PUP.Windows Cleaner
Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecard
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are assessment reports for different malware threats which have been collected and analyzed by our research team. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards evaluate and rank threats using several metrics including real-world and potential risk factors, trends, frequency, prevalence, and persistence. EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards are updated regularly based on our research data and metrics and are useful for a wide range of computer users, from end users seeking solutions to remove malware from their systems to security experts analyzing threats.
EnigmaSoft Threat Scorecards display a variety of useful information, including:
Popularity Rank: The ranking of a particular threat in EnigmaSoft’s Threat Database.
Severity Level: The determined severity level of an object, represented numerically, based on our risk modeling process and research, as explained in our Threat Assessment Criteria.
Infected Computers: The number of confirmed and suspected cases of a particular threat detected on infected computers as reported by SpyHunter.
See also Threat Assessment Criteria.
| Threat Level: | 10 % (Normal) |
| Infected Computers: | 14,975 |
| First Seen: | September 10, 2014 |
| Last Seen: | June 14, 2026 |
| OS(es) Affected: | Windows |
The detection of PUP.Windows Cleaner indicates that your system has been compromised by a potentially unwanted program (PUP). This type of software is designed to deceive users into installing it, often by disguising itself as a legitimate or useful application. PUPs can cause a range of problems, from annoying pop-ups and slowed system performance to more serious issues like data theft and further malware infections.
Table of Contents
What Is PUP.Windows Cleaner?
PUP.Windows Cleaner is a type of malware that falls under the category of potentially unwanted programs. It is likely designed to appear as a useful tool for cleaning or optimizing Windows systems, but its true purpose is to generate revenue for its creators through dubious means. This can include displaying advertisements, collecting user data, or installing additional malicious software.
How PUP.Windows Cleaner Operates
Once installed, PUP.Windows Cleaner may operate in various ways to achieve its goals. It might scan the system for supposed errors or issues, then prompt the user to purchase a full version or subscribe to a service to fix these problems. In reality, these issues may not exist, or the software may be incapable of resolving them. Additionally, PUP.Windows Cleaner could be designed to install other PUPs or malware, further compromising the system's security and performance.
Symptoms of Infection
Systems infected with PUP.Windows Cleaner may exhibit several symptoms. Users might notice an increase in pop-up advertisements, unexpected changes to their browser settings, or the installation of unknown software. The system may also run slower than usual, or certain applications may not function correctly. In some cases, users might receive fake alerts or warnings about their system's health, urging them to take immediate action, usually involving a purchase or download.
- Increased number of advertisements displayed on the system or while browsing the internet
- Unexplained changes to browser settings, such as a new homepage or default search engine
- Presence of unknown or suspicious programs in the list of installed applications
- System slowdowns or crashes
- Appearance of fake error messages or system alerts
How to Remove PUP.Windows Cleaner
- Boot your system into Safe Mode with Networking to prevent PUP.Windows Cleaner from loading and to gain better control over the removal process.
- Use a reputable anti-malware tool, such as SpyHunter, to perform a full scan of your system. This can help identify and remove PUP.Windows Cleaner and any associated malware.
- Manually uninstall any suspicious programs that were installed around the time the issues began. Be cautious and only remove programs you are certain are not needed.
- Reset your web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.) to their default settings to remove any changes made by PUP.Windows Cleaner, such as altered homepages or search engines.
- After completing the above steps, reboot your system and perform another scan with your anti-malware tool to ensure that all components of PUP.Windows Cleaner have been removed.
Conclusion
Removing PUP.Windows Cleaner requires a combination of technical knowledge and the right tools. By following the steps outlined above and maintaining vigilance, users can protect their systems from this and other potentially unwanted programs. Regularly updating software, avoiding suspicious downloads, and using reputable security software are key to preventing future infections. Remember, the best defense against malware is a well-informed user who takes proactive steps to secure their system.
SpyHunter Detects & Remove PUP.Windows Cleaner
File System Details
| # | File Name | MD5 |
Detections
Detections: The number of confirmed and suspected cases of a particular threat detected on
infected computers as reported by SpyHunter.
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | AutoUpdate.exe | b70256f06e1c7f19b3f76916a5422899 | 8,114 |
| 2. | WindowsCleaner.exe | e68caeeb9657b545f4f7c5044bb21c36 | 1,926 |
| 3. | wincleaner.exe | 855f2aed3331643afc55cc617f1eb2b0 | 82 |
| 4. | WindowsCleanerSetup.exe | f2189a8426afcf235e4e6884bca79aa0 | 17 |
| 5. | Windows-Cleaner.exe | 189af9d5968bea8f59a5f7bda8ecefc3 | 1 |
Registry Details
Directories
PUP.Windows Cleaner may create the following directory or directories:
| %PROGRAMFILES%\Vtools\Windows Cleaner |
| %PROGRAMFILES(x86)%\Vtools\Windows Cleaner |
| %appdata%\Vtools\Windows Cleaner |
