How to uninstall PC Optimizer Pro from Windows?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
PC Optimizer Pro removal instructions
What is PC Optimizer Pro?
PC Optimizer Pro is advertised as the best free PC optimization software. However, it is very likely that this application is distributed using questionable methods, which means it is possible that there could be users who would download and install it unknowingly. Apps that users download and install unintentionally are categorized as potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).
PC Optimizer Pro is designed to run a system scan that checks it for invalid registry entries, junk files like temporary files, broken shortcuts, browser's cache, cookies, and other items. Nevertheless, users cannot remove found items unless they purchase the full version of the PC Optimizer Pro. Moreover, since this app is likely to be a PUA, it may generate fake scan results. Simply said, it may be designed to trick users into purchasing it and not actually improve PC performance even after being registered (upgraded to a full/paid version).
Also, it is possible that some browser hijacker, adware-type app, or unwanted app of other type is distributed alongside PC Optimizer Pro. Browser hijackers promote fake search engines (their addresses) by changing browser settings without user's permission. Usually they modify settings such as the address of a default search engine, homepage and new tab, and do not allow to undo those changes unless users uninstall them. Adware is a type of software that generates ads, for example, coupons, banners, surveys, pop-ups and/or ad of other types. Quite often those ads are designed to open (promote) dubious pages, or even download and/or install unwanted apps by running certain scripts.
| Name | PC Optimizer Pro potentially unwanted application |
| Threat Type | PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application) |
| Supposed Functionality | PC optimizer |
| Detection Names (Installer) | Avast (Win32:Malware-gen), BitDefender (Trojan.GenericKD.45191725), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/XportOptimizer.A Potentially Unwanted), Microsoft (Misleading:Win32/Mizerpopt), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Detection Names (Application) | AVG (FileRepMalware [PUP]), BitDefender (Application.Deceptor.AYE), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/XportOptimizer.A Potentially Unwanted), Sangfor Engine Zero (Malware), Webroot (PUA.Gen), 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. |
In conclusion, it is common for PUAs that supposed to improve computer performance, remove malware and/or fix errors to designed to run fake scans and trick users paying money for their activation. Although, it does not apply to all PUAs. Some examples of other PUAs that share some similarities with PC Optimizer Pro are One Click Privacy, TakeMyFile and Garbage Cleaner.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Users relatively often download and/or install potentially unwanted apps through setups of other programs - when PUAs are included in download and/or installation setups of those programs as additional offers. Usually users can decline unwanted offers via "Custom", "Advanced", or other settings, or by unticking certain checkboxes. Users allow for PUAs to be downloaded or installed together with other programs when they lave default settings of setups unchanged. This distribution method for PUAs is called "bundling". Also, unwanted downloads or installations can be caused by clicking deceptive advertisements. There are deceptive ads that, if clicked, would run scripts that are designed to cause unwanted download, or even installation.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Software should not be downloaded (or installed) through third party downloaders (or installers), Peer-to-Peer networks like eMule, torrent clients, unofficial pages, and so on. We recommend to download it using only official websites and direct download links. Furthermore, if a setup contains "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings, then they should not be left unchecked. They often contain offers to download or install unwanted software that can be dismissed before completing download or installation process. Intrusive ads (especially when displayed on shady pages) redirect people to potentially untrustworthy sites or download, install unwanted apps. For these reasons it is recommended not to trust and click them. Also, we recommend to uninstall all unwanted extensions, plug-ins or add-ons that are installed on a browser and programs of this kind that are installed on a computer. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Malwarebytes for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Appearance of PC Optimizer Pro application (GIF):
Installation setup of PC Optimizer Pro application:
Website promoting PC Optimizer Pro 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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Quick menu:
- What is PC Optimizer Pro?
- STEP 1. Uninstall deceptive applications using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove rogue extensions from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove potentially unwanted plug-ins from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove rogue extensions from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
- STEP 6. Remove malicious plug-ins from Internet Explorer.
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 "PC Optimizer Pro" 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 Optimizer Pro 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 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 optimizer pro 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 pc optimizer pro 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 optimizer pro 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.
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 optimizer pro 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.
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 pc optimizer pro potentially unwanted application from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.
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Outstanding!
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