Malwarebytes AdwCleaner Removes Pre-installed Programs

Corrine · Jul 24, 2019

Newly updated AdwCleaner version 7.4 removes preinstalled software programs, frequently referred to as "bloatware".

In the Bleeping Computer article at Malwarebytes AdwCleaner 7.4 Can Now Remove Bloatware From Windows about the updated AdwCleaner are examples of preinstalled software that was removed. However, it is also important to note the following (bold added):

As some preinstalled software can be tightly integrated into the hardware, Malwarebytes will attempt to create a system restore point every time it removes one. In BleepingComputer's tests, system restore points were not created when we tested the removal feature.

After removing a program, you can always restore it from the "Preinstalled software" tab in the Quarantine.-

Even though you can restore a removed program from the "Preinstalled software" tab, it is still recommended, as always, to create a restore point when making changes to your computer

Malwarebytes announcement about the update is at Your device, your choice: AdwCleaner now detects preinstalled software.

Sysnative Windows Update · Jul 24, 2019

This could be fun!

Digerati · Jul 25, 2019

Hmmmm, interesting how the article notes,

When you purchase hardware, the device will often come with preinstalled software from third-parties that includes antivirus trials, backup software, DVD burning software, media players, etc.

But the listed examples were not "third-party" applications at all, but

Preinstalled.LenovoEasyCamera
Preinstalled.LenovoMController
Preinstalled.LenovoUtility
Preinstalled.AcerPowerManagement
Preinstalled.AcerUpdater
Preinstalled.PackardBellPowerManagement

Sysnative Windows Update · Jul 25, 2019

What do you mean? They are not part of normal Windows installation and therefore are not considered MS products. They are developed by third-party vendors (the vendors who ship the PC).

Digerati · Jul 25, 2019

They are not part of normal Windows installation and therefore are not considered MS products.

True, but they are software developed by and for the included hardware. I see a computer as the first party and made up of the hardware and the OS.

I don't consider those by the HW maker as "true" 3rd party because they ARE developed by the hardware makers. I am not suggesting they are wanted or that all are even needed. But none of those listed are, for example, "trial software for an antivirus program" - one of the examples of real third party software given by the author that, IMO, is unquestionably third party and added bloat.

I note the author points out 3rd party software is "typically added to generate revenue for the hardware developer and thus reduce the device's cost." And I agree with that. So how is "Acer Power Management" providing revenue for Acer? Did Acer pay Acer to put it there? No. Did a third party application developer pay Acer to put that there? No. But did McAfee pay Acer to pre-install a "trial version" of McAfee on the system? Yes.

Corrine · Jul 25, 2019

I have the feeling that when testing the AdwCleaner update, a Lenovo device was the only one available to provide an example of how the program works. The program that has been used for many years is The PC Decrapifier.

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Malwarebytes AdwCleaner Removes Pre-installed Programs

Corrine

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst

Sysnative Windows Update

Inactive

Digerati

Moderator
Hardware Expert
Microsoft MVP (Ret.)

Sysnative Windows Update

Inactive

Digerati

Moderator
Hardware Expert
Microsoft MVP (Ret.)

Corrine

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst

Malwarebytes AdwCleaner Removes Pre-installed Programs

Corrine

Administrator, Microsoft MVP, Security Analyst

Sysnative Windows Update

Inactive

Digerati

ModeratorHardware ExpertMicrosoft MVP (Ret.)

Sysnative Windows Update

Inactive

Digerati

ModeratorHardware ExpertMicrosoft MVP (Ret.)

Corrine

Administrator, Microsoft MVP, Security Analyst

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst

Moderator
Hardware Expert
Microsoft MVP (Ret.)

Moderator
Hardware Expert
Microsoft MVP (Ret.)

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst