Removing CompuClever PC TuneUp from your computer
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is CompuClever PC TuneUp?
CompuClever PC TuneUp is a piece of software, supposedly capable of optimizing computer system performance and cleaning unnecessary files, as well as making various other enhancements. Most users install this application onto their devices inadvertently, therefore it is categorized as a PUA (potentially unwanted application).
CompuClever PC TuneUp is often distributed together with other software, i.e. it is "bundled". This false marketing tactic, by which ordinary programs are pre-packed with unwanted content, is called "bundling".
Once installed, this software recommends an immediate scan to determine system status. After the scan is initiated, it detects a multitude of "junk files" (temporary, residual and other unnecessary files) and a large number of system issues.
It must be stated, that it is not certain that the problems CompuClever PC TuneUp detects are genuine and/or if it has any abilities required to deal with such. It is also noteworthy, that once installed, CompuClever PC TuneUp opens pop-up window - urging users to purchase upgrades, in order to access more of its features.
It should be reiterated, that buying this piece of software is not recommended, as there is no guarantee that it will actually make any of the advertised improvements. Usually, download/installation set-ups used to spread applications like this one - contain more than one PUA (e.g. browser hijackers and/or adware).
Unwanted applications are deemed a security threat, due to the variety of abilities they possess. They can overtake browsers, making them practically unusable. Generating redirects to sale-oriented, compromised and even malicious websites - is also amongst their capabilities.
They run intrusive advertisement campaigns (pop-ups, banners, coupons, surveys and etc.), which are more than just nuisances. These ads can diminish browsing experience (e.g. overlay webpage content), redirect to potentially hazardous sites and some can even execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installs of PUAs.
But by far the most notorious ability of undesirable apps is data tracking. By monitoring users' browsing activity, they can gather personal information. This vulnerable data is then sold to third parties and can easily end up in the hands of cyber criminals.
Therefore, PUAs can not only cause various browser and system invasions/infections, but they can also lead to serious privacy issues (even identify theft). Due to these risks, downloading/installing software, which falls into the PUA category is expressly advised against. Additionally, all dubious apps and/or browser extensions/plug-ins should be removed without delay.
Name | CompuClever PC TuneUp potentially unwanted application |
Threat Type | PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application) |
Supposed Functionality | System cleaning and optimization. |
Detection Names | DrWeb (Program.Unwanted.2841), Malwarebytes (PUP.Optional.CompuClever), Full List Of Detections (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. |
In most cases PUAs are quite similar; they offer a wide variety of different features, though the applications themselves operate much in the same way. Designers of these undesirable apps are often successful in their attempts at making their product appear legitimate.
The abilities/features they devise for their creations, typically sound very tempting. However, these features rarely work as promised and most are utterly nonfunctional. Some PUAs are virtually interchangeable, e.g. PC Booster Pro, Xtron PC Speedup, Smart Sys Care and PC SpeedLane are nearly identical to CompuClever PC TuneUp.
It should be known, that unwanted applications serve only one purpose, that is to generate revenue for their developers; to users - they are worthless. PUAs hijack browsers, cause redirects to unreliable/malicious websites, deliver invasive advert campaigns and gather sensitive information.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
CompuClever PC TuneUp and dozens of other PUAs have official websites, from which they can be downloaded (often advertised as "free" software). Another way of that these applications can invade devices is by being unintentionally installed alongside desired content.
This mode of proliferation is termed "bundling", it is a deceptive marketing method, by which ordinary programs are packed together with PUAs.
While opt-outs from them are usually possible, such choices are often hidden behind "Custom/Advanced" settings and other options rarely accessed by hasty and/or inexperienced users. Intrusive adverts can also download/install PUAs, by executing scripts designed to do so.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Only verified and trustworthy sources are recommended for downloading, as opposed to P2P (peer-to-peer) sharing networks and other third party downloaders. Untrustworthy sources are more likely to make deceptive offers and users can end up downloading unwanted or even malicious content.
It is highly recommended to be attentive when installing software. That includes: reading terms and exploring possible options, not skipping any steps, using "Custom/Advanced" settings and opting-out/declining additional apps/features. When browsing, users are advised to avoid suspicious websites and to refrain from clicking on random advertising.
The latter is of great import, as invasive advertisements tend to look absolutely ordinary and harmless. However, a telltale sign of their inauthenticity can be the dubious sites they redirect to (e.g. gambling, pornography, adult-dating and other types).
Should users encounter such ads/redirects, they are highly recommended to inspect their systems and remove all suspect applications and/or browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Appearance of CompuClever PC TuneUp application (GIF):
CompuClever PC TuneUp installation setup:
Pop-up window urging to purchase upgrades for CompuClever PC TuneUp:
Website promoting CompuClever PC TuneUp 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:
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Quick menu:
- What is CompuClever PC TuneUp?
- 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 "CompuClever PC TuneUp" 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 the time of research CompuClever PC TuneUp did not install any unwanted browser extensions. However note that some unwanted applications can be installed together with adware and browser hijackers. If you see unwanted ads or get 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 compuclever pc tuneup 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 compuclever pc tuneup 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 plugins 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 compuclever pc tuneup 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 compuclever pc tuneup 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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