Startup Maximizer Unwanted Application

What is Startup Maximizer?

The Startup Maximizer app is designed to eliminate inefficiencies that affect the computer start-up process and improve performance. This may seem to be a useful tool, however, users often install Startup Maximizer unintentionally and it is thus categorized as potentially unwanted application (PUA). Typically, PUAs such as this are installed when software developers use the "bundling" method.

Startup Maximizer disables unnecessary programs from running on start-up, removes junk files, clears cache areas, and provides other functions that supposedly improve computer performance. When a system scan is finished, this app displays a list of unnecessary files and programs that have a negative impact on the computer start-up process.

To make any changes to the system, however, users are encouraged to purchase a one or two-year (or other) license. In summary, the only free function is the scan. Note that although scan results are displayed, they may not be genuine. These results are generated to trick users into purchasing software.

Startup Maximizer might be one of these rogue programs and, therefore, we recommend that you do not purchase it. Note also that these apps are installed with the "bundling" method, which is often used to install multiple potentially unwanted applications at once, also including adware or browser hijackers.

Generally, browser hijackers and adware-type apps cause unwanted redirects, deliver ads, and collect data. We recommend that you uninstall Startup Maximizer and check for other PUAs, which should also be uninstalled.

Threat Summary:

Name	Startup Maximizer 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.

Most potentially unwanted applications are very similar. They offer "useful" features, but few provide them. Many potentially unwanted applications are used to generate revenue for their developers by causing unwanted redirects, collecting data, delivering ads, and so on.

Some PUAs might even cause privacy issues. Examples of other PUAs similar to Sartup Maximizer are Cloud System Care, REOptimizer and Driver Whiz.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

Startup Maximizer has an official website from which it can be downloaded, but it is more commonly installed without users' knowledge when software developers use the "bundling" method - stealth installation of potentially unwanted applications with other third party software.

PUAs are hidden in "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings of the installation processes. Developers know that many users skip installation steps without carefully studying them or checking installation settings - they use this careless behaviour to their advantage.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

Avoid using third party software downloaders/installers. Download software using official, trustworthy sources and direct links only. Study "Advanced"/Custom" and other sections/settings of the installation process, and do not skip the installation steps without first checking these settings. Deselect any unwanted additional software/applications and only then finish the installation.

Be careful when clicking intrusive ads - many untrustworthy ads may seem legitimate and trustworthy, but some redirect to potentially malicious websites such as gambling, pornography, adult dating, etc.

If you happen to click these ads, or constantly encounter them, check for new plug-ins, add-ons, and extensions installed on your browser (or unwanted programs installed on your computer) and remove them 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 Startup Maximizer application:

Startup Maximizer 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:
▼ 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 Startup Maximizer?
• 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 "Startup Maximizer" 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, Startup Maximizer 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 startup maximizer 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 startup maximizer 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 startup maximizer 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 startup maximizer 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.

Post a comment:
If you have additional information on startup maximizer potentially unwanted application or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

▼ Show Discussion