AdwCleaner is a free Malwarebytes tool that removes adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs from Windows. See features, pros, cons, and FAQs.
AdwCleaner is a free, portable Windows utility that scans for and removes adware, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), browser hijackers, and unwanted toolbars, categories of intrusive but low-severity software that clutter browsers and slow down PCs.
The tool was originally developed by the French software company ToolsLib and was acquired by Malwarebytes in October 2016, with two of its original developers, Jerome Boursier and Corentin Chepeau, joining Malwarebytes in engineering and research roles as part of the deal.
By the time of its acquisition, AdwCleaner had already been installed more than 200 million times and averaged over 200,000 downloads per day, making it one of the most widely used dedicated adware-removal tools for Windows.
AdwCleaner requires no installation: users download a single executable and run it directly, including from a USB drive, making it convenient for IT technicians cleaning up multiple machines.
The scanner detects adware, PUPs, invalid shortcuts, suspicious registry entries, and browser hijacker artifacts, presenting a clear list of detected items that the user can review and remove selectively.
Because AdwCleaner focuses specifically on adware and PUP-class threats rather than viruses or ransomware, it is typically used alongside, not instead of, a full antivirus or anti-malware product.
AdwCleaner is completely free, with no premium tier, subscription, or license fee for the standalone tool itself.
Since it is owned by Malwarebytes, AdwCleaner functions in part as a customer acquisition tool that can introduce users to Malwarebytes' paid Malwarebytes Premium subscription, which provides real-time protection against malware, ransomware, and other threats beyond adware and PUPs.
There is no indication that Malwarebytes plans to charge for AdwCleaner itself; it remains distributed free both from Malwarebytes' own site and third-party download repositories.
Yes, AdwCleaner is completely free with no premium tier, subscription, or license fee.
AdwCleaner was originally developed by ToolsLib and has been owned by Malwarebytes since Malwarebytes acquired it in October 2016.
No, AdwCleaner is designed to complement, not replace, full antivirus or anti-malware software; it specifically targets adware, PUPs, and browser hijackers rather than viruses or ransomware.
No, AdwCleaner is a portable executable that runs directly without installation, including from a USB drive.
AdwCleaner is a Windows-only utility; it does not have macOS or Linux versions.
AdwCleaner is designed for on-demand scanning, typically run when a system shows signs of adware or unwanted browser changes, rather than on a fixed schedule.
Yes, AdwCleaner is a legitimate, widely used tool from Malwarebytes; it presents detected items for user review before removal to avoid accidental deletions.