Free Malware Removal Tool Unwanted Application
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Free Malware Removal Tool?
Developers present Free Malware Removal Tool as an "outstanding" anti-virus suite. Initially, Free Malware Removal Tool may seem legitimate and useful, however, this software often infiltrates systems without permission and delivers no real value for regular users. For these reasons, Free Malware Removal Tool is categorized as a potentially unwanted program (PUP).
Free Malware Removal Tool provides a feature allowing users to perform a 'full system scan'. After scanning the system, it displays hundreds of potential infections/threats and encourages users to remove them immediately. It is also stated that the 'free version' of Free Malware Removal Tool is not capable of performing this removal function.
Therefore, users are encouraged to purchase the 'full version'. Be aware, however, that Free Malware Removal Tool is designed only to trick users into paying. The entire list of infections is false - your system is likely to be optimized and virus-free. Cyber criminals generate revenue by extorting money from unsuspecting users.
Rather than delivering any real value, Free Malware Removal Tool will simply clean the false list. This PUP does not protect against any infections or attacks. Therefore, it should be uninstalled immediately.
As mentioned above, Free Malware Removal Tool typically infiltrates systems without permission and there is a high probability that it came together with a number of other PUPs.
In most cases, potentially unwanted programs do three things: 1) deliver intrusive advertisements [adware]; 2) modify web browser options [browser hijackers], and; 3) gather various information [typically, many types of data]. As with Free Malware Removal Tool, all potentially unwanted programs must be uninstalled immediately.
| Name | Free Malware Removal Tool potentially unwanted program |
| 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. |
Free Malware Removal Tool is virtually identical to PCMax, Advanced PC Care, System Keeper, and many others. By offering 'useful features', PUPs attempt to give the impression of legitimacy, however, these programs are designed only to help developers generate passive revenue.
Therefore, rather than giving any real value for regular users, PUPs deliver intrusive online advertisements (via the "Pay Per Click" [PPC] advertising model), cause unwanted redirects (thereby promoting rogue sites), gather sensitive information (which is later sold to third parties), and, in this case, promote in-app purchases.
How did Free Malware Removal Tool install on my computer?
This PUP has an official download website, however, due to the lack of knowledge and careless behavior of many users, Free Malware Removal Tool often infiltrates systems without permission. Developers proliferate these programs using intrusive advertising and "bundling" methods.
Intrusive advertisements redirect to malicious websites and run scripts that download and install malware/PUPs, whilst bundling is stealth installation of third party programs together with regular software/apps.
Developers hide "bundled" apps within "Custom/Advanced" settings or other sections of the download/installation processes. Many users click advertisements and skip download/installation steps, thereby exposing their systems to risk of various infections and compromising their privacy.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
The key to computer safety is caution. Therefore, to prevent system infiltration by PUPs, be very careful when browsing the Internet and, especially when downloading/installing software.
Intrusive advertisements typically seem legitimate, as criminals invest many resources into their design, however, they lead to dubious sites (gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.) If you encounter these redirects, immediately remove all dubious applications and browser plug-ins.
Furthermore, select "Custom/Advanced" settings, carefully analyze each step of the download/installation processes, and opt-out of all additionally-included programs. Your apps should be downloaded from official sources only, using direct download links.
Third party download/installation tools should never be used, since criminals monetize them by promoting PUPs (the "bundling" method). Having a reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite installed and running is also essential.
Free Malware Removal Tool installation tool:
Screenshot of Free Malware Removal Tool potentially unwanted program:
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 Free Malware Removal Tool?
- STEP 1. Uninstall Free Malware Removal Tool application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Internet Explorer.
- STEP 3. Remove deceptive add-ons from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove rogue plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 5. Remove malicious extensions from Safari.
- STEP 6. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
Free Malware Removal Tool PUP removal:
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 "Free Malware Removal Tool", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program that causes Free Malware Removal Tool ads, 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, Free Malware Removal Tool 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:
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 free malware removal tool 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.
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 free malware removal tool potentially unwanted program, 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 "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with free malware removal tool 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, 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 free malware removal tool potentially unwanted program, 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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