How to remove PC Optimizer Pro from Windows (Removal Guide)

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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PC Optimizer Pro is a potentially unwanted program, which is advertised as a system optimizer, and once installed it claims that several issues were been detected on your computer. However, if you try to fix these issues, PC Optimizer Pro will state that you need to buy its full version before being able to do so.

[Image: PC Optimizer Pro scam]

[Image: PC Optimizer Pro fake registry cleaner]

Optimizer Pro Performance Monitor virus

[Image: PC Optimizer Pro virus]

[Image: PC Optimizer Pro]

PC Optimizer Pro is bundled with other free software that you download off of the Internet. Unfortunately, some free downloads do not adequately disclose that other software will also be installed and you may find that you have installed adware without your knowledge.

The Windows registry is a database that Windows and its applications store their settings in. It contains hundreds of thousands of entries. Some of the entries may be slightly outdated — maybe you’ve uninstalled a program and it left a key or two behind, or maybe a there’s a file extension with no associated application.
PC Optimizer Pro scan your registry for these outdated entries and offer to remove them. Because there are so many registry entries to go through, this program may sometimes also remove useful registry entries, causing you problems. The Web is full of stories from people who have run a registry cleaner and encountered problems. In a best case scenario, PC Optimizer Pro will remove a few hundred unnecessary entries and reduce the size of your registry by a few kilobytes. This makes no difference in perceptible performance.
If you must use a registry cleaner, you don’t have to pay anything. Using a free registry cleaner, such as the registry cleaner included with the respected CCleaner utility, is good enough.

You should always pay attention when installing software because often, a software installer includes optional installs, such as this PC Optimizer Pro potentially unwanted program. Be very careful what you agree to install.
Always opt for the custom installation and deselect anything that is not familiar, especially optional software that you never wanted to download and install in the first place. It goes without saying that you should not install software that you don’t trust.

How to remove PC Optimizer Pro (Uninstall Guide)

This malware removal guide may appear overwhelming due to the amount of the steps and numerous programs that are being used. We have only written it this way to provide clear, detailed, and easy to understand instructions that anyone can use to remove malware for free.
Please perform all the steps in the correct order. If you have any questions or doubt at any point, STOP and ask for our assistance.
To remove the PC Optimizer Pro Adware, follow these steps:

STEP 1 : Uninstall PC Optimizer Pro from Windows

In this first step, we will try to uninstall PC Optimizer Pro by using the Windows Control Panel.

  1. Go to the uninstall menu.

    Windows 10 or Windows 8.1

    1. To uninstall a program on Windows 10 or Windows 8, right-click on the Windows Start button and choose “Control Panel” from the pop-up menu.
      Control Panel in Windows 10
    2. When the “Control Panel” window opens click on the “Uninstall a program” option under “Programs” category.
      Uninstall A Program on Windows 10

    Windows 7

    1. If you are using Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, click the “Start” button, then click on the “Control Panel” menu option.
      [Image: Control Panel in Windows Start Menu]
    2. When the “Control Panel” window opens click on the “Uninstall a program” option under “Programs” category.
      [Image: Uninstall a program]
  2. When the “Programs and Features” screen is displayed, scroll through the list of currently installed programs and uninstall PC Optimizer Pro.
    To view the most recently installed programs, you can click on the “Installed On” column to sort your program by the installation date. Scroll through the list, and uninstall any unwanted or unknown programs.
    If you cannot find any unwanted programs on your computer, then you can proceed with the next step.
    If you are having issues while trying to uninstall the PC Optimizer Pro program, you can use Revo Uninstaller to completely remove this unwanted program from your machine.

    Uninstall PC Optimizer Pro

STEP 2: Use Malwarebytes to Scan for Malware and Unwanted Programs

Malwarebytes is a powerful on-demand scanner which will scan and remove from your PC any malicious program that may have been installed along with PC Optimizer Pro. It is important to note that Malwarebytes will run alongside antivirus software without conflicts.

  1. You can download download Malwarebytes from the below link.
    MALWAREBYTES DOWNLOAD LINK (This link open a new page from where you can download “Malwarebytes”)
  2. When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the “mb3-setup-consumer” file to install Malwarebytes on your computer.
    Malwarebytes installer
    You may be presented with an User Account Control pop-up asking if you want to allow Malwarebytes to make changes to your device. If this happens, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
    Malwarebytes User Account Control Prompt
  3. When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through the installation process.
    Setup Malwarebytes installer
    To install Malwarebytes on your machine, keep following the prompts by clicking the “Next” button.
    Completing the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard
  4. Once installed, Malwarebytes will automatically start and update the antivirus database. To start a system scan you can click on the “Scan Now” button.
    Perform a system scan with Malwarebytes
  5. Malwarebytes will now start scanning your computer for malicious programs.
    This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
    Malwarebytes scanning for malware
  6. When the scan has completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected.
    To remove the malicious programs that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine Selected” button.
    Malwarebytes Quarantine Selected
  7. Malwarebytes will now quarantine all the malicious files and registry keys that it has found.
    To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
    Malwarebytes removing malware from computer
    When the malware removal process is complete, you can close Malwarebytes and continue with the rest of the instructions.

STEP 3: Double-check for malicious programs with HitmanPro

HitmanPro can find and remove malware, adware, bots, and other threats that even the best antivirus suite can oftentimes miss. HitmanPro is designed to run alongside your antivirus suite, firewall, and other security tools.

  1. You can download HitmanPro from the below link:
    HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK (This link will open a new web page from where you can download “HitmanPro”)
  2. When HitmanPro has finished downloading, double-click on the “hitmanpro” file to install this program on your computer.
    HitmanPro icon
    You may be presented with an User Account Control pop-up asking if you want to allow HitmanPro to make changes to your device. If this happens, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
    HitmanPro User Account Control Pop-up
  3. When the program starts you will be presented with the start screen as shown below. Now click on the Next button to continue with the scan process.
    HitmanPro setup process
  4. HitmanPro will now begin to scan your computer for malware.
    HitmanPro scanning for PC Optimizer Pro virus
  5. When it has finished it will display a list of all the malware that the program found as shown in the image below. Click on the “Next” button, to remove malware.
    HitmanPro detected malware
  6. Click on the “Activate free license” button to begin the free 30 days trial, and remove all the malicious files from your computer.
    Activate HitmanPro to remove malware

Your computer should now be free of the PC Optimizer Pro. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove PC Optimizer Pro from your machine, please do one of the following:

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

64 thoughts on “How to remove PC Optimizer Pro from Windows (Removal Guide)”

  2. HitmanPro is the only program that worked and it did it fast. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Amazing!!!!

  3. Thanks for information .Any one want to Optimize PC use our Product TunePRO360 – pc optimization tool which is free of Cost .

  4. ran through everything, fantastic guide. Thanks so much, so far so good…that crap had rendered my windows tablet useless.

  5. Malware tips your info and site ROCK and your def doing a great service to all. I hope you don’t mind but I read this comment and would like to try to get in touch with the commenter about their services. God bless

  11. Joseph, here is what I did. When you get the black screen hit CTL ALT DELETE simultaneously. Then select TASK MANAGER. When it come up look at processes. There were a couple called RUN ONCE WRAPPER and something else very similar. THAT was what was causing to black screen. Once I turned off those I got to my desk top and was able to delete this PRO OPTIMIZER crap. I have not rebooted yet but it appears things are fine. In my situation if I clicked that I wanted to register it PRO would open a browser window to let me pay.I could then open a new tab and THAT is how I got to THIS page. GOOD LUCK!

  13. Hey Guys, my kid apparently got this on his computer after downloading some mod for his minecraft game. I read the directions, but can’t even get to step 1.

    When I boot up his computer and type in his password to get to his desktop, I only see a PC Optimizer Pro window asking to purchase their product. When I hit cancel, I just get a black screen with no way to get to the control panel. When I hit yes to purchase, it just takes me to a window pop up where they want me to continue to purchase.

    Do I need to boot up in safemode or something and if so, how? Thank you

  16. I came to this website as an alternative to the $70 that McAfee would’ve charged me to get rid of my viruses. THANK GOD. Oh wait, thank YOU. (:

  17. I’ve used this website a couple of time, unfortunately, and it is great. Thank you for helping out the PC illiterate. You guys are lifesavers.

  24. I followed Stefan’s clear, detailed and instructions and was able to remove a whole bunch of infections and malware. My computer is now running a lot better.

  25. I needed to do each step several times to get rid or it, I don’t know if this did anything but one of the programs was un-findable and yet I could not “remove” it because it was “still running” So I went through the file folders and found the program (the search will not find it so go to programs) and opened the file and what ever ones I could delete I deleted and then moved the other that could not be deleted, I “moved” to another folder which had a nasty name on it, and the changed the name of the actual file so that it could not be found by the program. Shut down and opened under the “visitor” user (if you have not created a visitor or other user, DO SO!!!!) and the program either did not load because I was in a different user which was restricted and had no record of the program or if it was my deleting and move and renaming of the files could not open but I was then able to “remove” the program and then went through the process again to clean up. I am amazed that for four or more times oin a row more and more junk was found,,,, talk about cleaning, reminds me of them pesky flees on my dog, tricky little bustards… ya gotta find em, catch em, and crush em and smear them so only a mark remains. Same here.
    Thank you, thank you and thank you! You have caused me to feel better about not charging for my legal help even though ‘Im dead broke.. when I am no longer broke I must send you a donation… in the mean time perhaps you need my help or have a relative that does? With the institution of the UCC most businesses can be captured in any court by the same rules world wide. I say this because most if not all of “Debt Collections” Mortgages, credit cards etc and most tickets, etc can be shown to be a criminal act or series of criminal acts which makse you the Plaintiff and them liable for thousands if not millions depending on how well you put the case together to cause them to come to negotiations of amount to pay you off to not speak of such things as the actual laws and Statutes, Constitutions, rules, policy etc. The funny thing is that the public servants in every country every State, every county, district, etc etc DO NOT KNOW THE LAWS THEMSELVES AND AS SUCH VIOLATE THEM ALL THE TIME. If they are violating the law then they have no capacity or standing and the court can not grant them anything they ask for and once proving your case on paper ahead of time letting them know you are likely to prevail with a jury trial, they come running and start throwing millions at you so that you will sign a non disclosure… be sure to have put in there that you will abide with it so long as it is lawful and only so far a as the civil claims. This will leave you open to pursue criminal actions by “making known to some Judge or other officer of the United States” the crimes and then hound them to take action or they are committing a crime which deprive you of the “equal protections of the law”. (see 18 USC sec. 4 and 14th Constitutional amendment. (you can find similar in every country which has laws, constitutions etc. Just learn the laws and find where they have breached them…
    We have to clean up the mess that our parents and grand parents left us with by not studying the very laws created by us to protect us from these very thefts and violations of something somewhere. Turn the spot light one them and their criminal activities and show how you were injured as a result.. end of story. Be sure to gather the evidence without wining, bitching or moaning and especially any attitude at all.. it is a dead give away and we must be stealthy.. “float like a butterfly sting like a bee” Do not “advertise your punch” The written laws, statutes, Codes, etc. are our “arms” “to have and to bear”…
    Blessings=may your desires be fulfilled.. truthmonger

  26. Thank you ,Thank you,Thank you,,,,,I just cant say it enough,that optimiser pro was driving me nuts,did’nt know what I was gonna do until I tried step#3 and it worked like a charm,but I dont know why malware bytes didnot work,I tried it first.

  27. This was great, I thank you so much for the time you took to create this comprehensive list of programs to remove this malware. If only people would quit creating these types of programs.

  28. Thanks so much for the wonderful step-by-step instructions. I was worried as I started to get increased pop-up ads at step 3, but the Malwarebytes scan seemed to have cleaned them up. Beautiful work. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us neophytes!

  30. Great post, very concise… My Missus downloaded Mozilla fire fox ad by mistake and it downloaded all sorts of stuff… all clean now though thx…

  31. How do you ever know if these things are real or not? After getting hit with Optimizer Pro from downloading CamStudio (don’t ever do that!) I checked around and so many things looked like they could be something else tricking me. But I took the plunge and used these steps and everything seems back to normal. Thanks for the help!

  33. Fantastic help. Such clear instructions. Would like to add that resetting the browser settings got rid of the left over pop up ads. Thanks a million

  37. Thanks a million – I seem to have gotten Optimizer Pro when I downloaded VLC Media Player from a site that my Norton Security said was OK. I have followed all of your instructions here and I am so relieved to NOT have browser windows popping up all the time! I knew something was not right, but I wasn’t sure what was the source – and very quickly suspected this Optimizer Pro. I had declined all of the various other software options that came with the free VLC Media Player download, so I didn’t understand how Optimizer Pro showed up.
    Now, my question that remains is: I wanted VLC Media player, and I appear to have it. However, in Step 1, you recommend uninstalling any other software that was installed at the same time as Optimizer Pro. Does that mean I should also uninstall VLC Media player? Or, now that I followed all of your instructions, is it safe to keep the VLC Media player I have or do you think this is still intertwined with the malicious Optimizer Pro?
    After going through all of this, I am leery of deleting VLC Media player and then finding another one to try to download from the internet! Who knows what will come bundled with the next one I download?
    Aside from this one point that wasn’t very clear to me, I found the instructions extremely clear and helpful and plan to make a donation as soon as I can next afford to – will definitely make a point of it.
    Quite frankly, with your writing skills and ability to bring very clear step-by-step instructions to the largely computer illiterate public (many of us are barely able to keep up with the technology), you should be a highly paid consultant or employee of a company like Microsoft whose instructions in trouble-shooting and training are often as clear as mud….
    Keep up the good work.

  38. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’ve been wrestling with this virus for days after a “free” download of ilivid. My computer is back to normal again. BTW, I may be wrong, but I don’t think HitmanPro offers a free 30 day trial anymore. It was worth the small subscription to make sure I’ve rid my machine of this nonsense. Just made donation. Keep up the good work!

  42. PC Optimizer pro is really good utility , help me in keeping my PC optimized and running write. They are running a offer these days . Just superb guys . Best in customer service.

  44. Thank you SO much! My mom downloaded the optimizer pro accidentally and called me in tears. Thanks to you we are up and running again with out having to wipe out the whole lap top and start all over. Saved us so much time. A million times Thank You!

  46. You are the shining white fire that burns the dreaded infection on the computers of the people who read your advice. Thank you so much for preventing a computer catastrophe!

  48. Wow, thank you doesn’t seem to be enough! This is a huge help and absolutely wonderful to know there are people out there that want to help! Thank you! Great site and great work you are doing!

  52. thank you so much and even now my steam games are running smoother i would donate but im underage but thank you so much

  53. Thank you very much! Directions worked perfectly, and pieces of this obnoxious virus were just washing away!!! THANK YOU! :)

  56. You are a lifesaver,sir!
    I bought this laptop less than a week ago,and Optimizer Pro as well as My PCBackup invade it.
    Hail Google and your site!
    I wish I could donate,but Im under-age and hence,don’t have a salary :P
    But your site is amazing and I’ll share it!
    Keep up the great work!

  60. OMG!! Thank you so much for these tips!! I downloaded oovoo & pro optimizer got onto my computer somehow & screwed up my whole computer, but thanks to you it’s back to normal :)

  61. Salut.
    Mersi mult pentru raspuns. In timp ce asteptam moderarea comentului m-am mai uitat pe site si am descoperit faza cu “Safe mod and network”. Asa am reusit sa trec mai departe la pasii urmatori si sper eu ca am rezolvat treaba. Acum o sa incerc sa-i las pe laptop (cum am mai citit pe aici si pe forum) mai multe layere de aparare si sa aiba si el mai multa grija pe unde mai da click.
    N-am mai reusit sa te tin la curent pt ca a trebuit sa plec la servici.
    Asa cum zice cineva prin commenturi: “Two thumbs up”. Iti multumesc mult de tot pentru site-ul asta si sper sa reusesc sa-i zic ceva lui Mos Craciun despre tine.
    Tine-o tot asa.

  62. Salut,
    Poti sa rulezi un scan cu Combofix ca sa vad ce se intampla cu laptop-ul. Uite instructiunile:

    You can download ComboFix from here: http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/sUBs/ComboFix.exe

    VERY IMPORTANT !!! Save as Combo-Fix.exe during the download.ComboFix must be renamed before you download to your Desktop

    Close any open browsers.

    Very Important!!!> Temporarily disable your anti-virus, script blocking and any anti-malware real-time protection before performing a scan. They can interfere with ComboFix or remove some of its embedded files which may cause “unpredictable results”.

    WARNING: Combofix will disconnect your machine from the Internet as soon as it starts

    Please do not attempt to re-connect your machine back to the Internet until Combofix has completely finished.

    If there is no internet connection after running Combofix, then restart your computer to restore back your connection.

    1. Double click on ComboFix.exe & follow the prompts.

    2. Accept the disclaimer and allow to update if it asks

    3. When finished, it shall produce a log for you.

    Notes:

    Do not mouse-click Combofix’s window while it is running. That may cause it to stall.

    Do not “re-run” Combofix. If you have a problem, reply back for further instructions.

    If after the reboot you get errors about programs being marked for deletion then reboot, that will cure it.

    Please post the Combofix, so that I can get an idea on what’s going on.
    Next, please run a scan with HitmanPro and Malwarebytes, then let me know how is your computer running.

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