FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

PC CleanUp 2018 Unwanted Application

Also Known As: PC CleanUp 2018 potentially unwanted application
Damage level: Medium

What is PC CleanUp 2018?

PC CleanUp 2018 is a dubious application that claims to remove computer infections and optimize the system.

Judging on appearance alone, PC CleanUp 2018 may seem legitimate and useful, however, it often infiltrates systems without permission (developers distribute it using the "bundling" method). Therefore, PC CleanUp 2018 is categorized as a potentially unwanted application (PUA).

PC CleanUp 2018 unwanted application

The main PC CleanUp 2018 feature is malware removal. Immediately after performing a full system scan, users are presented with a list of potential infections/threats that must be eliminated immediately.

The 'free version' of PC CleanUp 2018 is supposedly incapable of removing the listed malware and, therefore, users are encouraged to purchase an activation key to obtain the 'full version'. It is currently unknown whether PC CleanUp 2018 can be trusted. Be aware that criminals often use "bundling" to proliferate fake anti-virus/anti-spyware suites.

These programs generate false scan results simply to trick users into paying for so-called full versions. Thus, PC CleanUp 2018 might also be a malicious application. You are advised to uninstall this application. Do not pay for the full version.

If you are uncertain as to whether your computer is safe, scan it with another reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite, such as Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows. Note that "PC CleanUp 2018" is often used to distribute several potentially unwanted applications (such as adware and browser hijackers) at once.

There is, thus, a high probability that PC CleanUp 2018 is not the only PUA that has infiltrated the system. Most of these apps deliver intrusive advertisements, cause unwanted redirects, and gather sensitive information. As well as uninstalling PC CleanUp 2018, you should also remove other suspicious applications/browser plug-ins.

PC CleanUp 2018 is very similar to Mac Heal Pro, Mac Purifier, and many others. In fact, all potentially unwanted applications are very similar.

By offering "useful features", these programs attempt to give the impression of legitimacy and trick users to install, however, since PUAs are designed only to generate revenue for the developers, most provide no real value for regular users.

They generate advertisements, cause redirects, record data, and (sometimes) promote in-app purchases, thereby posing a significant threat to your privacy and web browsing safety.

How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?

This potentially unwanted app has an official download/promotion website, however, as mentioned above, PC CleanUp 2018 is promoted using the "bundling" method - stealth installation of potentially unwanted applications together with regular software/apps. Developers do not disclose installation of PUAs properly.

Therefore, all "bundled" apps are hidden within "Custom/Advanced" settings or other sections of the download/installation processes.

Furthermore, many users are very likely to rush these procedures - behavior that often leads to inadvertent installation of potentially unwanted applications. In this way, users expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

To prevent this situation, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and downloading/installing software. Carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs and opt-out additionally-included programs. Remember that software must be downloaded from official sources only, using direct download links.

Third party downloaders/installers are monetized using the "bundling" method, and thus using them is not recommended. Potentially unwanted applications are also distributed using intrusive advertisements (which redirect to malicious websites and/or execute scripts that download and install PUAs/malware).

Most of these ads may seem legitimate, however, they often lead to untrustworthy sites (gambling, adult dating, pornography, etc.). As mentioned above, they are usually delivered by adware-type PUAs. If you experience suspicious redirects, uninstall all potentially unwanted applications immediately.

If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate them.

The appearance of "PC CleanUp 2018" PUA (GIF):

PC CleanUp 2018 scam gif

Official PC CleanUp 2018 PUA website:

Official PC CleanUp 2018 website

Official PC CleanUp 2018 PUA installer setup:

Official PC CleanUp 2018 installation setup

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:

Removal of potentially unwanted applications:

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.

PC CleanUp 2018 adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for any 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:

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

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing rogue extensions 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 rogue extensions from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the pc cleanup 2018 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.

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 rogue extensions 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 and remove them.

Removing rogue extensions from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the pc cleanup 2018 potentially unwanted application, 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 rogue extensions 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 rogue extensions from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with pc cleanup 2018 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, 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 pc cleanup 2018 potentially unwanted application, 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.

Post a comment:
If you have additional information on pc cleanup 2018 potentially unwanted application or it's removal please share your knowledge in the comments section below.

▼ Show Discussion

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.

Our malware removal guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

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
PC CleanUp 2018 potentially unwanted application QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of PC CleanUp 2018 potentially unwanted application on your mobile device.
We Recommend:

Get rid of Windows malware infections today:

▼ REMOVE IT NOW
Download Combo Cleaner

Platform: Windows

Editors' Rating for Combo Cleaner:
Editors ratingOutstanding!

[Back to Top]

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.