Home Malware Programs Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) A1 PC Cleaner

A1 PC Cleaner

Posted: March 24, 2015

Threat Metric

Threat Level: 8/10
Infected PCs: 14,048
First Seen: March 23, 2015
Last Seen: April 1, 2023
OS(es) Affected: Windows

A1 PC Cleaner is promoted as a free Windows optimization tool created and developed by A1 PCCleaner Software Private Limited. Although A1 PC Cleaner is regarded as a Windows cleaner and optimization tool, it is classified a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP). A1 PC Cleaner claims to provide privacy protection, speed boost, and registry error fix. However, A1 PC Cleaner is not as useful as advertised. Typically, PUPs such as A1 PC Cleaner have an official website where they are promoted, but users rarely check the Terms and Conditions section. If you look at a1pccleaner.com, you may notice that 'Components, software, data, files, documentation, code, content and other materials ('Components') that are supplied to you with or generated by or through the use of the Software are part of the Software, and are encompassed by any reference in this Contract to the Software.' Unwanted applications such as A1 PC Cleaner are mostly distributed via bundling marketing method. Users may also see a fake alert message prompted by A1 PC Cleaner claiming that their systems are at risk and by clicking the 'Fix' button, A1 PC Cleaner starts making registry changes.

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