Although Windows 10 comes with Windows Defender to protect your computer and files against viruses, spyware, ransomware, and many other types of malware, a lot of people aren’t aware that Google Chrome also comes with an anti-malware tool that adds another layer of protection.
The tool is known as Chrome Cleanup, and it’s basically an extension designed by the ESET antivirus software company. Chrome Cleanup works automatically, but it’s not constantly running on your device. Instead, it periodically scans and removes any potentially unwanted or malicious software that may be injecting ads, pop-ups, or harming your device in any way.
In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to perform a manual scan and remove unwanted software that may be installed on your Windows 10 device and could be affecting your experience with Chrome.
How to remove malware using Chrome Cleanup tool
To scan and remove unwanted software from your device using the Chrome Cleanup tool, use these steps:
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Open Chrome.
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Click the hamburger button in the top-right corner and click on Settings.
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Click the Settings button in the top-left corner and click on Advanced.
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Click on System.
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Under the “Reset and clean up” section, click the Clean up computer button.
Chrome malware clean up tool -
Click the Find button.
Chrome antivirus manual scan
Once you completed the steps, the Chrome tool powered by ESET will scan your computer for unwanted software that may be injecting ads, pop-ups, and another type of malware.
Although the Chrome Cleanup isn’t a replacement for a traditional real-time anti-malware solution, it offers an extra layer of protection against unwanted software that could harm your online experience.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.