How to remove Y-Cleaner

What is Y-Cleaner

Title: Understanding Y-Cleaner: Its Nature and Impact on Computer Systems

Introduction:
In an age where computer security has become a paramount concern, it is essential to shed light on various malware threats that can compromise the integrity and functionality of our digital devices. One such notorious malware is Y-Cleaner. This article aims to provide an insight into what Y-Cleaner is, how it infects computers, and the potential risks associated with this malicious software.

Y-Cleaner: An Overview
Y-Cleaner is classified as a potentially unwanted program (PUP), specifically categorized as a rogue system cleaner. It claims to optimize the performance of computers by removing unnecessary files, junk data, and unwanted applications. At first glance, this may seem like a legitimate utility; however, Y-Cleaner often employs deceptive tactics to trick users into installing it.

Infection Methods:
Y-Cleaner typically infects computers through deceptive distribution techniques, including software bundling and misleading advertisements. It commonly piggybacks on freeware or shareware applications that users download from unofficial or unreliable sources. When users install these bundled applications without carefully reviewing the installation process, Y-Cleaner secretly installs itself alongside the desired software.

Upon successful installation, Y-Cleaner starts executing its malicious activities. It may initiate a system scan that falsely identifies numerous issues, such as unnecessary files, registry errors, or malware infections. These false positives aim to create a sense of urgency and convince users to purchase the full version of Y-Cleaner to resolve the alleged problems. However, the promised optimization and cleaning capabilities are often ineffective or even non-existent.

Risks and Impact:
Although Y-Cleaner may claim to improve system performance, its actual impact is quite the opposite. Instead of optimizing the computer, it may lead to a range of adverse consequences. Firstly, Y-Cleaner can consume system resources, causing computers to slow down significantly. Additionally, it may display intrusive pop-up ads, redirect users to malicious websites, or track their online activities, jeopardizing privacy and security. Users who fall victim to Y-Cleaner’s deceptive tactics may also face financial losses if they purchase the full version, which is essentially a scam.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Y-Cleaner is a potentially unwanted program that disguises itself as a system cleaner while employing deceptive tactics to infect computers. By understanding the nature and impact of Y-Cleaner, users can be better equipped to identify and protect themselves against this malware threat. It is crucial to exercise caution when downloading software from untrusted sources and to regularly update and use reliable anti-malware software to detect and remove such threats promptly.

Y-Cleaner Automated Removal Tool

Solution for Windows user

Download Spyhunter for Windows

SpyHunter 5 is a powerful malware detection and removal tool developed by EnigmaSoft Limited. It’s designed to provide robust protection against a wide range of malware threats, including viruses, trojans, worms, rootkits, and ransomware. SpyHunter 5 is particularly known for its effectiveness in dealing with complex and evolving malware types that traditional antivirus programs may struggle to detect.

Manual Y-Cleaner Removal Guide

Below are step-by-step instructions to remove Y-Cleaner from Windows computers. Follow this steps carefully and uninstall it from Control Panel, remove malicious browser extensions from browsers and remove files and folders belonging to Y-Cleaner.

Uninstall Y-Cleaner or programs related to Y-Cleaner from Windows

Windows 11:

1. Click on the Windows icon in the bottom left corner of your screen or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
2. In the Start menu, locate and click on the Settings gear icon. Alternatively, you can press Windows key + I to open the Settings directly.
3. In the Settings window, click on Apps in the sidebar.
4. Click on Apps & features. This will show you a list of all the installed programs on your Windows 11 computer.
5. Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find Y-Cleaner.
6. Click on the three dots (…) next to the program you want to remove, and select Uninstall.
7. A prompt may appear asking for confirmation that you want to uninstall the program. Confirm by clicking Uninstall again.
8. Some programs may have their own uninstallation wizards that will open up. Follow any additional prompts to complete the uninstallation process.

Check for Leftover Files (Optional): After uninstallation, some programs might leave behind residual files or settings. You can use third-party cleaning tools or manually check common locations like the Program Files folder or the Windows Registry for leftovers.

Windows 10:

1. Tap or click Start and choose Settings;
2. In opened menu choose System;
3. Under System menu tap or click Apps & features tab;
4. Find Y-Cleaner or other suspicious programs that can be related to it;
5. Tap or click on the program, then tap or click Uninstall;
6. Confirm action by clicking Uninstall.

Windows 8/8.1:

1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, then tap Search (If you are using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, then click Search.);
2. Enter control panel in the search box, then tap or click Control Panel;
3. Under View by: select Large Icons, then tap or click Programs and features;
4. Find Y-Cleaner or programs potentially related to it;
5. Tap or click the program, then tap or click Uninstall;
6. Follow the instructions on the screen or wait until program will be uninstalled.

Windows 7/Vista:

1. Click Start;
2. Click Control Panel;
3. Click Uninstall a program (if computer’s settings are sorted by Category);
   Click Programs and Features (if computer’s settings are sorted by Icons);
4. Find Y-Cleaner or programs potentially related to it;
5. Click Uninstall;
6. Follow the instructions on the screen or wait until program will be uninstalled.

Windows XP:

1. Click Start;
2. Click Control Panel;
3. Double-click Add or Remove Programs;
4. Find Y-Cleaner or programs potentially related to it and click on them;
5. Click to Remove;
6. Follow the instructions on the screen or wait until program will be uninstalled.

Programs related to Y-Cleaner won’t uninstall:

Sometimes, some malicious process or service won’t allow user to uninstall Y-Cleaner or remove is files. In such case, you can boot Windows in Safe Mode or Safe Mode with networking go to Control Panel and try to uninstall programs related to Y-Cleaner. Safe Mode does not allow malicious processes or services to start with Windows.

Learn how to boot in Safe Mode in different versions of Windows.

Remember, uninstalling a program will remove it from your computer along with its settings and data. If you think you might need the program again in the future, consider whether you have the installation files or access to download it again. Also, always be cautious when dealing with system or utility apps that come pre-installed with Windows, as removing them could affect system stability.

How to block unwanted pop-up ads and notifications, that promote Y-Cleaner

In order to block pop-ups that promote Y-Cleaner you can use AdGuard. AdGuard is a comprehensive ad blocking software designed to remove ads from web pages, block tracking cookies, and protect users from malware. It works across various devices and platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. AdGuard is not just limited to blocking ads; it also offers features like parental controls and privacy protection, ensuring a safer and more streamlined browsing experience. It’s particularly popular among users who seek to enhance their online privacy and reduce distractions while surfing the web.

Download AdGuard

How to prevent malware infection, like Y-Cleaner in the future

As many potentially unwanted programs, Y-Cleaner uses “bundling” to get installed on personal computers. Let me explain how it works. Malware is bound to freeware, so it can be installed with this freeware. To avoid malware installation, we recommend you not to download suspicious software from unknown sources and try to use only trusted websites. Be attentive while installing those programs. Also try to use custom/advanced setup options to disable malware installation. But better to download only licensed software from official websites. If you still want to download such installers, make sure to uncheck or decline all unwanted offers.