How to remove CleanRegistry (Virus Removal Guide)

by Sean Doyle · Published October 4, 2016 · Updated September 11, 2022

CleanRegistry virus is an expression used to describe is a rogue Windows registry cleaner that downloads with other potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) and malware. The rogue program is usually introduced to a machine alongside free programs downloaded by the user. If CleanRegistry is installed on your machine without your consent it is likely that your computer is infected with malicious programs that can cause further issues and put your personal information at risk.

cleanregistry virus

What is CleanRegistry?

CleanRegistry claims to be the “worlds most favorite tiny registry cleaner application which is bunch of powerful activities to keep your PC clutter free and smooth.” However, the program is known to utilize deceptive marketing practices and other tactics to persuade users to purcahse the full edition of the program.

If this program is installed on your machine you might notice some or all of these symptoms:

Pop-up ads, pop-under ads, in-text ads, and banner advertisements caused by third-party adware
Sponsored search results and new advertisements that appear when you search the web
Pop-up messages on Windows desktop
Modified homepage, new tab page, and search engine
Slow and sluggish computer
Internet browser crash
Can bundle with malware, PUPs, adware, spyware, and other threats

Removing CleanRegistry virus and other threats that come along with it immediately from your computer or device is heavily advised. This program has a bad online reputation and may be the sign of a more serious computer infection. To completely remove CleanRegistry and other threats from your computer use the removal guide below.

CleanRegistry distribution

CleanRegistry is usually distributed like most common rogue programs are. The program can be contracted via free downloadable content, including freeware and torrent files. It may also be advertised as something it is not in order to trick victims into installing it and other potentially unwanted programs and malware.

cleanregistry distribution

The program is often bolstered by third-party download managers for freeware programs. The download managers may offer this program as a custom install and give the user a chance to accept or decline the offer to install this program and others. If the user does not opt out the program will install in the background. The way that the custom installation is presented may also be inadequate and designed to trick the user into installing programs they did not mean to install. It’s advised to be alert when installing free programs from the internet and keep an eye out for custom installation presentations to avoid any confusion and security risks.

How to remove CleanRegistry

STEP 1: Scan your computer for malware
STEP 2: Manually repair your browser settings
STEP 3: Manually uninstall programs
TIPS: How to stay protected against future infections

STEP 1: Scan your computer for malware

The best way to remove CleanRegistry and other threats from your computer is to scan your computer for malware using Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and HitmanPro softawre. Malwarebytes and HitmanPro will locate and eradicate this threat and other malicious files installed on your machine automatically.

1. Download and Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software to run a scan and remove malicious files from your computer.

2. Once installed, open Malwarebytes and click the Scan Now button – or go to the Scan tab and click the Start Scan button.

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

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

5. Download and Install HitmanPro by Surfright to perform a second-opinion scan and remove any remaining malicious trace files.

6. Once installed, 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.

7. When the HitmanPro scan is complete click the Next button.

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

9. Click the Reboot button.

Your computer should now be free of CleanRegistry and other threats completely; However, you can still use the manual repair and uninstall instructions below if your browser settings have not been repaired or if you think an unwanted program is still installed on your machine.

STEP 2: Manually repair your browser settings

If your browser settings have been changed use these instructions to manually repair your settings.

How to remove extensions from Safari

STEP 3: Manually uninstall programs

If you are infected with adware and other unwanted programs you might be able to manually uninstall programs from your computer. Use these instructions to uninstall unwanted programs that may have installed on your machine. If you do not find a program installed on your machine make sure to scan your computer for malware using the instructions above.

TIPS: How to stay protected against future infections

The key to staying protected against future infections is to follow common online guidelines and take advantage of reputable Antivirus and Anti-Malware security software with real-time protection.

Real-time security software

Security software like Malwarebytes and Norton Security have real-time features that can block malicious files before they spread across your computer. These programs bundled together can establish a wall between your computer and cyber criminals.

Common Online Guidelines

Backup your computer and personal files to an external drive or online backup service
Create a restore point on your computer in case you need to restore your computer to a date before infection
Avoid downloading and installing apps, browser extensions, and programs you are not familiar with
Avoid downloading and installing apps, browser extensions, and programs from websites you are not familiar with – some websites use their own download manager to bundle additional programs with the initial download
Avoid visiting fake “spyware removal” blogs and websites that promote “spyware removal software.” These are usually malicious websites designed to phish your personal information, infect your computer with a rogue program and trick you into paying for rogue “spyware removal software.”
If you plan to download and install freeware, open source software, or shareware make sure to be alert when you install the object and read all the instructions presented by the download manager
Avoid torrents and P2P clients
Do not open email messages from senders you do not know