Malwarebytes AdwCleaner
Malwarebytes AdwCleaner: A focused, free cleanup utility for adware, PUPs, hijackers, and unwanted software. Ranked #11 of 30 in Malware Removal Software by our editors (8.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free Windows adware and browser-hijacker cleanup.
At a glance
- Editor score8.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree Windows adware and browser-hijacker cleanup
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked23 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free Windows utility with no paid AdwCleaner tier
- Quarantine, restore, permanent deletion, and detailed logs
- Exclusions, repair options, and command-line controls
Where it doesn't
- Focused on adware and unwanted software rather than general malware
- Supports Windows only
- Current releases support Windows 10 and Windows 11
Our verdict on Malwarebytes AdwCleaner
Malwarebytes AdwCleaner is a free Windows utility for finding and removing adware, potentially unwanted programs, browser hijackers, toolbars, and unwanted preinstalled software. It is aimed at home users and technicians who need a focused cleanup tool instead of continuous endpoint protection. The workflow centers on scanning, reviewing detections, and choosing whether to quarantine, restore, or permanently delete selected items. Current releases support Windows 10 and Windows 11.
AdwCleaner’s strongest fit is targeted remediation. It can scan for and quarantine preinstalled applications, create detailed scan and cleanup logs, and provide basic repair options for selected Windows settings. Exclusions can be defined for files, folders, registry items, services, URLs, processes, and detection families, giving technicians more control over repeat cleanups. Command-line controls also cover scanning, cleaning, quarantine, and path operations, which suits scripted or repeatable maintenance work.
The product’s narrow scope is also its main boundary. AdwCleaner focuses on adware, PUPs, browser hijackers, toolbars, and unwanted preinstalled software rather than serving as a broad, continuous endpoint-protection platform. Its remediation is assisted: users decide how detected items should be handled, including whether to restore or permanently delete quarantined items. Choose it for free, focused Windows cleanup and technician-oriented controls; choose an alternative when you need broader malware coverage or ongoing protection.
Your product? Our editors can test Malwarebytes AdwCleaner in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Malwarebytes AdwCleaner pricing
Malwarebytes AdwCleaner fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Scan modes | Not verified |
| Threat quarantine | Yes |
| Bootable rescue media | Not verified |
| Scheduled scans | Not verified |
| Operating systems | Windows |
| Remediation automation | Assisted |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | malwarebytes.com |
| Facts checked | 23 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Malwarebytes AdwCleaner
- Microsoft Defender OfflineA free Windows scanner for persistent malware, rootkits, and offline remediation.9.4
- ESET Online ScannerA straightforward free scanner for periodic Windows malware checks and removal.9.2
- Kaspersky Virus Removal ToolA focused free scanner for deep manual disinfection, not continuous protection.9.1
See all Malwarebytes AdwCleaner alternatives →
Used Malwarebytes AdwCleaner? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Malwarebytes AdwCleaner for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Malwarebytes AdwCleaner is listed in our Malware Removal Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/malwarebytes-adwcleaner/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/malwarebytes-adwcleaner.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update