MyCleanPC by RealDefense LLC is promoted as optimization software compatible with Windows Operating Systems. However, the program has a very poor reputation and is detected by many security programs as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) or potentially unwanted application (PUA).
Microsoft’s Windows Defender program, that is built into Windows and comes preinstalled in the Operating System, detects MyCleanPC as a potentially unwanted application and identifies files associated with the program as PUA:Win32/RealDefense. Windows Defender will quarantine the program’s executable file in real-time and Windows firewall will block the program from accessing your machine unless you manually let Windows Defender and Windows firewall know that you want to download and install the program. Another reputable security suite, Malwarebytes, detects MyCleanPC as a potentially unwanted program and uses the PUP.Optional.MyCleanPC detection name to identify files associated with the program. Other detection names used by Malwarebytes to identify the MyCleanPC program are PUP.Optional.MyCleanPC.TskLnk and PUP.Optional.USTechSupport (pictured below).
The reasons why MyCleanPC has such a poor reputation and is recognized as a potentially malicious program by the cybersecurity community is because of how the program is marketed and what it brings to the table. For example, the Windows optimization program utilizes deceptive marketing practices in order to advertise itself and persuade users to purchase the program and the program offers little-to-no benefit to the consumer and can actually make Windows unusable by destroying important files and settings. Microsoft strongly recommends avoiding programs that claim to clean your registry and optimize your system such as this one.
In addition to utilizing deceptive marketing practices and causing potential harm to your machine, the MyCleanPC program is advertised by malicious advertising networks that also bolster malware and other PUPs. Malicious advertising networks are usually utilized by websites that contain prohibited and illegal content and host malware.
1. Download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software to scan your computer and remove malicious files and potentially unwanted programs.
2. To install the program, locate and double-click the executable file you just downloaded. The file can usually be found in the Download folder.
3. Choose if this is for home or work use and click Agree and Install to begin installing Malwarebytes. Once the installation is complete, click Finish.
4. Once Malwarebytes is installed, open the program and click the Scan Now button on the dashboard – or go to the Scan tab and click the Start Scan button.
5. When the scan is complete click the Quarantine Selected button.
6. If Malwarebytes says “All selected items have been removed successfully. A log file has been saved to the logs folder. Your computer needs to be restarted to complete the removal process. Would you like to restart now?” click the Yes button to restart your computer.
7. Download HitmanPro to perform a second-opinion scan and remove any remaining malicious trace files. A second-opinion scan is important when removing malware and malicious files from your computer.
8. To install the program, locate and double-click the executable file you just downloaded. The file can usually be found in the Download folder.
9. Once HitmanPro is installed, open the program and click Next to start scanning your computer. *If you are using the free version you may choose to create a copy or perform a one-time scan.
10. When the HitmanPro scan is complete, click the Next button.
11. To activate the free version of HitmanPro: enter your email address twice and click the Activate button.
12. Click the Reboot button.
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