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Junk Cleaner Unwanted Application

Also Known As: JunkCleaner adware
Damage level: Medium

What is Junk Cleaner?

Junk Cleaner is a deceptive app claiming to significantly improve computer performance - "Junk Cleaner is one of the finest PC performance tools available in the market today, when it comes to improving performance and speed of your PC. It serves some very important functions which makes it a popular product."

On initial inspection, this software might seem legitimate and useful, however, Junk Cleaner is classed as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) and adware, since it infiltrates systems without users' permission and generates fake error messages.

Junk Cleaner adware

Although Junk Cleaner claims to 'improve computer performance', this statement is false. The application continually generates fake error messages stating that the system is infected or has encountered certain problems. Furthermore, these messages encourage users to contact the developers via the telephone number provided (1-866-606-9133) to solve these problems.

When users call the number, they are asked to pay a specific amount to receive assistance. In fact, users cannot be sure that they will receive any help. Therefore, paying is equivalent to sending your money to cyber criminals - you will simply support their malicious business.

This behavior is common to many adware-type applications (including, for example, MovieDea and GamesDesktop). Fake error messages are also displayed by rogue antivirus programs. We strongly advise that you ignore these message and uninstall Junk Cleaner immediately.

There are hundreds of PUPs similar to Junk Cleaner including SwiftSearch, MapsWorld, and DesktopClock. The only difference being that regular adware-type apps usually display advertisements (via the 'Pay Per Click' [PPC] advertising model) and collect personally identifiable information (which is later sold to third party companies).

All adware claims to provide various useful features to trick users to install, however, the true purpose of these PUPs is to generate revenue for the developers. Neither Junk Cleaner, nor any of these other adware-type apps, provide the functionality promised.

How did Junk Cleaner install on my computer?

Users are able to download Junk Clear on its official website, however, this application is commonly distributed as a 'bundle' with other (mostly free) applications. Bundling is stealth installation of third party applications with regular software. Developers conceal PUPs within the 'Custom' or 'Advanced' settings.

Many users skip this section, which leads to inadvertent installation of bogus applications such as Junk Cleaner. The developers are concerned only with the amount of revenue generated, which is dependent on the number of PUPs distributed, and hence, they intentionally hide them.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

The only way to safely download and install your chosen software is to pay close attention during these processes. Select the 'Custom' or 'Advanced' options - this will reveal any hidden PUPs and allow you to cancel them. The key to computer safety is caution. Never rush when downloading and installing software.

Junk Cleaner PUP generating fake error messages:

Junk Cleaner generating false computer infection warnings Fake error message generated by Junk Cleaner

Text presented in Junk Cleaner fake error messages:

Warning! Malware Detected! Your computer is in critical state because of external malware attack, your personal and privacy settings may be shared over the Internet. To get immediate support Call us on: 1-866-606-9133

 

Windows Security Alert Your PC Antivirus crashed Your computer Antivirus program is going to Crash or out of date, To keep it up to date Call us on: 1-866-606-9133

Junk Cleaner encouraging users to buy the full version:

Junk Cleaner encouraging users to buy an activation key

Screenshot of Junk Cleaner application:

Deceptive adware-type application Junk Cleaner

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Quick menu:

Junk Cleaner adware removal:

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.

Junk Cleaner adware uninstall via Control Panel

In the uninstall programs window, look for "Junk Cleaner", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".

After uninstalling the potentially unwanted program that generates fake error messages, scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.

Remove Junk Cleaner adware from Internet browsers:

At time of research, Junk Cleaner did not install its browser plug-ins on Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, however, it was bundled with other adware. Therefore, you are advised to remove all potentially unwanted browser add-ons from your Internet browsers.

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

Internet Explorer logoRemove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:

Removing Junk Cleaner ads 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 Junk Cleaner ads from Internet Explorer step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the junkcleaner adware, 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 Junk Cleaner  ads from Google Chrome step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome options icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, select these entries and click the trash can icon.

Removing Junk Cleaner ads from Google Chrome step 2

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the junkcleaner adware, 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 Junk Cleaner ads 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 "Extensions", in the opened window, remove all recently-installed suspicious browser plug-ins.

Removing Junk Cleaner ads from Mozilla Firefox step 2

Optional method:

Computer users who have problems with junkcleaner adware 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 junkcleaner adware, 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.

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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.

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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
JunkCleaner adware QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of JunkCleaner adware on your mobile device.
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