How to Uninstall AdwCleaner: A Comprehensive Guide

AdwCleaner is a popular free utility developed by Malwarebytes that scans and removes potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), adware, toolbars, and browser hijackers from your system. It’s widely used for cleaning up systems infected with intrusive software that standard antivirus tools may not detect or remove effectively. Although lightweight and portable, some users may want to uninstall AdwCleaner after completing a scan, switching to alternative security tools, or simply to keep their system clean of unused applications.

This guide provides multiple methods to completely remove AdwCleaner from your Windows PC. We’ll highlight key considerations for 32-bit vs. 64-bit systems, differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11, and offer detailed instructions, drawbacks, and success rate estimates for each method. The final method introduces Perfect Uninstaller, a third-party tool for deep and thorough program removal. In the conclusion, we provide a professional perspective on which method best suits different user profiles.

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Method 1: Uninstall via Settings App (Windows 10 / Windows 11)

Steps:

1. Open Settings

• Press Win + I to open the Settings app.

1. Navigate to Apps > Installed Apps

• On Windows 10, go to Apps > Apps & features.
• On Windows 11, click on Installed apps under the Apps section.

1. Search for AdwCleaner

• Use the search bar and type “AdwCleaner”.

1. Uninstall the Application

• Click on AdwCleaner in the list and select Uninstall.
• Confirm when prompted and wait for the process to finish.

Notes:

• This method works only if you installed AdwCleaner using an installer package (e.g., .exe installer).
• AdwCleaner is often distributed as a portable application, meaning it may not appear here unless explicitly registered during installation.
• Works identically on both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.

Success Rate:

• ~70–75% successful removal of the main executable and related entries.

Drawbacks:

• Does not remove leftover files, logs, or registry entries.
• May leave behind configuration files or temporary scan results.
• Portable versions will not show up at all.

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Method 2: Using Control Panel (Legacy Interface)

The Control Panel remains a reliable option for managing installed applications, especially for advanced users or those who prefer a more traditional interface.

Steps:

1. Open Control Panel

• Type “Control Panel” in the Start menu and open it.

1. Go to Programs > Uninstall a Program
2. Locate AdwCleaner

• Scroll through the list and find AdwCleaner.

1. Uninstall the Program

• Click Uninstall and follow the prompts to complete the process.

Notes:

• Compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
• Works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11, though layout may differ slightly.

Success Rate:

• ~72–78% successful removal of the main program files.

Drawbacks:

• Only works if AdwCleaner was installed using an installer.
• Leaves behind registry keys, user-specific data, and scan logs.
• Not suitable for portable installations.

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Method 3: Manual File and Registry Cleanup (Post-Uninstall)

After uninstalling via any of the above methods, perform a manual cleanup to ensure all traces of AdwCleaner are removed from your system.

Steps:

1. Delete Installation Folder

• Navigate to:
  C:\Program Files\AdwCleaner C:\Program Files (x86)\AdwCleaner
  (Note: If you installed it manually, check wherever you placed the folder.)

1. Remove User Data Folders

• Go to:
  C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\AdwCleaner C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\AdwCleaner

1. Clear Temp Files

• Delete:
  C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Temp\AdwCleaner*

1. Clean Registry Entries

• Open Registry Editor (regedit) as admin.
• Navigate to:
  HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AdwCleaner HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\AdwCleaner
  For 64-bit systems, also check:
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\AdwCleaner
• Delete these keys if they exist.
• ⚠️ Warning: Always back up the registry before making changes.

Notes:

• Requires technical knowledge.
• Works on both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
• Particularly useful for removing hidden configurations and logs.

Success Rate:

• ~93–97% complete removal if done correctly.

Drawbacks:

• Time-consuming and error-prone.
• Risk of accidental deletion of unrelated registry entries.
• Not recommended for novice users.

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Method 4: Using Perfect Uninstaller (Third-Party Tool)

Perfect Uninstaller is a powerful utility designed to perform deep and comprehensive software removal, including leftover files, registry entries, and cached data that standard uninstallers often miss.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Download Perfect Uninstaller

• Visit the official website of Perfect Uninstaller (ensure it’s a trusted source).
• Download the correct version based on your system:
• 32-bit systems: Install 32-bit version.
• 64-bit systems: Install 64-bit version for full compatibility.

Step 2: Install and Launch the Software

• Run the installer and follow the setup instructions.
• Launch the application after installation.

Step 3: Locate AdwCleaner

• In the main interface, scroll through the list of installed programs.
• Find “AdwCleaner” and click on it.

Step 4: Initiate Uninstallation

• Click the Uninstall button.
• The tool will begin removing AdwCleaner, displaying real-time progress.
• During uninstallation, it will remove:
• Main executable and support files
• Registry entries
• Startup items
• User-specific settings and logs

Step 5: Perform Deep Cleanup

• After uninstalling, use the Scan for Leftovers feature.
• Let the tool scan for any remaining files or registry fragments.
• Select all found items and click Delete to ensure a clean system.

Notes:

• Perfect Uninstaller offers automated and comprehensive removal.
• Works seamlessly on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
• Ideal for users who want to avoid manual file hunting and registry editing.

Success Rate:

• ~98–100% complete removal, depending on database updates and software version.

Drawbacks:

• Requires downloading third-party software, which may raise security concerns.
• Some versions may include bundled software or ads.
• Paid versions often offer better support and functionality.

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Conclusion

AdwCleaner is a valuable tool for detecting and removing adware and PUPs, but once its job is done, many users prefer to uninstall it cleanly from their system. While standard Windows tools like the Settings app and Control Panel can remove the main components, they often fail to eliminate residual files and registry entries, especially from older or custom installations.

From a professional standpoint, manual cleanup is the most thorough method but is time-consuming and technically demanding. It should be reserved for advanced users or system administrators.

For most users, however, Perfect Uninstaller stands out as the most effective and user-friendly solution. With a success rate of up to 98–100%, it ensures that AdwCleaner and all its traces are permanently removed from your system — helping maintain optimal performance, privacy, and system hygiene.

However, always exercise caution when downloading third-party tools. Verify the source authenticity, read user reviews, and consider investing in a premium version for enhanced safety and support.

In summary, while built-in Windows tools provide partial solutions, Perfect Uninstaller remains the superior option for achieving a clean, optimized, and secure system after uninstalling AdwCleaner.