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Malwarebytes AdwCleaner
Santa Clara, California, USA
What it 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 installed with a Windows computer. After scanning, users choose items to quarantine and disable, then restart the device to finish cleanup. Results also offer delete or restore choices. A command-line interface can list scan detections, quarantine them, or uninstall AdwCleaner. Malwarebytes describes the utility for home users and technicians, while distinguishing its focus from Malwarebytes Free, which also removes viruses, trojans, botnets, and ransomware. Supported systems are Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows 8.1; older Windows XP, Vista, 7, and 8 are unsupported. Minimum requirements include an 800 MHz SSE2 processor, 512 MB RAM, and 10 MB disk space. Firewall users need outbound port 443 access to three listed service addresses. Suspected false positives can be reported for specialist review.
For and against
For
- Free Windows utility
- Quarantine and restore choices
- Command-line scanning and uninstall
- False-positive reporting is available
- Removes unwanted preinstalled software
Against
- Windows XP through 8 are unsupported
- Focuses on a narrower threat set
- Cleanup requires restarting the device
- Basic Repair should not run without support guidance
The verdict
AdwCleaner provides focused Windows cleanup with both graphical and command-line workflows. It is suited to adware and unwanted-program removal rather than the broader threat coverage described for Malwarebytes Free.
Who it suits
AdwCleaner suits Windows home users and technicians who need targeted cleanup for adware, PUPs, browser hijackers, or unwanted preinstalled software.
Plans and prices
Malwarebytes AdwCleaner
Free adware and unwanted-program cleaner · Windows
Read 9 Oct 2026 · malwarebytes.com
On the record
- Command line
- The command-line interface can scan and list detections, scan and quarantine detections, or uninstall AdwCleaner.help.malwarebytes.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Company security reporting
- Malwarebytes invites independent researchers to report product vulnerabilities through its coordinated vulnerability disclosure program.malwarebytes.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- False positives
- Users can report a suspected false positive from scan results so Malwarebytes malware removal specialists can review it.help.malwarebytes.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- Malwarebytes describes AdwCleaner as a cleaner for home users and technicians.malwarebytes.com · read 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.help.malwarebytes.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Minimum requirements
- The listed minimums include an 800 MHz CPU with SSE2, 512 MB RAM, and 10 MB free disk space.help.malwarebytes.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Preinstalled software
- The utility can scan for and remove unwanted preinstalled software from Windows computers.help.malwarebytes.com · read 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.malwarebytes.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- AdwCleaner detects and removes adware, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), and browser hijackers.malwarebytes.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Quarantine and restore
- After a scan, users can choose whether to delete or restore detected items.help.malwarebytes.com · read 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.help.malwarebytes.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Support guidance
- The cleanup guide warns users not to run Basic Repair unless instructed by a support agent.help.malwarebytes.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- 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.help.malwarebytes.com · read 9 Oct 2026
