PC Smart Cleanup is a PC cleaner and system optimization program that states it can increase a computer’s performance and privacy by fixing registry, malware, and privacy issues on the computer. When executed, PC Smart Cleanup will scan a computer and then detect a variety of issues and label them under different levels of severity. In order to fix these issues, you are then prompted to purchase the program.
The problem with PC Smart Cleanup is that it does not list what issues it detected and will rate many of them as severe or critical. As this may cause a user to be scared into purchase the program without actually knowing if anything is actually wrong with their computer.
Furthermore, Microsoft have posted an article that indicates that registry cleaners could cause “serious issues” when modifying the registry. This article articles further goes on to say that Microsoft does not support the use of these types of tools.
Last, but not least, as there are anti-virus and security products that detect PC Smart Cleanup as a Trojan, PUP, or adware program, I feel that feel this program should be avoided.
How was PC Smart Cleanup installed on my Computer?
It is important to note that PC Smart Cleanup is promoted via with and installed by free programs that did not adequately disclose that other software would be installed along with it. Therefore, it is important that you pay close attention to license agreements and installation screens when installing anything off of the Internet. If an installation screen offers you Custom or Advanced installation options, it is a good idea to select these as they will typically disclose what other 3rd party software will also be installed. Furthermore, If the license agreement or installation screens state that they are going to install a toolbar or other unwanted adware, it is advised that you immediately cancel the install and not use the free software.
While paying for PC Smart Cleanup may enable it to remove the detected registry entries, in my opinion many of the entries it detects are not issues at all. Furthermore, as Microsoft does not feel users should use these types of tools in the first place and that many anti-virus vendors detect it as malware, I recommend that you remove this program from your computer. To remove PC Smart Cleanup for free, you can use the removal guide below.
Your computer should now be free of the PC Smart Cleanup program. If your current security solution allowed this program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future.
If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow the steps outlined in the topic linked below: