Adware is a type of malware that displays unwanted advertisements on your computer or mobile device. These ads can be annoying, intrusive, and even harmful to your device. Many people wonder if Malwarebytes, one of the most popular anti-malware software programs, can detect and remove adware. In this article, we will explore the capabilities of Malwarebytes when it comes to adware.
What is Malwarebytes?
Before we dive into whether Malwarebytes can detect and remove adware, let's first understand what Malwarebytes is. Malwarebytes is a powerful anti-malware software program that can detect and remove a wide range of malware, including viruses, spyware, trojans, ransomware, and more. It is available for both Windows and Mac computers, as well as mobile devices.
Can Malwarebytes Detect Adware?
The short answer is yes, Malwarebytes can detect and remove adware. Malwarebytes has a feature called "AdwCleaner" that specifically targets adware and other potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). AdwCleaner is a standalone program that can be downloaded and used in conjunction with Malwarebytes.
AdwCleaner scans your computer for adware and other PUPs and then lists them for you to review. You can then choose to remove the adware and other PUPs from your computer with a simple click of a button. AdwCleaner is designed to be easy to use and can be run by anyone, regardless of their technical expertise.
How Does Malwarebytes Remove Adware?
Malwarebytes removes adware in the same way it removes other types of malware. When Malwarebytes detects adware on your computer, it will quarantine the adware and prevent it from running. Malwarebytes will then ask you if you want to remove the adware from your computer.
If you choose to remove the adware, Malwarebytes will delete all of the files associated with the adware and remove any registry entries that were created by the adware. Malwarebytes will also reset your browser settings to their default values to remove any changes that were made by the adware.
Can Malwarebytes Protect Against Adware?
Yes, Malwarebytes can protect against adware. Malwarebytes has a real-time protection feature that can detect and block adware and other types of malware before they can infect your computer. Real-time protection is available in both the free and premium versions of Malwarebytes.
Real-time protection works by monitoring your computer for suspicious activity and blocking any threats that it detects. Real-time protection can also block malicious websites and prevent you from downloading potentially harmful files.
Conclusion
So, does Malwarebytes work against adware? The answer is a resounding yes. Malwarebytes can detect and remove adware with its AdwCleaner feature, and it can protect against adware and other types of malware with its real-time protection feature. If you are experiencing issues with adware on your computer, we highly recommend using Malwarebytes to remove it and prevent it from coming back.
