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Malwarebytes AdwCleaner

Malwarebytes AdwCleaner is a free Windows utility for detecting and removing adware, potentially unwanted programs, and browser hijackers.

Place
#17 of 30
Score
6.0
Malwarebytes AdwCleaner's website

What Malwarebytes AdwCleaner is

Malwarebytes AdwCleaner is a free Windows utility for detecting and removing adware, potentially unwanted programs, and browser hijackers. It can also find unwanted software that arrived preinstalled on a Windows computer. After scanning, you choose detections to quarantine and disable, then restart to finish cleanup; results also allow deletion or restoration. Its command-line interface can list scan findings, quarantine them, or uninstall AdwCleaner. Supported systems are Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows 8.1; Windows XP, Vista, 7, and 8 are no longer supported. Minimum requirements list an 800 MHz SSE2 CPU, 512 MB RAM, and 10 MB free disk space. With a firewall, outbound port 443 access is required to three Malwarebytes or AdwCleaner service addresses listed in system requirements. Suspected false positives can be reported for review by Malwarebytes malware removal specialists. Malwarebytes describes the utility for home users and technicians and distinguishes its focus from broader Malwarebytes Free threat removal.

Good

  • Free adware and PUP cleaner
  • Quarantine, disable, delete, or restore
  • Command-line scanning options
  • False-positive reporting available
  • Supports current Windows versions

Watch out

  • Windows XP through 8 unsupported
  • Requires outbound port 443 access
  • Cleanup requires restarting the device
  • Focused scope excludes broader threats

Who it suits

It suits home users and technicians cleaning Windows systems of adware, PUPs, browser hijackers, or unwanted preinstalled software. Command-line options support scripted scanning and quarantine tasks.

Verdict

AdwCleaner provides targeted Windows cleanup for adware, PUPs, and browser hijackers, with both graphical and command-line workflows. Older Windows versions are outside its support list, and firewall rules may need adjustment.

Plans and prices

From Malwarebytes AdwCleaner's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2026.

All about pricing
PlanPriceWhat it gives you
Malwarebytes AdwCleanerFreeFree adware and unwanted-program cleaner · Windows

The facts

Each one read from Malwarebytes AdwCleaner's own pages, with the date it was checked.

What it does

Command line
The command-line interface can scan and list detections, scan and quarantine detections, or uninstall AdwCleaner.checked 9 Oct 2026
False positives
Users can report a suspected false positive from scan results so Malwarebytes malware removal specialists can review it.checked 9 Oct 2026
Intended users
Malwarebytes describes AdwCleaner as a cleaner for home users and technicians.checked 9 Oct 2026
Internet access
With a firewall, AdwCleaner requires outbound port 443 access to three Malwarebytes or AdwCleaner service addresses listed in its system requirements.checked 9 Oct 2026
Minimum requirements
The listed minimums include an 800 MHz CPU with SSE2, 512 MB RAM, and 10 MB free disk space.checked 9 Oct 2026
Preinstalled software
The utility can scan for and remove unwanted preinstalled software from Windows computers.checked 9 Oct 2026
Product scope
Malwarebytes says AdwCleaner targets adware, PUPs, and browser hijackers, while Malwarebytes Free also removes threats such as viruses, trojans, botnets, and ransomware.checked 9 Oct 2026
Purpose
AdwCleaner detects and removes adware, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), and browser hijackers.checked 9 Oct 2026
Quarantine and restore
After a scan, users can choose whether to delete or restore detected items.checked 9 Oct 2026
Scanning and cleanup
After a scan, users can choose detected items to quarantine and disable, then complete cleanup by restarting the device.checked 9 Oct 2026
Support guidance
The cleanup guide warns users not to run Basic Repair unless instructed by a support agent.checked 9 Oct 2026

The company

Company security reporting
Malwarebytes invites independent researchers to report product vulnerabilities through its coordinated vulnerability disclosure program.checked 9 Oct 2026
Headquarters
Santa Clara, California, USAchecked 28 Sep 2026

Where it runs

Windows support
The current system requirements list Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows 8.1; Windows XP, Vista, 7, and 8 are no longer supported.checked 9 Oct 2026

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