How to uninstall PC Win Booster
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is PC Win Booster?
As its name suggests, PC Win Booster is software designed to improve computer performance. In fact, this app is distributed by including it into the set-ups of other programs. Programs distributed in this way are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). These rogue apps have a dubious reputation and should not be trusted.
PC Win Booster allows users to scan computers for Registry issues, junk files, Temporary Internet Files, broken shortcuts, malware, corrupted applications, etc. In summary, it supposedly improves computer performance by detecting issues and fixing them.
Note that PC Win Booster is not freeware and users cannot fix any of the 'detected issues' without having to activate (purchase) it. As mentioned, this app is categorized as a PUA. Note that PUAs such as PC Win Booster display fake scan results to trick people into paying for 'full versions'.
When activated, this bogus software does not fix any problems (this is likely to be the case with PC Win Booster).Developers often include more than PUA into the download and/or installation set-ups of other programs. Therefore, it is possible that PC Win Booster is distributed together with a browser hijacker and/or an adware-type app.
Browser hijackers are programs that promote fake search engine addresses by changing certain browser settings. Adware-type apps are programs that serve various online advertisements. Both browser hijackers and adware-type apps can collect browsing-related and/or other sensitive data as well.
The data could be misused by developers to generate revenue or sold to third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). This can lead to problems relating to browsing safety, online privacy, and some people might even become victims of identity theft. Therefore, remove all PUAs from the browser and computer immediately, including PC Win Booster.
| Name | PC-Win-Booster potentially unwanted application |
| Threat Type | PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application). |
| Supposed Functionality | This software supposedly improves computer performance. |
| Detection Names | Avira (no cloud) ({app}\PCWinBooster.exe), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/UwS.PCWinBooster.C), Microsoft (Misleading:Win32/Boresoto), Webroot (W32.Deceptor.Sorentiosystems), 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 | 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. |
More examples of PUAs similar to PC Win Booster include Fast Computer, WisePCDoctor and Tuneup Pro. These programs supposedly improve computer performance by fixing various issues and errors, removing unnecessary files, etc., however, they are categorized as PUAs and often trick people into paying for activation, rather than fixing any problems.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Typically, PUAs are distributed by including them into the download/installation set-ups of other programs. This distribution method is known as "bundling" and works when people download and install their programs without making changes to the set-ups.
I.e., they leave settings such as "Custom" and "Advanced" unchanged. In this way, they agree by default with offers to download or install additionally-included apps. In some cases, these downloads/installations are caused by clicking deceptive advertisements. Some ads can download/install unwanted apps by executing certain scripts.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications
Programs and files should be downloaded only from official websites and via direct links. Other channels (e.g., Peer-to-Peer networks such as torrent clients, eMule, unofficial pages, third party downloaders) are often used to distribute unwanted, sometimes even malicious apps.
The same applies to third party installers, which should be avoided. Check all download and installation set-ups and decline offers to download or install additionally-included apps (these offers can usually be found in "Custom", "Advanced", and other similar settings).
Do not click ads, especially those displayed on dubious pages, since they can execute scripts that download and install unwanted software.
They might also open dubious websites. Remove any suspicious, unwanted apps (plug-ins, add-ons, extensions, etc.) already installed on the browser, and programs of this kind installed on the computer. 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 PC Win Booster application (GIF):
Installation set-up of PC Win Booster application:
Website promoting PC Win Booster 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:
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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 PC Win Booster?
- 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 "PC Win Booster" (or "PC-Win-Booster") 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, PC Win Booster 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 pc-win-booster 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 pc-win-booster 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 pc-win-booster 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 pc-win-booster 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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