How to uninstall the Getmut Cleaner potentially unwanted application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Getmut Cleaner?
While inspecting websites offering "cracked" software for download, our research team discovered the Getmut Cleaner PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application). The app's "official" promotional webpage endorses it as a tool capable of cleaning, protecting, and improving the performance of operating systems.
Getmut Cleaner is classified as a PUA due to the dubious methods used to distribute it. Additionally, most unwanted apps offer fake functionalities to lure users into purchase.
Multiple security tools on VirusTotal classify this application as a threat to systems; some even detect it as "spyware". Therefore, it is likely that Getmut Cleaner has harmful abilities that include data tracking.
Getmut Cleaner overview
When we installed Getmut Cleaner on our testing system, we found that the features/button on this app did not work properly, except for the button leading to the purchase of this software. While it is standard for products offered for sale to have limited functionality in their free/trial versions, the programs themselves do not look unfinished - as does Getmut Cleaner.
Generating revenue through bogus activation keys and other in-app purchases is common for PUAs. For example, fake anti-viruses require activation (purchase) to operate as advertised; however, after being activated - these PUAs remain nonoperational.
What is more, unwanted applications often have additional undesirable/harmful capabilities. These apps may display advertisements (adware), cause redirects (browser hijackers), etc.
As mentioned in the introduction, some security software detect Getmut Cleaner as "spyware". Hence, this application may have data tracking functionalities (common for PUAs).
Unwanted programs usually target browsing-related data, account log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, and so forth. The collected data is then shared with and/or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
In summary, the presence of software like Getmut Cleaner on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Getmut Cleaner potentially unwanted application |
Threat Type | PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application) |
Supposed Functionality | System protection, cleaning, and optimization. |
Detection Names (app) | Cynet (Malicious (score: 100)), Elastic (Malicious (moderate Confidence)), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Spy.MSIL.Stealer.gen), Lionic (Trojan.MSIL.Stealer.l!c), Sophos (Mal/Generic-S), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
Detection Names (installer from 'crack' website) | Avast (Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.49026290), DrWeb (Trojan.DownLoader43.44909), Kaspersky (Trojan-Banker.Win32.Passteal.ph), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Floxif.AV!MTB), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
Symptoms | A program that you do not recall installing suddenly appeared on your computer. A new application is performing computer scans and displays warning messages about 'found issues'. Asks for payment to eliminate the supposedly found errors. |
Distribution Methods | 'Crack' software download websites, deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers. |
Damage | Monetary loss (unnecessary purchase of fake software), unwanted warning pop-ups, privacy issues, 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. |
Potentially unwanted application examples
We have analyzed countless PUAs; Broom Cleaner, SafeSoft PC Cleaner, Best Cleaner, and Jet Cleaner are merely a few examples of those offering similar features to Getmut Cleaner.
These applications tend to appear legitimate and innocuous. Users are enticed into download/installation with various "useful" and "advantageous" functionalities. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases - they are utterly nonoperational. Instead, these apps typically have harmful abilities. Therefore, not only are PUAs worthless, but they also endanger device and user safety.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Getmut Cleaner has been observed being spread via sites offering "cracked" software downloads. Programs of this kind are commonly distributed through untrustworthy download channels, e.g., freeware and pirated content websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks (e.g., Torrent clients, eMule, Gnutella, etc.), and other third-party sources.
Getmut Cleaner also has an "official" promotional webpage. Questionable software-endorsing pages and scam sites are typically accessed through redirects caused by mistyped URLs, webpages using rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware.
"Bundling" - packing regular program installers with unwanted/malicious additions - is also used to proliferate PUAs. Download from dubious sources and rushed installations (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps, used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) increase the risk of inadvertently allowing bundled programs into the system.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
We strongly advise researching software before download/installation and/or purchase. Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. When installing, we recommend reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting-out of all additional apps, tools, features, etc.
Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content typically looks legitimate. For example, intrusive advertisements appear innocuous, yet they promote dangerous software and redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., adult-dating, pornography, gambling, etc.).
If you experience such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and 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 the Getmut Cleaner application (GIF):
Getmut Cleaner application's "official" promotional website:
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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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 Getmut Cleaner?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. 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 "Getmut Cleaner" 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, Getmut Cleaner 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 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 extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the getmut cleaner 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 and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with getmut cleaner 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 getmut cleaner 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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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of an unwanted application?
Unwanted apps are created for the sole goal of generating revenue for their developers. This software can generate profit by promoting in-app purchases, displaying intrusive adverts, causing redirects, selling private data, and so forth
Is Getmut Cleaner unwanted application legal?
Typically, unwanted applications are considered legal - since their End User License Agreements (EULA) tend to provide information about potential behavior.
Is having Getmut Cleaner installed on my computer dangerous?
Getmut Cleaner does require purchase to provide the promised "features"; hence, users will experience a financial loss by purchasing this nonoperational app. Furthermore, multiple security vendors on VirusTotal detect Getmut Cleaner as "spyware", meaning that it likely has data tracking abilities. These functionalities can lead to users experiencing severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Getmut Cleaner unwanted application?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate all malicious PUAs. It is pertinent to mention that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might be ineffective. In some cases, even after the software itself has been (manually) removed - various components (files) remain hidden within the system. Furthermore, these remnants may continue running and causing problems. Therefore, it is paramount to remove unwanted and malicious programs thoroughly.
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