How to remove Hardware Optimizer (Virus Removal Guide)

Hardware Optimizer

Hardware Optimizer (also searched for as Hardware Optimizer virus or Hwopt) is adware that delivers intrusive advertisements that usually overlay websites or appear in a constant stream of new tab windows inside the web browser. Some advertisements show a fake security alert pages that are designed to scare you into calling a rogue tech support company like 1-888-919-3843.

hardware optimizer virus

Hardware Optimizer adware essentially injects the webpages you visit in your browser with disruptive advertisements that say Ads By Hardware Optimizer on them. The advertisements can be displayed across multiple internet browsers that are installed on the PC, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, and Microsoft Internet Explorer and Edge.

Hardware Optimizer Distribution Method

Hardware Optimizer is like most adware. It typically bundles with other programs. This usually happens if the user downloads a program or file from a questionable source. Downloading items like freeware and torrent files can result in potentially unwanted programs infecting the user’s system. Even if a program is well known and trustworthy, if you download it from a malicious site it can lead to a computer infection.

If the computer user has previously downloaded a malicious program, Hardware Optimizer adware might have automatically downloaded in the background without disclosure. The user might also be tricked into accepting the download under the guise of a program update or something else. Malicious publishers sometimes hide the download behind a terms and conditions page, effectively tricking users into downloading adware. In some instances Hardware Optimizer may be advertised as an extension to improve the user’s browsing experience in order to encourage a direct download. Regardless of how the system was infected, removal remains relatively unchanged.

Hardware Optimizer Details

Names Hardware Optimizer, Hardware Optimizer virus
Detection Categories Adware, Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP)
Publisher’s Description N/A
Symptoms Advertisements in the web browser
Browser redirects to sponsored webpages
Decreased internet speed and performance
Decreased computer functionality and performance
Bundles with malware and other potentially unwanted programs
Common Path N/A
Quick Detection & Removal Tool Click Here To Download Malwarebytes

How to remove Hardware Optimizer (Virus Removal Guide)

  1. Scan your computer with Malwarebytes
  2. Scan your computer with HitmanPro
  3. Uninstall Hardware Optimizer and unwanted programs
  4. Remove unwanted add-ons and extensions
  5. Cleanup and repair settings with CCleaner

1. Scan your computer with Malwarebytes

1. Download and Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software.

2. Open Malwarebytes and click the Scan Now button – or go to the Scan tab and click the Start Scan button.

3. Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete click the Remove Selected button.

4. To finish the Malwarebytes scan and remove detected threats click the Finish button and restart your computer if promoted to do so.

2. Scan your computer with HitmanPro

1. Download and Install HitmanPro by Surfright.

2. Open HitmanPro and click Next to start scanning your computer. *If you are using the free version you may chose to create a copy or perform a one-time scan.

3. Once the HitmanPro scan is complete click the Next button.

4. To activate the free version of HitmanPro: enter your email address twice and click the Activate button.

5. Click the Reboot button.

3. Uninstall Hardware Optimizer and unwanted programs

1. Open Windows Start Menu and go to the Control Panel.

2. In the Programs section click Uninstall a program. In earlier versions of Windows this is listed as “Add and remove programs.”

3. Search for Hardware Optimizer Supporting Application in the list and double click it.

4. Once you have uninstalled Hardware Optimizer, search for other unwanted programs that may be installed on your computer and uninstall them as well.

4. Remove unwanted add-ons and extensions

Google Chrome

1. Click the Customize and control Google Chrome icon and go to More tools > Extensions.

2. Search for the unwanted extension in the list and click the trashcan icon.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open the Menu and click Add-ons.

2. Search for the unwanted add-on and click Remove.

Microsoft Internet Explorer

1. Go to Tools (Alt+X) and click Manage add-ons.

2. Search for the unwanted add-on in the list, select it with your mouse, and click Remove.

Apple Safari

1. Go to Safari > Preferences > Extensions.

2. Search for the unwanted extension in the list and click the Uninstall button.

5. Cleanup and repair settings with CCleaner

1. Download and Install CCleaner by Piriform.

2. Open CCleaner and go to the main Cleaner screen. Click the Analyze button. When the process is complete, click the Run Cleaner button on the bottom right of the program interface.

3. Go to Tools > Startup and search for suspicious entries in each tab starting from Windows all the way to Content Menu. If you find anything suspicious click it and click the Delete button to remove it.

4. Go to the Registry window and click the Scan for Issues button. When the scan is complete click the Fix selected issues… button and click Fix All Selected Issues.

Sean Doyle

Sean is a distinguished tech author and entrepreneur with over 20 years of extensive experience in cybersecurity, privacy, malware, Google Analytics, online marketing, and various other tech domains. His expertise and contributions to the industry have been recognized in numerous esteemed publications. Sean is widely acclaimed for his sharp intellect and innovative insights, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the tech community. His work not only advances the field but also helps businesses and individuals navigate the complexities of the digital world.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.