleaner web 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 cleaner web 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 cleaner web 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 cleaner web 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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Outstanding!
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