Uninstall the System Cleanup unwanted application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is System Cleanup?
System Cleanup is software promoted as a system cleaner and optimizer. It is supposedly capable of scanning systems and removing "junk" and temporary files, and other unnecessary data.
This program has an official web page from which it can be downloaded free of charge (or users can purchase the "premium" version), however, System Cleanup can also be installed together with other software. This deceptive marketing method of packing regular programs with unwanted content is called "bundling".
Rushed download/installation processes also increase the risk of device infiltration. Due to its dubious mode of distribution, System Cleanup is classed as a PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application).
As System Cleanup is classed as a PUA, it is deemed untrustworthy and might also be a threat to the device and/or user safety. You are strongly advised against downloading/installing this application and other similar programs. Most PUAs require to be activated by making a purchase, however, they often do not work as advertised or are simply nonoperational.
Furthermore, download/install set-ups are used to proliferate System Cleanup and frequently contain more than one PUA (e.g. browser hijackers or adware). These unwanted applications have many harmful features. They generate redirects to sale-oriented, untrustworthy and even malicious web pages.
Additionally, using various tools, they enable third party graphical content to be displayed on any site and deliver intrusive ads campaigns (e.g. pop-ups, surveys, banners, coupons, etc.). These ads seriously diminish the browsing experience by limiting browsing performance and overlaying web page content.
They also generate redirects to rogue sites and can execute scripts to stealthily download/install PUAs. Unwanted applications have another dangerous capability: data tracking. By recording browsing activity (URLs visited, pages viewed, search engine history, etc.), they gather users' personal information (IP addresses, geolocations, and other private details).
This data is then shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) seeking to misuse it to generate revenue. Therefore, PUAs can lead to system infiltration and infections, and severe privacy issues (including identity theft). To ensure device and user safety, remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately.
| Name | System Cleanup potentially unwanted application |
| Threat Type | PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application). |
| Supposed Functionality | System cleanup and optimization. |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win32:Adware-gen [Adw]), DrWeb (Program.Unwanted.1959), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of MSIL/SparksGenPCClean.B Potentially Unwanted), Kaspersky (Hoax.Win32.DeceptPCClean.kax), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | A program that you do not recall installing suddenly appeared on your computer. The new application is performing computer scans and displays warning messages about 'found issues'. Asks for payment 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. |
All PUAs tend to be quite similar. They are designed to seem legitimate and offer a broad array of "useful" and "beneficial" features. Full PC Care 2.0, Smart Sys Care, and Inlog Optimizer are some examples of apps similar to System Cleanup. Despite how good these offers may sound, in most cases, the features are nonfunctional.
The only purpose of all unwanted software/files is to generate profit for the developers. Regular users receive no real value. In summary, PUAs cause redirects, deliver intrusive ad campaigns, and collect sensitive data.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
As mentioned, System Cleanup has an official download website. PUAs also spread via download/install set-ups of other programs. By rushing through the download/installation processes (e.g. ignoring terms, skipping steps and sections, using pre-set options, etc..), many users unintentionally allow "bundled" content into their devices.
Intrusive advertisements can also download and install PUAs without users' permission. Once clicked, they can execute scripts to perform these rogue downloads/installs.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
Your content should be researched to verify its legitimacy, before downloading/installing. Only official and verified download sources should be used. Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (e.g. BitTorrent, eMule, Gnutella, etc.), free file-hosting and unofficial sites, third party downloaders and similar sources are untrustworthy and should not be used.
When downloading/installing, read the terms, explore possible options, use "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out of downloading/installing additional content. Intrusive advertisements typically seem normal and harmless, however, they can redirect to dubious web pages (e.g. pornography, adult-dating, gambling, etc.).
If you encounter these ads/redirects, check the device and remove all suspicious 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 System Cleanup application (GIF):
System Cleanup installation setup:
Website promoting System Cleanup 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 System Cleanup?
- 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 "System Cleanup" 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, System Cleanup 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 system cleanup 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 system cleanup 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 system cleanup 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 system cleanup 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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