How to remove JCleaner from the operating system?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
JCleaner removal instructions
What is JCleaner?
JCleaner is a potentially unwanted application (PUA) that has the exact same name as a cleaner/system optimizer from Vitsoft. PUAs are programs that often come bundled with other software (they often are included in downloaders, installers as extra offers). The main reason why they are called potentially unwanted is that users often download and install them unknowingly. Applications that are distributed using questionable methods should not be trusted (used). It applies to JCleaner too. Besides, the installer for JCleaner is detected as a threat by more than 40 antivirus scanners on VirusTotal.
There are many fake system optimization, cleaning, malware removal, and other tools (rogue scanners) that run fake scans and display fabricated threats, error notices, security results, etc., to trick users into purchasing those fake tools in order to remove potential threats, issues. It is very likely that JCleaner is one of these fake cleaners too. Another problem with PUAs is that they can slow down computers, display ads, collect some information, add unwanted toolbars on browsers, etc. Also, it is common for PUAs to come bundled with other apps of this type, for example, various browser hijackers, adware-type applications. Users who have such apps installed on their computers or browsers should remove them as soon as possible.
Browser hijackers change browser settings to promote a certain address, usually a fake search engine. In most cases, they change the address of a default search engine, homepage, and new tab. Most of them do not allow do undo their settings unless users uninstall them. Adware-type apps generate advertisements (banners, coupons, surveys, pop-up ads, etc.) that promote questionable websites, applications. In some cases, their ads are used to distribute unwanted applications: if clicked, they download or install unwanted software by running certain scripts. Adware (and browser hijackers) can be designed to collect details like entered search queries, geolocations, Internet Protocol addresses, browsing history, etc., or even passwords, credit card details, or other sensitive information. The collected information can be misused to generate revenue (e.g., it can be sold to third parties, even cybercriminals).
| Name | JCleaner potentially unwanted application |
| Threat Type | PUP (potentially unwanted program), PUA (potentially unwanted application) |
| Supposed Functionality | System cleaner |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win32:Trojan-gen), BitDefender (Trojan.GenericKD.45709041), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/TrojanDownloader.Adload.NUT), Kaspersky (Trojan.Win32.Ekstak.ainyd), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Ymacco.AA23), 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, PUAs like JCleaner should never be trusted/paid for. It is common for them to provide fake results to trick users into paying for their registration (activation). Also, they often come bundled with other apps of this kind that cannot be trusted as well. It is advisable to use legitimate software that is available on official, trustworthy pages only. More examples of PUAs that share some similarities with the JCleaner program are SmartPCFixer, SpeedFixTool and PC Optimizer Pro.
How did potentially unwanted applications install on my computer?
Very often, PUAs are distributed by including them in download and/or installation setups of other programs as extra offers. In other words, by bundling them with other programs, usually free ones. Users can decline unwanted offers before finishing downloads, installations via "Advanced", "Custom," or other settings, or by unticking some checkboxes. Unwanted downloads, installations are caused when those settings are left unchanged - leaving downloader's or installer's default settings unchanged means agreeing with any offers that are included in it. In some cases, PUAs are distributed via deceptive advertisements by designing those ads to execute certain scripts. Users cause unwanted downloads, installations by clicking on those ads.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
Third-party downloaders, installers, unofficial websites, Peer-to-Peer networks such as torrent clients, eMule, etc., can be used to distribute unwanted, potentially malicious software. Therefore, software, files should be downloaded from official websites and via direct download links only. Downloaders, installers that have "Custom", "Advanced", "Manual" or other settings, or checkboxes, should be analyzed: they should be checked for additional, unwanted offers to download or install unwanted software. Advertisements on questionable, unofficial websites can open unreliable websites or even cause unwanted downloads, installations. For this reason, it is advisable not to click on such ads. All suspicious, unwanted, unknown extensions, plug-ins, or add-ons that are installed on a browser should be removed. The same should be done with programs of this kind that are installed on the operating system. If your computer is already infected with PUAs, we recommend running a scan with Malwarebytes for Windows to automatically eliminate them.
Installation setup of JCleaner 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 JCleaner?
- 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 "JCleaner" 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, JCleaner 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 jcleaner 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 jcleaner 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 jcleaner 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 jcleaner 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 jcleaner potentially unwanted application from your computer, please ask for assistance in our malware support forum.
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Outstanding!
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