Malwarebytes
AdwCleaner

The world’s most popular adware cleaner finds and removes unwanted
programs and junkware so your online experience stays optimal and
hassle-free.

Fast results.
Powerful cleaning.

Computer running slow? Strange messages popping up? Browser homepage changed without your permission? This could be the work of adware (and its friends), a sneaky variant of malware that is hard to find, and harder to remove. Malwarebytes AdwCleaner employs innovative technology engineered solely to detect and remove these unwanted hitchhikers. It’s the cleaner of choice for home users and technicians.

Removes adware and unwanted programs

Removes adware and unwanted programs

Aggressively targets adware, spyware, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), and browser hijackers with technology specially engineered to remove these threats.

crush annoying

Crushes annoying software

Removes unwanted browser toolbars and bundled programs that can open the door for spyware and PUPs. This puts you back in control of your browsing.

scan fast

Scans fast, faster, fastest

Scans your computer in seconds. Clean your computer in less time than it takes to make a cup of coffee.

install nothing

Installs…nothing

Doesn’t use much memory or processor power, and there’s nothing to install. Just download, launch, and click to scan. It’s that simple.

Removes junkware, optimizes performance

Dashboard screenshot
screenshot of command line interface

Don’t take our word for it

“This could be my best adcleaner in the whole world. Not only (does) it fixes my problem, it gives me advice, too.”

‒ Jeffgoal2004
TOOLSLIB USER COMMENT

“Every time I opened a website it would direct me back to yahoo.com. I just lived with it for a while. But finally searched and found AdwCleaner. AWESOME!”

CNET USER COMMENT

“Saved my pc, when other programs couldn’t”

CNET USER COMMENT

FAQ

What is Malwarebytes AdwCleaner?

Malwarebytes AdwCleaner is a free tool you can use to scan and remove adwarespyware, PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs), browser hijackers, unwanted browser toolbars, and any other hard to remove software that came preinstalled on your Windows PC. 

What is the difference between Malwarebytes Premium and Malwarebytes AdwCleaner?

There are a few key differences. Malwarebytes AdwCleaner is a standalone tool that focuses only on removing adware, spyware, PUPs, browser hijackers, and unwanted browser toolbars. Malwarebytes Premium removes all those things—plus, a whole lot more.

For starters, Malwarebytes Premium includes Real-Time Protection, which actively blocks threats before they have a chance to infect your computer. Malwarebytes AdwCleaner is great at removing certain types of dangerous and unwanted programs, but it can’t block them from getting on your computer in the first place.

Malwarebytes Premium can also block and remove a broader range of threats, including viruses, ransomware, exploits, malicious websites, and other forms of malware. For its part, Malwarebytes AdwCleaner can’t block or remove these kinds of threats.

Is Malwarebytes AdwCleaner good?

Yes, Malwarebytes AdwCleaner is very good at removing adware, spyware, PUPs, browser hijackers, and unwanted browser toolbars. That said, if you’re looking for a broader range of protection against things like virusesransomwareexploits, malicious websites, and other forms of malware, you should choose Malwarebytes Premium.

Is a PUP malware?

Generally speaking, PUPs are not classified as malware. The detection criteria for PUPs includes the following:

  • Programs installed without the user’s consent.
  • Programs supported by aggressive advertisements.
  • Programs that may be bundlers or part of a bundle.
  • Programs that may be misleading or offer a false sense of security.

What is the best free adware removal?

Of course, we believe Malwarebytes AdwCleaner is the best free adware removal tool.

Does Malwarebytes AdwCleaner remove malware?

Malwarebytes AdwCleaner removes adware and spyware, which are types of malware. However, Malwarebytes AdwCleaner doesn’t remove any other forms of malware. If you’re worried about malware, you should consider Malwarebytes Premium, which can remove all forms of malware.

How do I get rid of adware for free?

Look no further. Malwarebytes AdwCleaner is a free tool you can use to get rid of adware on your Windows PC.

How do I know if I have adware?

If you think you have adware on your computer, try downloading Malwarebytes AdwCleaner and running a scan. That said, Malwarebytes AdwCleaner can’t block adware from getting onto your computer to begin with. So, if you’re worried about adware, you should consider Malwarebytes Premium, which actively blocks adware and other forms of malware.

How do I scan my computer for adware?

Scanning your computer for adware is easy. Just download Malwarebytes AdwCleaner, open the program, and click Scan Now. It’s free, you don’t have to install anything, and only takes a few minutes. For additional help, see our guide on using Malwarebytes AdwCleaner.

Is Malwarebytes AdwCleaner safe?

Yes, Malwarebytes AdwCleaner is safe. It’s a Malwarebytes product. As a company, Malwarebytes has been around since 2008, building award winning cybersecurity tools favored by millions of businesses and home users all over the world.

How do I run Malwarebytes AdwCleaner?

First, download Malwarebytes AdwCleaner then open the file you just downloaded. Click the Scan Now button. Once the scan completes, Malwarebytes AdwCleaner shows you what it found on your computer. Check the boxes next to any items you want to quarantine and disable, then click Next. Now, Malwarebytes AdwCleaner will show you any preinstalled software it found on your device. Again, check the boxes next to any items you want to quarantine and disable. Click Continue, then click Restart now, and you’re done. For additional help, see our guide on using Malwarebytes AdwCleaner.

Tech specs

Software requirements
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Software requirements

Windows 11 (32/64-bit)
Windows 10 (32/64-bit)
Windows 8 (32/64-bit)
Windows 7 (32/64-bit)

Languages supported Icon

Languages supported

Arabic, Bulgarian, Czech, Danish, German, Greek, English, Spanish, Basque, French, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, Chinese

Start cleaning now

Download Malwarebytes AdwCleaner now and you’ll have a clean computer in just minutes.