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SlimCleaner Unwanted Application

Also Known As: SlimCleaner potentially unwanted program
Damage level: Medium

What is SlimCleaner?

Developed by Slimware Utilities Holdings Inc., SlimCleaner is a deceptive application presented as a legitimate system optimization tool. Although its features may seem legitimate and useful, SlimCleaner is categorized as a potentially unwanted program (PUP). Furthermore, SlimCleaner typically infiltrates systems without users' consent.

SlimCleaner unwanted application

Following infiltration, SlimCleaner displays various pop-up messages claiming that the system is corrupted. It also performs a fake computer scan and displays many supposed infections and damaged files. To resolve these 'issues', victims are encouraged to purchase a full version of SlimCleaner.

Note that SlimCleaner's developers attempt to scare and trick victims into paying for the full version, even though the system is not damaged. All of the listed errors are fake - this application is a scam. Therefore, we strongly advise you to ignore all pop-ups delivered by SlimCleaner and remove this application immediately.

Threat Summary:
Name SlimCleaner potentially unwanted program
Threat Type PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application)
Detection Names DrWeb (Program.Unwanted.2505), Emsisoft (Application.InstallOpt (A)), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Slimware.A Potentially Unwanted), McAfee-GW-Edition (BehavesLike.Win32.Slimware.th), Full List (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)

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As mentioned above, SlimCleaner typically infiltrates systems without users' consent. This behavior is common to potentially unwanted programs. There is a high probability that SlimCleaner will have been delivered together with a number of other PUPs.

These applications often deliver intrusive advertisements, modify browser settings, gather sensitive information, and misuse system resources to run unwanted processes. Intrusive ads are delivered using tools that enable placement of third party graphical content on any site.

Therefore, pop-ups, coupons, banners, and other displayed ads often conceal underlying website content, thereby diminishing the browsing experience. In addition, the ads might redirect to malicious sites and run scripts that download and install malware. Thus, even a single click can result in high-risk computer infections.

PUPs also modify browser options (e.g., default search engine, homepage, new tab URL, etc.) by assigning them to rogue sites (typically, fake search engines). These applications are essentially used to build the traffic of malicious sites. PUPs are also known to record confidential information.

This data is shared with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals) who misuse private details to generate revenue. The presence of data-tracking apps can therefore lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft.

In addition, PUPs often misuse systems resources to mine cryptocurrencies or run other unnecessary background processes. In doing so, they significantly diminish overall system performance. All potentially unwanted programs must be eliminated immediately.

How did SlimCleaner install on my computer?

All PUPs are very similar. By offering useful features (file conversion, download performance increase, system optimization, anti-virus, etc.), potentially unwanted programs attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, they are designed only to generate revenue for the developers.

Rather than giving any real value for regular users, potentially unwanted programs pose a direct threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety.

Research shows that, although SlimCleaner has an official download website, it typically infiltrates systems without permission. Developers proliferate this PUP using intrusive advertisements, together with a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" (stealth installation of unwanted software with regular [usually free] programs).

Developers hide "bundled" programs within "Advanced/Custom" settings or other sections of the download/installation processes. Many users skip download/installation steps and click advertisements. In doing so, they expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

To prevent system infiltration by PUPs, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and, especially when downloading/installing software. In addition, criminals invest many resources into intrusive ad design. Therefore, most appear legitimate. Once clicked, however, these ads redirect to gambling, adult dating, pornography, and other dubious websites.

If you experience these redirects, immediately eliminate all dubious applications and browser plug-ins. Furthermore, carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs and opt-out of all additionally-included programs.

Using a legitimate anti-virus/anti-spyware suite is also paramount. Poor knowledge of these threats and rushing steps are the main reasons for computer infections - key to safety is caution.

Screenshot of a pop-up displayed by SlimCleaner:

Fake SlimCleaner pop-up

Screenshot of SlimCleaner PUP:

Potentially unwanted program SlimCleaner

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Quick menu:

SlimCleaner PUP removal:

Windows 11 users:

Accessing Apps and Features in Windows 11

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 8

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:

Accessing Programs and Features (uninstall) in Windows 7

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:

Uninstall app in OSX (Mac)

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.

SlimCleaner adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "SlimCleaner Plus", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program that causes SlimCleaner ads, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove SlimCleaner adware from Internet browsers:

At time of research, SlimCleaner did not install its browser plug-ins on Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, however, it was bundled with other adware. Therefore, you are advised to remove all potentially unwanted browser add-ons from your Internet browsers.

Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing SlimCleaner ads from Internet Explorer step 1

Click the "gear" icon Internet Explorer options 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".

Removing SlimCleaner ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the slimcleaner potentially unwanted program, 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.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows XP

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.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 7

Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.

Reseting Internet Explorer settings to default in Windows 8 - accessing

In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - Internet options advanced tab

Click the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - click the Reset button in the Internet options advanced tab

Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Resetting Internet Explorer settings to default on Windows 8 - confirm settings reset to default by clicking the reset button

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removing SlimCleaner  ads from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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, select these entries and click the trash can icon.

Removing SlimCleaner ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the slimcleaner potentially unwanted program, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon Google 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.

Google Chrome settings reset step 1

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 2

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Google Chrome settings reset step 3

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox:

Removing SlimCleaner ads from Mozilla Firefox step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (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.

Removing SlimCleaner ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with slimcleaner potentially unwanted program removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.

Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, firefox menu icon in the opened menu, click Help.

Accessing settings (Reset Firefox to default settings step 1)

Select Troubleshooting Information.

Accessing Troubleshooting Information (Reset Firefox to default settings step 2)

In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.

Clicking on Refresh Firefox button (Reset Firefox to default settings step 3)

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.

Confirm your want to reset Firefox settings to default (Reset Firefox to default settings step 4)

safari browser logoRemove malicious extensions from Safari:

removing adware from safari step 1 - accessing preferences

Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....

removing adware from safari step 2 - removing extensions

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...

resetting safari step 1

In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.

resetting safari step 2

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) logoRemove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 1

Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) 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.

Removing adware from Microsoft Edge step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the slimcleaner potentially unwanted program, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon Microsoft Edge (chromium) menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 1

In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 2

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.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) reset step 3

  • If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.

Summary:

declining installation of adware while downloading free software sampleCommonly, 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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About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

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Software uninstall instructions
Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
SlimCleaner potentially unwanted program QR code
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