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8 Best PUP Remover Tools to Clean the Junk Software
Discover here the very best tools to get rid of PUP
7 min. read
Updated onApril 3, 2024
updated onApril 3, 2024
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Key notes
Today, we will show you the top Potentially Unwanted Program remover tools for Windows PC. You may be wondering what a PUP is.
What a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) is?
So, we will start by defining PUP. A Potentially Unwanted Program is software that gets on your system while installing another program.
The installation prompts request that you install additional bundled components, such as toolbars, programs, adware, etc., on your PC.
However, these unwanted computer programs are bundled on many freeware installers on the WWW. Hence, you need to beware of optional installs as they may be budding PUPs.
To avoid labeling downloadable programs as malware, your antivirus software labeled these unwanted programs as Potentially Unwanted Programs.
How do I get rid of a PUP?
PUPs damage your PC by replicating its process activity; some Windows users reported that PUPs increase on their PCs, especially once connected to the Internet.
These programs can wreck the PC even more than viruses; for instance, a web browser with more than ten PUP toolbars will be slow, impede performance, and even constantly crash.
You can get rid of them manually or by using specialized software. The manual process is laborious, while the software process comes with numerous advantages, including:
Now we have discussed these benefits, let us look at our top recommendations.
What are the best PUP removal tools?
ESET HOME Security Essential– Great for all-round protection
ESET HOME Security Essential can detect potentially unwanted, unsafe, and suspicious applications before installing them on your computer.
Firstly, right upon installing ESET, you are prompted to enable or disable the detection of Potentially Unwanted Applications.
Whereas the detection of PUP is configured during installation, the detection of potentially unsafe apps is disabled by default, and the detection of suspicious apps is enabled by default.
However, you can change these settings from the ESET console under theReal-Time & Machine Learning and Protectionsection.
Finally, you can modify the settings for Potentially Unwanted Programs from that menu according to your preferences.
Important features:
ESET HOME Security Essential
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus– Excellent choice for blocking PUPs
Bitdefender is the no.1 antivirus solution on the market, so it’s undoubtedly the best solution to protect you from Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUP).
You won’t need to worry about their removal, as Bitdefender will block them even before they reach your PC. However, you could have a PUP already installed on your PC without knowing.
Usually, the first scan with Bitdefender will reveal the culprits in an event, and you can get rid of it with a single click.
Lastly, Bitdefender, as a top security solution, will protect you from every single possible threat, not only PUPs but also malware, ransomware, phishing, and all other modern scamming techniques.
Important features:
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
Avira– Great free option
Avira is another freeware antivirus that can protect your computer from multiple cyber threats, including these annoying PUPs.
This tool detects as PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications) all those which attempt to inject malicious content or request an unjustified amount of personal data.
Additionally, Avira considers PUP any payment processing app that may overcharge the user without explicit consent.
Lastly, products that require unnecessary access rights or inject unwanted advertising on the device not to mention spy or remotely controlled software, all get detected by the Avira radar.
Important features:
Avira
Malwarebytes– Expert PUP and malware detection
Another Potentially Unwanted Program removal tool you can use is Malwarebytes. Unlike HitmanPro, Malwarebytes is a free utility that will scan your computer for Potentially Unwanted Programs.
Some types of malware can be difficult to identify and remove. But, that’s not something to worry about when using Malwarebytes. Its efficiency is proven against viruses, spyware, ransomware, and not only.
Lastly, we love it because it is straightforward and highly efficient.
Important features:
Malwarebytes
Avast Free Antivirus– Great free antivirus and PUP remover
Avast Free Antivirus is another excellent solution that can detect any Potentially Unwanted Programs that want to install into your system.
From the Protection category, you can modify the settings for the Core Shields. Also, you can find there a Potentially Unwanted Programs tab.
Also, you will see three options and can choose how the antivirus will treat PUP. And finally, you can choose to be fixed, ask, or ignore them.
Important features:
Avast Free Antivirus
IObit Uninstaller– Ideal for bundled software detection
IObit Uninstaller is a Windows PUP removal tool. This utility program is ideal for removing stubborn software applications, such as bundled applications, and cleans up all its traces afterward.
The program is primarily an uninstaller that improves Microsoft’s standard approach to removing applications.
Lastly, programs, toolbars, and any traces in the registry or browser extensions are all deleted.
Important features:
IObit Uninstaller
Zemana AntiMalware Portable– Great mobile integration
You can also use Zemana AntiMalware Portable to scan your PC for installed PUPs. Zemana AntiMalware is a mainly free utility program that scans and removes malicious programs from your PC.
However, there is a paid option for $25. You might argue that at a price of only $25.00 per year, Zemana Antimalware is a genuinely excellent piece of software. The Zemana antimalware desktop and mobile apps are available at this low cost.
Finally, with this tool, you can remove PUP from Chrome and other standard browsers.
Important features:
⇒Get ZemanaAntiMalware Portable
Hitman Pro– Best for use with an antivirus
HitmanPro is a security tool that scans your Windows PC and removes PUPs from your system. It is not a standalone antivirus program; you can use it alongside your antivirus program.
We also love it because it has an excellent user interface and is pretty easy to use.
Finally, it does not offer protection to the same extent as some of the tools in this guide, but it should suffice if you want a PUP remover.
Important features:
⇒Get Hitman Pro
After using any of the tools above, your PC should now be free of all PUPs, includingDNS Unlocker. However, we recommend you reset your web browser to its default settings.
This will altogether remove all the PUPs leftovers on your web browser. In addition, we recommend that you run a full system scan on your Windows PC.
These tools can help you removeOneLaunch malwareand other unwanted software, so give them a try.
Lastly, if you are facing PUP issues afterward (which is most unlikely), let us know by commenting below.
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
