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SPECIFICTION
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Malwarebytes AdwCleaner

malwarebytes.com

Free plan Windows
Visit malwarebytes.com
Spec score 7.5 #14 of 30 in Malware Removal Software

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 preinstalled on Windows computers. After scanning, you choose detections to quarantine and disable, then restart to finish cleanup; results also let you delete or restore items. The command-line interface can scan and list detections, scan and quarantine them, or uninstall AdwCleaner. Malwarebytes positions it for home users and technicians and distinguishes its focus from Malwarebytes Free, which also removes viruses, trojans, botnets and ransomware. Supported systems are Windows 11, Windows 10 and Windows 8.1; Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 8 are unsupported. Minimum requirements list an 800 MHz SSE2 CPU, 512 MB RAM and 10 MB free disk space. With a firewall, outbound port 443 access is required to three listed Malwarebytes or AdwCleaner service addresses. Suspected false positives can be submitted from scan results for specialist review. The Free plan is free.

Spec sheet

Purpose
AdwCleaner detects and removes adware, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), and browser hijackers.Read 9 Oct 2026 · malwarebytes.com
Intended users
Malwarebytes describes AdwCleaner as a cleaner for home users and technicians.Read 9 Oct 2026 · malwarebytes.com
Headquarters
Santa Clara, California, USARead 28 Sep 2026 · malwarebytes.com
Command line
The command-line interface can scan and list detections, scan and quarantine detections, or uninstall AdwCleaner.Read 9 Oct 2026 · help.malwarebytes.com
Company security reporting
Malwarebytes invites independent researchers to report product vulnerabilities through its coordinated vulnerability disclosure program.Read 9 Oct 2026 · malwarebytes.com
False positives
Users can report a suspected false positive from scan results so Malwarebytes malware removal specialists can review it.Read 9 Oct 2026 · help.malwarebytes.com
Internet access
With a firewall, AdwCleaner requires outbound port 443 access to three Malwarebytes or AdwCleaner service addresses listed in its system requirements.Read 9 Oct 2026 · help.malwarebytes.com
Minimum requirements
The listed minimums include an 800 MHz CPU with SSE2, 512 MB RAM, and 10 MB free disk space.Read 9 Oct 2026 · help.malwarebytes.com
Preinstalled software
The utility can scan for and remove unwanted preinstalled software from Windows computers.Read 9 Oct 2026 · help.malwarebytes.com
Product scope
Malwarebytes says AdwCleaner targets adware, PUPs, and browser hijackers, while Malwarebytes Free also removes threats such as viruses, trojans, botnets, and ransomware.Read 9 Oct 2026 · malwarebytes.com
Quarantine and restore
After a scan, users can choose whether to delete or restore detected items.Read 9 Oct 2026 · help.malwarebytes.com
Scanning and cleanup
After a scan, users can choose detected items to quarantine and disable, then complete cleanup by restarting the device.Read 9 Oct 2026 · help.malwarebytes.com
Support guidance
The cleanup guide warns users not to run Basic Repair unless instructed by a support agent.Read 9 Oct 2026 · help.malwarebytes.com
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.Read 9 Oct 2026 · help.malwarebytes.com

Plans and prices

Malwarebytes AdwCleaner Free Free adware and unwanted-program cleaner · Windows Read 9 Oct 2026 · malwarebytes.com

Every Malwarebytes AdwCleaner plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Targets adware, PUPs and browser hijackers
  • Quarantine, delete or restore detections
  • Command-line scanning and uninstall options
  • Runs on supported Windows versions
  • Low listed hardware requirements

Limits

  • Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 8 unsupported
  • Cleanup requires restarting the device
  • Firewall users need outbound port 443 access

Who it suits

It suits Windows home users and technicians who need focused cleanup for adware, PUPs, browser hijackers or unwanted preinstalled software. Command-line controls also fit scripted administration.

Verdict

AdwCleaner is a focused, free Windows cleaner with both graphical and command-line remediation. Its scope is narrower than Malwarebytes Free, and older Windows releases are excluded.

Where Specifiction places it

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