Threat Database Potentially Unwanted Programs PUP.PCBooster Free Browser Cleaner

PUP.PCBooster Free Browser Cleaner

Published:
Last updated:

Threat Scorecard

Threat Level: 10 % (Normal)
Infected Computers: 23
First Seen: June 24, 2020
Last Seen: October 24, 2025
OS(es) Affected: Windows

The detection of PUP.PCBooster Free Browser Cleaner on your system indicates the presence of a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that may be causing issues with your browser and overall system performance. It's essential to understand the nature of this threat and take immediate action to remove it to prevent any potential harm.

What Is PUP.PCBooster Free Browser Cleaner?

PUP.PCBooster Free Browser Cleaner is a type of potentially unwanted program that is designed to appear as a useful tool for cleaning and optimizing your browser. However, its primary purpose is to generate revenue for its creators by displaying advertisements, collecting user data, or bundling other unwanted software. PUPs like PUP.PCBooster Free Browser Cleaner often sneak onto systems through bundled software downloads, infected websites, or deceptive advertising.

How PUP.PCBooster Free Browser Cleaner Operates

Once installed, PUP.PCBooster Free Browser Cleaner may start displaying unwanted advertisements, such as pop-ups, banners, or sponsored search results. It may also collect user data, including browsing history, search queries, and other sensitive information, which can be used for targeted advertising or sold to third-party companies. In some cases, PUPs can also slow down system performance, cause browser crashes, or lead to other stability issues.

Symptoms of Infection

Common symptoms of PUP.PCBooster Free Browser Cleaner infection include unwanted advertisements, slow browser performance, and unexpected changes to browser settings or homepage. You may also notice that your browser is redirecting to unfamiliar websites or displaying suspicious search results. In some cases, you may receive fake alerts or warnings claiming that your system is infected with malware, which can be a tactic used by the PUP to trick you into installing additional unwanted software.

  • Unwanted advertisements or pop-ups
  • Slow browser performance or crashes
  • Unexpected changes to browser settings or homepage
  • Redirects to unfamiliar websites or suspicious search results
  • Fake alerts or warnings claiming malware infection

How to Remove PUP.PCBooster Free Browser Cleaner

  1. Boot your system in Safe Mode with Networking to prevent the PUP from interfering with the removal process.
  2. Perform a full scan of your system using a reputable anti-malware tool, such as SpyHunter, to detect and remove any malicious components.
  3. Uninstall any suspicious programs or applications that may be related to the PUP.
  4. Reset your browser settings to their default values, including Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, to remove any unwanted extensions or add-ons.
  5. Reboot your system and perform another full scan to ensure that the PUP has been completely removed.

Conclusion

Removing PUP.PCBooster Free Browser Cleaner from your system is crucial to preventing any potential harm and restoring your browser and system performance. By following the steps outlined above, you can effectively remove this PUP and protect your system from similar threats in the future. Remember to always be cautious when downloading software, and never install programs from untrusted sources. Regularly scanning your system with a reputable anti-malware tool can also help detect and remove any potential threats before they cause harm.

SpyHunter Detects & Remove PUP.PCBooster Free Browser Cleaner

File System Details

PUP.PCBooster Free Browser Cleaner may create the following file(s):
# File Name MD5 Detections
1. 8.8.1_PCBoosterFreeBrowserCleaner_.exe f5e76a0e8af64ee5481a2ff6fdcce1e8 10
2. PCBoosterFreeBrowserCleaner.exe 553352b8eb107aebc26267df7e475704 1
More files