Malwarebytes AdwCleaner review
A focused, free cleanup utility for adware, PUPs, hijackers, and unwanted software.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Malwarebytes AdwCleaner pros and cons
- 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
Malwarebytes AdwCleaner fact sheet, pricing and score →
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