AdwCleaner 8.5.0

August 21, 2025

Additional Information

AdwCleaner can remove unwanted Toolbars and Page Hijackers

Version	AdwCleaner 8.6.0
Requirements	Windows 7/Windows 8/Windows 10/Windows 11
Updated	August 21, 2025
Author	Malwarebytes Corp
Category	Anti-Virus
License	Freeware
Language	English
Download	525

Overview

Unwanted ads, strange browser redirects, and sudden performance slowdowns are often signs of adware or potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). AdwCleaner is a lightweight, specialized cleanup tool designed to detect and remove exactly these types of threats—quickly and effectively.

Now part of the Malwarebytes ecosystem, AdwCleaner remains a standalone, free, and portable utility that focuses on cleaning what traditional antivirus tools often overlook.

What Is AdwCleaner?

AdwCleaner is a dedicated adware and PUP removal tool for Windows systems. It targets software that typically sneaks onto computers through bundled installers, browser extensions, or misleading download buttons.

Unlike full antivirus suites, AdwCleaner focuses specifically on:

Adware
Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs)
Browser hijackers
Unwanted toolbars and extensions

Because it does not require installation, AdwCleaner can be run instantly whenever a system starts behaving suspiciously.

How AdwCleaner Improves System Performance

Many unwanted programs run silently in the background, consuming system resources and degrading performance. AdwCleaner helps restore stability by removing software that causes:

Intrusive pop-up advertisements
Browser homepage and search engine changes
Redirected web traffic
Slow startup and reduced system responsiveness

After cleaning, users often notice faster browsing, fewer ads, and improved overall usability.

Designed to Combat Bundled Software

One of AdwCleaner’s key strengths is its focus on bundled adware. These programs are often installed unintentionally when users skip custom installation options during free software setup.

AdwCleaner scans common locations such as:

Program Files and ProgramData
Browser profiles and extensions
Registry entries related to adware and PUPs

This targeted approach makes it highly effective at removing clutter that standard antivirus tools may ignore.

Key Features and Capabilities

Adware and PUP Detection

AdwCleaner is optimized to identify software responsible for ads, redirects, and browser manipulation.

Browser Reset Function

Users can reset browsers to default settings, removing unwanted extensions, toolbars, and homepage hijackers in one step.

System Folder Scanning

The tool scans system directories for leftover files and folders installed by unwanted software.

Quarantine and Restore

Detected items can be quarantined and restored later if needed, offering protection against false positives.

Regular Definition Updates

Frequent updates ensure detection of the latest adware and PUP threats.

Simple, User-Friendly Interface

The clean interface allows even non-technical users to scan and clean their system with minimal effort.

Is AdwCleaner Part of Malwarebytes?

Yes. AdwCleaner was acquired by Malwarebytes in 2016. While it is part of the Malwarebytes family, AdwCleaner remains a separate tool with its own detection engine.

Although Malwarebytes has improved its PUP detection over time, AdwCleaner can still identify certain adware and browser-related items that Malwarebytes may miss. Using both tools together provides more comprehensive cleanup coverage.

What AdwCleaner Does—and Does Not—Do

What it does:

Removes adware, PUPs, and browser hijackers
Fixes browser-related issues
Improves system performance

What it does not do:

Provide real-time protection
Replace a full antivirus solution
Actively prevent future infections

For best results, AdwCleaner should be used periodically alongside a real-time antivirus or antimalware program.

Safety and Compatibility

AdwCleaner is generally considered safe when downloaded from official or trusted sources. It supports a wide range of languages and works on modern Windows systems.

Because it is portable, it:

Does not install background services
Does not consume resources when not running
Can be used for quick, on-demand scans

Pros and Cons

Pros

Highly effective against adware and PUPs
Fast scanning and cleaning
Completely free
No installation required
Regular updates

Cons

No real-time protection
Limited scope (not a full malware remover)

Final Verdict

AdwCleaner is an essential cleanup tool for users who frequently install free software or notice unusual browser behavior. Its focused approach, ease of use, and zero cost make it one of the best adware removal utilities available for Windows.

While it should not replace a full antivirus solution, AdwCleaner works exceptionally well as a secondary scanner—helping keep systems clean, fast, and free from unwanted software.