This article has been created in order to show you how to fully remove the rogue program, called Slimcleaner Plus from your computer.
Slimcleaner Plus is a program which pretends to be a PC optimization software, believed to help with speeding up Microsoft Windows and securing it from viruses. In reality however, the Slimcleaner Plus software’s only purpose may be to trick it’s users into purchasing it’s licensed version and instead of optimizing the computer, the program may conduct fake detection of malware and other unwanted software, so that it convinces users to purchase it’s licensed version, which is rather expensive. If you have Slimcleaner Plus installed on your computer and you wish to remove this suspicious software, recommendations are to read the article below.
Subnote: This post was originally created in November 2017, but we gave it an update in September 2019.
Threat Summary
| Name | Slimcleaner Plus |
| Type | Potentially Unwanted Program/Rogue Antivirus Software |
| Short Description | Slimcleaner Plus may pretend to scan your computer for malware, but instead display a fake detection of viruses and system errors and ask you for purchasing it’s licensed version in order to remove them. |
| Symptoms | Slow computer performance, the program automatically runs scans. Hard to close as it is running as an active process after you think you have closed it. |
| Distribution Method | Via bundled installers, fake setups or via other PUP that has already been installed on your PC. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Slimcleaner Plus. |
Slimcleaner Plus – Update September 2019
Slimcleaner Plus has apparently kept spreading and the app may be advertised on web pages that ask you to download it under the pretext that your computer has been compromised by a dangeorus virus. The most recent user interface of SlimCleaner Plus may appear like the following:
Slimcleaner Plus – Distribution Methods
In order to be installed on your computer Slimcleaner Plus may come in a variety of tricky methods. The main of those is via bundled third-party programs, which conceal the unwanted program in their installers and install it alongside their setups. Such installers may be of any third-party program, especially if it has been downloaded from a suspicious third-party software providing site. A bundled program, like Slimcleaner Plus is often concealed in one of the installation steps of either the “Custom” or “Advanced” installers and it may appear like the following:
In addition to via bundling, the software may also come on your computer as a result of having other adware or unwanted programs that were previously installed on your machine.
Slimcleaner Plus – More Information
After installing itself on your computer, Slimcleaner Plus may situate various different types of program files and perform the following activities:
- Drop files in system directories of Windows.
- Create scheduled tasks in Windows task manager.
- Run automatic scans of your computer which may display non-existent detection.
In addition to it’s activities, the Slimcleaner Plus software also runs a process with unknown purpose in the background of your system, even after you close the program from Windows Start Menu tray:
In addition to this, the program may run fake scans on your computer system with the one and only purpose of displaying a lot of detentions which may or may not be real:
This eventually may result in inexperienced users believing that those detections are real and deciding to remove them. However when they try to remove them with Slimcleaner Plus, the software wants users to purchase it’s full version. What is scary about this is that the user’s computer may be completely clear and he or she might be deceived into thinking that the PC is infected with malware. In other words, the program may solve issues on your computer which are supposedly made up by it, making Slimcleaner Plus a hoax antivirus software and like many others out there, it should be immediately removed.
In addition to this, since it may be hoax software, Slimcleaner Plus may also be negative in other aspects for your computer, such as:
- Bring other adware and unwanted programs without your consent.
- Slow down your computer by running active processes in the background.
- Collect various information, like credit card numbers, etc.
How to Remove Slimcleaner Plus
In case you feel convinced that you do not find Slimcleaner Plus useful on your computer and have decided to remove this potentially unwanted program, feel free to follow the removal instructions below only after stopping the processes of Slimcleaner Plus from your Windows Task Manager. For maximum effectiveness during the removal, be advised that experts recommend to use an advanced anti-malware software which will not only detect all of the changes Slimcleaner Plus has made on your computer and revert them but also remove this software completely and protect your computer against intrusive software and malware.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
Follow Me:
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Internet Explorer
- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Slimcleaner Plus from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Slimcleaner Plus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Slimcleaner Plus and related software from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Slimcleaner Plus on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Slimcleaner Plus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for Slimcleaner Plus (Windows).
Get rid of Slimcleaner Plus from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Slimcleaner Plus and remove related files and objects
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Slimcleaner Plus. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Slimcleaner Plus via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove Slimcleaner Plus files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Slimcleaner Plus, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video Removal Guide for Slimcleaner Plus (Mac)
Remove Slimcleaner Plus from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase Slimcleaner Plus from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall Slimcleaner Plus from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove Slimcleaner Plus from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Slimcleaner Plus will be removed.
Eliminate Slimcleaner Plus from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
Slimcleaner Plus-FAQ
What Is Slimcleaner Plus?
The Slimcleaner Plus threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of Slimcleaner Plus?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Slimcleaner Plus?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does Slimcleaner Plus Work?
Once installed, Slimcleaner Plus can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
Slimcleaner Plus can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is Slimcleaner Plus Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the Slimcleaner Plus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Slimcleaner Plus how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on Slimcleaner Plus?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Slimcleaner Plus threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.