
However, there have been reports that the program is still blocked on some systems.
#CCLEANER MALWARE BUILD INSTALL#
We also received no prompts to install free software, as part of the setup. “While the CCleaner installers do provide an option to opt-out, some users can easily inadvertently install these bundled applications,” notes Microsoft.ĭigital Trends attempted to verify that CCleaner is blocked by Microsoft Defender, but the program successfully installed on our computer, running the Windows Update. The entry reveals that in its testing, Microsoft apparently found that Google Chrome, Google Toolbar, Avast Free Antivirus, and AVG Antivirus Free are all bundled with the free version of CCleaner. While it is true that CCleaner is a legitimate program that is trusted by many, the concern is indeed real. This entry explains that the bundling of software, especially products from other providers, can result in unexpected software activity that can “negatively impact user experiences.” Microsoft also added a new threat entry for CCleaner to the Security Intelligence Center. We detect instances anytime software offers to install other software that is not developed by the same entity or not required for the software to run, no matter the third party,” said Microsoft. “Our potentially unwanted application protection aims to safeguard user productivity. In a statement, Microsoft suggested that as a PUA, CCleaner can install other software that is not developed by the same entity (Piriform Ltd.). The company’s own built-in Windows 10 Microsoft Defender program now classifies the free version of CCleaner as a potentially unwanted application (PUA,) as first reported by Bleepingcomputer.Īlthough Microsoft notes the classification only targets the free version of CCleaner, the company does believe this move comes as a way to protect Windows users. Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system has been warning users about installing the popular PC optimization software, CCleaner.
