Free

HijackThis

HijackThis is a free and open-source program for the Windows operating system capable of detecting and removing adware and malware. The best about this tool is that it is an expert in performing a quick scan of the system to display the most common and uncommon adware locations and malware rather than relying on a database of known spyware. It is particularly designed for detecting and removing malicious content, so don’t use it as a replacement for an antivirus program.

It will never interfere with your system’s internal structure and other antivirus programs already installed in your system. Browsing hijacking techniques can cause adware and malware to be installed on a PC, but this tool can get you rid of all those threats. For better detection and protection, HijackThis generates a plain-text logfile detailing all entries it finds. The current version contains many features and functions in task manager management, hosts-file editor, and alternate data stream scanner.

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HijackThis Alternatives

#1 AdwCleaner

Free
6

AdwCleaner is a free adware removal tool for Windows operating systems. It is fully compatible with all leading web browsers. If you face adware issues in your favorite web browser, use it to get rid of all kinds of adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted toolbars. It is designed to smartly remove potentially unwanted programs and browser hijackers from the system. In addition to removing, it will considerably improve the security of your PC as well.

First of all, it doesn’t require any installation at all, as it is just a download and ready-to-use edition to remove all those programs infecting your PC. Five simple steps are required to use the AdwCleaner. After downloading it, run it and scan your PC for potential adware and browser hijackers. After the scanning is completed, it will display the adware located in the services, folders, files, shortcuts, scheduled tasks, registry, Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Chrome. You can get the report of scanned results as well.

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#2 Adware Removal Tool

Free
3

Adware Removal Tool is a free adware removal tool that will clean each type of browser hijackers, unnecessary toolbars, and all those plugins installed in the web browser and hijacking the internet speed or your personal information. By using this program, you can easily clean unwanted toolbars and clean the potentially unwanted programs. It will scan and clean the registry for any adware entry. This free and easy-to-use adware removal tool will let you eliminate adware, toolbars, PUP, and hijackers.

Some main advantages of using this tool are its functions in the shape of cleaning the browser hijackers, easily clean unwanted toolbars, clean potential unwanted programs, or scan and clean the registry for any adware entry. This security enhancement and protection tool are designed to make its users able to get rid of the threats that hijack your browser and show unwanted ads all the time. Adware Removal Tool can easily clean these hijackers from all leading web browsers.

#3 AdwareMedic

Free
1

AdwareMedic is a specially designed tool to remove all kinds of adware and potentially unwanted threats and program from the PC. It is known for delivering state-of-the-art protection and security enhancement systems to Windows and Mac users. The protection system designed by this tool will protect your business and personal privacy against zero-day threats that consistently escape detection by most antivirus solution providers. Its latest version is now incorporated with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. It is designed to detect and remove adware, malware, browser hijackers, and PUPs and enhance the PC’s performance and speed.

With the evolution of the internet, various types of adware have been stepped into the online world like Genieo, Conduit, and VSearch. All these inject the pop-up hyperlinks in webpages and unwanted toolbars in the system. The specialty of this tool is that it is an expert in the detection of the traditional to modern-day adware and in last safely remove them from the PCs leaving behind a safe and secure PC. Scan your system for any unknown adware and get the information about adware for permanent removal from the system.

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#4 Sweepr

Paid
1

Sweepr is an adware and malware removal tool particularly designed for the Mac OS X operating systems. This tool monitors the browser and system cleaning functions as well so that you can enjoy a safe and secure PC with the best possible performance. If you are running with a slow browser, or your PC is not responding properly, or auto-generation websites and tabs, then your Mac has been attacked by adware and other unwanted threats. You need it to remove all these threats from your system safely. Despite the fact, Mac OS X has its own integrated system to combat internal and external threats, but it is still not capable of fighting against modem day threats.

It will make the internal security and scanning system of Mac powerful. It will detect and remove all unwanted programs and files often missed by the system’s integrated security system. It is designed to clean the adware, malware, cleaning the browsers from unwanted toolbars, cleaning the mail, and cleaning the entire PC to remove unwanted files, updating files, and other unwanted data. It will also speed up your system and apps by erasing only sized application logs and temporary files.

#5 Spybot Search & Destroy

Paid
1

Spybot Search & Destroy is an anti-malware, adware, and antivirus program for the safe removal of threats from the PC and browser. If you want to get an all-in-one and advanced security system, you should go for the professional version. It contains the solution in the shape of anti-malware, adware, antivirus, and anti-spyware.

Install this tool and enjoy the protection for your system. The overall features and functions included are removal of toolbars, detection, and removal of web hijackers, file shredder system, task scheduling, startup editing tools, supports command line parameters, centralized management system, reduced bandwidth overhead, designed for networked computers, includes tools for managing startup and registry and much more. It will create security layers outside of your network and keep the web hijackers away from your network system.

#6 Norton Power Eraser

Free
1

Norton Power Eraser is a security tool by the Symantec system to easily get those files and programs removed that disturb your PC’s overall structure. Removing the adware and malware at the proper time is very important because these can be a threat to your system. When you put this software on scanning, it will quickly detect the most aggressive computer viruses, especially adware and malware. It is basically used when you are unable to eliminate the invisible and deeply embedded viruses.

Sometimes, the PC is infected with threats that start to slow down the PC’s performance, suck the internet speed, add unusual toolbars, or show nasty advertisements all the time. But now, you can control all these by using this tool designed to target and eliminate these hard-to-remove threats and unique types of crimeware. So scan this program to easily detect and remove threats then remove threats from the PC.

#7 Chrome Cleanup Tool

Free
0

Chrome Cleanup Tool is an adware removal tool for the Google Chrome browser. This cleaning tool is designed to remove the Chrome hijackers, popups, unwanted toolbars, and all those malicious programs that are slowing down the browser’s performance. Most of its features work to maintain the Windows operating systems, but it is still largely used for Google Chrome optimization. This tool automatically searches for the suspicious programs in the users’ system and then offers to remove them for you.

The best thing about this adware and cleaning tool is that it will keep itself running in the background and deliver an alert prompting you to download Chrome Cleanup Tool if Chrome notices unusual behavior caused by the unwanted program, adware, malware, etc. The unusual behavior in Google Chrome includes auto-generation new tabs, commercial websites, popups, sudden crashes, unusual startup pages, toolbars, or other kinds of unexpected ads that you can’t get rid of or simply changing your browsing experience. Simply use the Chrome Cleanup Tool and get rid of all this potentially unwanted content. It is one of the best helping tools for removing unwanted programs, particularly adware from the browser and PC.

#8 AVG Adware Removal

Free
0

AVG Adware Removal is a program by AVG to remove the most common virus easily and adware infections from the PC. This software can remove adware and other viruses from the PC and keep you protected from them all the time. Removing the adware on time is very important because these viruses suck the entire speed of the internet by generating unwanted ads and opening new links.

This universal solution will automatically block all those scripts running in the system and providing a space for the adware to run in the browser because of sharing the common programming languages. It will automatically disable all those scripts carefully that will ultimately disable the websites. The advanced security system of AVG Adware Removal will protect your system from adware, Trojans, viruses, spyware, and the rest of the potentially unwanted programs. If you want to remove these kinds of adware, then here is this dedicated tool.

#9 Kaspersky Adware Removal

Free
0

Kaspersky Adware Removal is an internet safety system expert in removing all kinds of adware and threats from the PC. Most of the adware removal programs remove the ads from the PC without giving the proper treatment for the factors generating these ads. The best part of this tool is that it does not let any adware be left behind. Visible adware is easy to locate, but what to do with the hidden ones? Well, right here is the program that is expert in detecting and removing both visible and invisible adware, toolbars generating viruses, and other threats from the PC.

The main advantage of using it is that it will give you all the benefits of a trusted name in online security without the risk of unwelcome ad software or the burden of cost. This next-generation security solution provides the ability to create a list of approved adware on the desktop and then isolate and remove programs you don’t want.

#10 RunScanner

Free
0

RunScanner is a freeware program that provides the ultimate solution for adware, malware, hijackers, startup programs, and various other issues. This free application contains a list of all .dll .exe and .sys process files. It is one of the best-recommended tools for the Windows operating systems that scans the system for all running programs. This tool monitors autostart locations, hijack points, generation of ads, new websites, and tabs, and much more. RunScanner can easily detect the changes and misconfigurations in the system caused by adware, malware, spyware, or human errors.

This software has a database of thousands of different windows system files. It is divided into two modes, including Beginner Mode and Expert Mode. The Beginner Mode is for beginners to scan and upload their results to a malware specialist forum. The Expert Mode of RunScanner is designed for the advanced users to enjoy all startup tweaks, scanning, reporting, and delete futures. The overall features and functions of the RunScanner are online adware analysis, powerful process killer, analysis of file certificates, upload file to virus total, Google lookup, Regedit jump, explorer jump, etc.

#11 iAntiVirus

Free
0

iAntiVirus is an Anti-Spyware and Anti-Virus application developed by PC Tools specially designed for Mac users who want to detect, remove and protect their systems. It has a simple interface with the option to scan the entire system, just your personal folder or specific files and folder of your choosing. One of the best thing about this solution is that it supports drag and drop functionality that means anyone can easily scan their file and folder without any limitation.

iAntiVirus is available to use in different versions, and each new version of the software offers a more powerful solution than the last one. In addition, it has the ability to scan for malware in files posted to your Facebook wall, and if the solution finds malware threats, it will be quarantined, and you can then choose to respire, delete or restore the suspect files. Unlike all the other similar solutions, it also comes with some additional tools that help you manage your entire machine, check scan history, and detect and quickly remove all kinds of threats. Try it out if you want to remove threats from your Mac device.

#12 ClamXAV

Paid
0

ClamXAV is antivirus software that lets you scan your pc for any malware and threats for Mac. You can scan one file or the entire computer. Other than manual scan, the tool continuously scans the computer while running and actively scans any new file that came from the internet or external sources. It doesn’t take up many resources in the background and is lightweight software. Virus definitions are updated constantly. ClamXAV is made for home users as well as for organizations with a whole IT infrastructure.

The software is easy to install, which can be done remotely, and configure it using your existing deployment tools. Once in place, it works away quietly in the background, catching any malware trying to get into your Mac and swiftly removing it. IT comes with three versions, i.e., for business, education, and individual, each with specific functionalities and extra features. Al in all, ClamXAV is a great tool that you can consider among its alternatives.

#13 Malwarebytes

Paid
0

Malwarebytes is a leading IT security software that offers security against malware, threats, and infected sites. It is a recognized name in the anti-malware solution, and its technology contains various interesting protection modules. Aside from these key features, its latest version includes a scan scheduler that can perform comprehensive scan even when computer owner is not using their computer. This security software comes with all the major tools that can be accessed easily, navigating through its intuitive interface. The main screen showcases all the active features, the scan status, and the device protection history.

With the help of its shield, the user from advanced threats by deflecting and removing viruses in real-time. This is done with the use of advanced anti-malware, anti-rootkit, and anti-spyware technology. Malwarebytes also protect all fake and infected websites. It also includes core features such as cleans infected devices, centralized management, discovers all networked endpoints, stops ransomware attacks, user-friendly interface, and more. Unlike all the other similar solutions, it also has different price plans; each has its own cost and core features.

#14 Kaspersky AntiVirus

Freemium
0

Kaspersky AntiVirus is a computer security software developed by Kaspersky Lab. It offers high-performance proactive protection against malware in real-time and as a background task. The proactive protection module carries out the thorough and comprehensive scanning of all active processes and files on your computer and can eradicate any malicious programs before they even start working.

Another great feature is the real-time file monitoring mechanism is capable of finding viruses in archives while opening or viewing them. This feature can be crucial when it comes to the detection of such notorious viruses like WannaCry, which often infect systems through specially prepared archives containing macros with exploits for vulnerabilities in various software.

The real-time memory scanning mechanism is responsible for the detection of viruses, including worms, rootkits, and others in memory is based on new technologies. Kaspersky Anti-Virus can identify suspicious programs in RAM immediately after they are loaded into the computer. This allows him to notice the presence of potential viruses that are invisible to other anti-viruses yet extremely harmful to the system.

Moreover, the integrated spam filter is able to detect and block intrusive advertisements at the time of transmission while passing legitimate ones through with full safety. The new filtering engine applies not only heuristics but also additional filters specifically designed to recognize spam text.

In order to protect users from phishing attacks, Kaspersky Lab has developed a new kind of module that is able to analyze all incoming and outgoing data. This includes emails, web pages, and attachments. Kaspersky AntiVirus is also capable of filtering malicious links in search queries and removing dubious results from search engines. All in all, Kaspersky AntiVirus is a great tool that you can consider among its alternatives.

#15 Bitdefender Adware Removal

Free
-2

Bitdefender Adware Removal is an adware removal tool by Bitdefender. One of the biggest disadvantages of adware is that it slows the internet and web browsers with irritating and disturbing ads. This tool is an expert in removing all kinds of adware and various other malicious content in the shape of hijacker programs and unwanted toolbars. The working of this tool is simple and easy to use.

After the complete scanning, the users can review the list of applications and unwanted programs to be removed to make a selection. Three main advantages of using the Bitdefender Adware Removal are it is free, able to identify adware installed on the PC, and get rid of all types of annoying ads that slow down the PC’s performance and sucking the speed of the internet.

#16 LavaSoft Adware

Free
-4

LavaSoft Adware is a free adware and spyware removal by the leading antivirus program. It is an expert in protecting against adware, spyware, worms, Trojans, and the rest of the malicious programs and unwanted threats. It deploys its own designed state-of-the-art protection and security technology. Six main products are Ad-Aware Editions, Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+, Ad-Adware Personal Security, Ad-Adware Pro Security, Ad-Aware Total Security, and Ad-Aware Web Companion.

The main highlighted features and functions are integrating fast antivirus, download protection, automatic threat updates, game mode to play online games safely, safe browsing, real-time protection, pin-point scanning, malware sandbox emulator, and much more. Either you are searching over the internet or downloading something from the internet, and it will scan all of your activities of the file format before they have a chance to damage your PC.

#17 FreeFixer

Free
-9

FreeFixer is a general-purpose tool for removing all kinds of threats like adware, malware, and other potentially unwanted threats and programs. This software starts its working by scanning a large number of locations, or you can say the entire of your system, and it’s up to you to decide if some files should be removed if some settings should be restored to their default value. For the information of the readers, it may not help you in choosing which file to delete. In case of deleting a legitimate file, you may damage your PC.

To do so, you will be required to get the list of formats of those files that you should delete. This list is available on the official website of FreeFixer. One of the best things about it is that it is freely available for all editions of the Windows operating systems. After scanning the system, the results of adware, malware, and other unwanted programs will be shown up on the screen. For the assistance of the readers, it will make green those files that it has listed in its trusted file section. Those showing with a white and gray background are not unknown to this tool.