AdwCleaner: Remove Adware and Browser Hijackers

If your browser keeps landing on a strange search page or new toolbars appeared after you installed something, AdwCleaner is built for exactly that situation. It is a small on-demand scanner from Malwarebytes aimed at the annoying software that classic antivirus engines often treat as a gray area.

What it targets

• Adware: Programs that push pop-ups or injected ads.
• Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs): Bundled extras and so-called optimizers you never meant to install.
• Toolbars and browser hijackers: Changes to your homepage, search engine or extensions.
• Leftover entries: Files and settings that unwanted software leaves behind.

Using it

1. The Download button opens the official Malwarebytes AdwCleaner page.
2. Run the downloaded file; it works as a portable tool, so there is no setup wizard.
3. Choose Scan Now, review the findings and untick anything you want to keep.
4. Clean the selected items and restart if the tool asks.

Good to know

AdwCleaner only works when you start it. It does not watch your PC in the background, so it complements, but does not replace, an antivirus such as Malwarebytes or Microsoft Defender. Because cleanup can change browser settings and remove programs, review the list before confirming; it is a good moment to export bookmarks and note any software you rely on.

For a thorough check of a stubborn infection, run it alongside another on-demand scanner rather than assuming one tool finds everything.