Windows · Security & Antivirus
AdwCleaner for Windows
Free on-demand cleanup tool from Malwarebytes that targets adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted toolbars rather than acting as a full antivirus.
Updated August 9, 2026 · Reviewed by SoftNexi Editorial Team, Software research and documentation
Overview
AdwCleaner is a free, portable, on-demand scanner now owned and distributed by Malwarebytes, specialized in finding and removing adware, browser hijackers, unwanted toolbars, and other potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that a general-purpose antivirus sometimes leaves behind. It is not real-time protection and is not a substitute for Microsoft Defender or a full antivirus — it's a targeted cleanup tool you run when something specific looks wrong, like an unexpected new browser homepage or toolbar.
Because it only scans on demand and does not install a persistent background service (in its classic standalone form), it coexists with any antivirus, including Defender, without the real-time-engine conflicts that come from running two always-on scanners simultaneously.
Typical use is reactive: someone installed a bundled program that changed browser settings, and AdwCleaner finds and removes the specific hijacking components along with leftover registry entries and scheduled tasks. It is less useful as a general malware scanner for traditional viruses or trojans, which is why it is normally paired with, not used instead of, Defender or a dedicated antivirus.
Since Malwarebytes' acquisition, AdwCleaner has increasingly been offered as an integrated scan option inside the Malwarebytes app as well as a standalone download; both draw on the same detection logic.
Key features
- On-demand scanning for adware, browser hijackers, and PUPs
- Removes unwanted browser extensions, homepage/search hijacks, and toolbars
- Cleans leftover registry entries and scheduled tasks from unwanted installs
- Portable — no persistent real-time service, so it coexists with any antivirus
- Quarantine with restore for anything removed by mistake
- Also available as a scan mode inside the main Malwarebytes app
System requirements
- Operating system
- Windows 11 and Windows 10
- Installation
- Portable executable; no persistent background service in standalone form
- Internet connection
- Recommended for definition updates before scanning
How to install AdwCleaner
1. Download from Malwarebytes
Use malwarebytes.com/adwcleaner rather than a third-party download portal.
2. Run the portable executable
No installation step is required; approve the UAC prompt to launch it.
3. Update before scanning
Let it check for the latest detection database first.
How to use it
1. Run a scan
Start a full scan when you notice unwanted toolbars, redirected searches, or new browser extensions you didn't add.
2. Review detections before cleaning
Confirm each flagged item is actually unwanted before letting it clean.
3. Restart when prompted
A restart is often needed to finish removing some hijacking components.
Safety and privacy
- Download only from malwarebytes.com/adwcleaner; adware-removal tool names are commonly imitated by scam sites offering fake 'cleaners' that are themselves unwanted software.
- It requires elevated permissions to remove some hijacking components; only run it when you intend to review and confirm removals.
- Bundled software
- No third-party bundling in the official download.
- Privacy
- The tool scans local browser settings and installed programs for known hijacking patterns; review Malwarebytes' privacy policy for details on any telemetry sent for detection purposes.
Known risks
- Occasional false positives on legitimate browser extensions; review the detection list before cleaning.
- It restarts your browser(s) and may reset some browser settings during cleaning — save open work first.
What's new
Current release
AdwCleaner's detection database updates automatically. Check Malwarebytes' support site for version-specific release notes.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free and effective at adware/PUP cleanup
- Portable, no persistent background service
- Coexists safely with any antivirus
- Simple, focused interface
Cons
- Not a general-purpose antivirus replacement
- No real-time protection
- Occasional false positives on legitimate extensions
- Best used reactively, not as ongoing protection
Verdict
Keep AdwCleaner on hand as a free, targeted cleanup tool for browser hijacking and adware — it's a useful companion to Defender or another antivirus, not a substitute for one.
Frequently asked questions
Does AdwCleaner support Windows 11?
Yes, it runs on current releases of Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Where should I download AdwCleaner?
Download it from malwarebytes.com/adwcleaner; adware-removal tool names are commonly imitated by scam sites offering fake 'cleaners' that are themselves unwanted software.
Is AdwCleaner free?
Yes, it is completely free.
Can AdwCleaner run alongside Microsoft Defender or another antivirus?
Yes. Because it's a portable, on-demand scanner without a persistent background service, it coexists safely with any real-time antivirus, including Defender.
What doesn't AdwCleaner cover?
It is not real-time protection and is not a general malware scanner for traditional viruses or trojans — it's a targeted tool for adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted toolbars, meant to be paired with, not used instead of, a full antivirus.