How to uninstall CleanMyPC from a computer?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
(updated)
CleanMyPC removal instructions
What is CleanMyPC?
CleanMyPC is advertised as a program which cleans and optimizes the operating system/improves computer performance. Although, it is distributed by using questionable methods, therefore, it is categorized as a potentially unwanted application (PUA). Users often download and install such apps unknowingly, unintentionally.
CleanMyPC cleans junk files, uninstalls unwanted programs installed on a computer, extensions installed on a browser, cleans system registry, and includes some other features. Although, in order to be able to use any of its features users have to purchase it - pay for its activation. The problem with programs that are categorized as PUAs is that they often do not function as they supposed to. To be more precise, they do not fix any real issues, they provide fake scan results to trick users into paying money for their activation. It is unknown whether CleanMyPC is designed to function this way or not, although, there is such a possibility. It is worthwhile to mention that installers of apps like CleanMyPC can be used to distribute other PUAs (e.g., adware, browser hijackers). Adware is a type of software that serves coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups and/or other types of advertisements. Those ads tend to be designed to promote (open) untrustworthy websites or even run scrips designed to download and/or install unwanted programs. Browser hijackers are PUAs that promote fake search engines (their addresses) by changing certain browser settings. It is worthwhile to mention that both adware-type apps and browser hijackers can be and often are designed to gather various data as well. Quite often they collect browsing data (e.g., IP addresses, geolocations, entered search queries, addresses of visited websites, and so on). However, there are apps of this type that are capable of accessing sensitive information as well. The bigger problem with it is that gathered data could be sold to third parties (potentially cyber criminals) or misused to generate revenue in other ways. Therefore, if an app (or apps) of this type is already installed on browser and/or operating system, then it should be uninstalled right away. Also, it is not recommended to trust programs like CleanMyPC.
| Name | CleanMyPC potentially unwanted application |
| Threat Type | PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application) |
| Supposed Functionality | PC cleaner |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win32:Adware-gen [Adw]), AVG (Win32:Adware-gen [Adw]), K7AntiVirus (Riskware ( Dec003b01 )), K7GW (Riskware ( Dec003b01 )), 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 Malwarebytes. |
More examples of programs that are quite similar to CleanMyPC are Registry Life, RocketFixio and Perfect Optimizer. It is not recommended to trust that are distributed in questionable ways. Another reason not to trust PUAs is that they often do not fix any errors, issues or are actually useful in some other way.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
It is common that various potentially unwanted applications are distributed by integrating them in download and/or installation setups of other programs as additional offers. This distribution method is called "bundling". As a rule, information about additional downloads and/or installations is provided in "Custom", "Advanced" and other settings of setups. The same settings can be used to decline offers to download and/or install included apps. However, not all users check (and change) them. When they download and/or install programs without changing the aforementioned settings, they give additionally included applications a permission to be downloaded and/or installed too. Also, unwanted downloads and/or installation can be caused by clicking deceptive advertisements that are designed to execute certain scripts.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Software (and files) should be downloaded from official sites and vi direct download links. Other sources, tools like third party downloaders, Peer-to-Peer networks (for example, torrent clients, eMule), unofficial websites should not be used - quite often their users unknowingly download and/or install unwanted, in some cases even malicious software. Third party installers can be used to distribute unwanted software too. Also, unwanted downloads and installations can be prevented by declining offers to download and/or install additionally included apps in "Advanced", "Custom", or other settings on setups. Additionally, it is advised not to click advertisements that appear on questionable, unofficial or other pages of this kind - such ads can be designed to promote untrustworthy, potentially malicious pages or cause unwanted downloads, or even installations. Any unwanted, suspicious extensions, plug-ins, and/or add-ons that are already installed on a web browser and programs of this kind that are installed computer should be removed/uninstalled. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Malwarebytes for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Appearance of CleanMyPC application (GIF):
Installation setup of CleanMyPC:
Website promoting CleanMyPC application:
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Malwarebytes 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 Malwarebytes. 14 days free trial available.
Quick menu:
- What is CleanMyPC?
- 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 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
Windows XP users:
Click Start, choose Settings and click Control Panel. Locate and click Add or Remove Programs.
Windows 10 and Windows 8 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.
Mac 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 "CleanMyPC" 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, CleanMyPC 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 cleanmypc 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 cleanmypc 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". Click on "Extensions", in the opened window remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with cleanmypc 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 cleanmypc 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.
Removal assistance:
If you are experiencing problems while trying to remove cleanmypc potentially unwanted application from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.
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Outstanding!
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