Adware infections are a serious problem for students and working professionals that rely on their computing devices for daily productivity. Fortunately, there are a number of free adware tools available on the internet that you can download. Many of these are part of paid antivirus and anti-malware solutions that provide free trials.
Here are 36 of the best free adware available products for you to try. Each one can remove adware from your Windows PC.
1. Max Secure Total Security
Max Secure Total Security has many capabilities beyond adware removal, including antivirus, anti-malware, white-listing, and heuristic detection to quickly learn and find new threats. Other features include:
- Firewall
- USB Manager
- Parental Control
- Web Filter
- Registry Cleaner
- Privacy Guard
- Internet Optimizer
- RAM Optimizer
It is also very easy to install and setup.
2. UnHackMe
UnHackMe was originally designed to remove difficult-to-detect rootkits that slip by other antivirus software. It can now find and remove most types of dangerous software, including adware. Other features include:
- Scanning for “Potentially Unwanted Programs” (PUPs).
- Checks for junk files.
- Scanning of Windows startup programs, services, and drivers.
- Examining browsers’ search settings.
- Scanning browsers add-ons.
- Testing the host’s file and DNS settings.
For more information, see our UnHackMe Review here.
3. Exterminate It!
Exterminate It! is a fast and reliable application that comprehensively detects and removes many types of PC threats, including the newest malware, worms, and Trojans. Other features include:
- Daily updates
- Submit State functionality.
- 24 hours customer support.
- Free user-tailored updates.
- Intuitive and user-friendly GUI.
See our Exterminate It! Review here.
4. NETGATE Internet Security
NETGATE Internet Security provides complete PC protection from spyware, spam, Trojans, phishing, and adware. It has a firewall and built-in heuristic engine that can detect the newest internet threats. Other features include:
- Traffic and packet logging.
- Integrated Intrusion Prevention System.
- Advanced rules for experienced users.
- Anti-spoofing technologies.
- Automatic database updates.
- Language support
- Technical support
- registry scan
- storage scan
- System directory scan
- Tracking cookies scan
- Web browser shields
Read our NETGATE Internet Security Review here.
5. ESET NOD32 Antivirus
ESET has provided well-known antivirus protection for many years to users around the world. NOD32 Antivirus protects PCs from viruses, ransomware, worms, and spyware. Other features include:
- Low power usage.
- Easy to install, renew, and upgrade.
- MacOS and Linux protection.
- Pop-up free updates.
See our ESET NOD32 Antivirus Review here.
6. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus protects Windows PCs against viruses, phishing, ransomware, and adware. It also includes a secure VPN for extra online privacy. Additional features include:
- Online banking security
- Anti-tracker
- Password manager
- Behavioral detection for apps.
- Advanced filtering system for scam websites.
- Rescue Environment for a reboot.
See our Bitdefender Antivirus Plus Review here.
7. Norton 360
Norton 360 is an industry-leading antivirus program that includes a secure VPN, parental controls, password manager, as well as protection from malware and adware. Other useful features include:
- 10 GB of cloud backup
- Safecam alerts
- Password manager
- Dark web monitoring
For more information, visit the Norton 360 website.
8. Norton Power Eraser
This is a free tool you can download to scan your system for adware. It also detects rootkits and keeps a threat log. It has a simple interface that features three large buttons: Scan, History, and Settings. Norton Power Eraser can aggressively target hard to remove files and deletes them. However, this needs to be applied with care because it can erase system files also. Norton Power Eraser can serve as a last resort tool for systems that already have protection installed.
Click here to download Norton Power Eraser.
9. Total AV
Total AV provides internet security, phishing, antivirus and anti-malware protection. This includes protection from adware as well. Features include:
- Adware Removal
- Advanced WebShield
- Real-time antivirus
- Anti-malware
- Desktop, laptop, smartphone, and tablet coverage.
Click here to try Total AV on your device.
10. PC Protect
PC Protect provides security from all internet threats and includes a PC Optimizer. Features include:
- System scan
- Browser Manager tools
- Real-time protection
- Firewall
11. McAfee
McAfee is a well-known company that has provided antivirus protection for users around the world for many years. It has many well-reviewed products and works on all major devices. Just download McAfee AntiVirus Plus, McAfee Internet Security or McAfee Total Protection to get started removing adware on your system.
12. Avast
Avast antivirus has extensive tools and options to protect your PC, including preventing adware infections. Features include:
- Threat-detection network.
- machine-learning virus protection.
- Ransomware protection
- Popup blocking for gaming
- App behavior monitoring
- Wi-fi weakness detection
Download Avast for free here.
13. AVG
AVG is an antivirus that is very popular with users today. It has been extensively reviewed and tested by independent labs which have it given positive feedback. Features include:
- Webcam Protection
- Ransomware Protection
- Web shield
- Wi-fi guard
- Link scanner
You can download AVG here.
14. Kaspersky
Kaspersky is a popular antivirus program that has a well-developed virus definition set which includes adware threats. Kaspersky Antivirus protects against the following:
- Ransomware
- Cryptolocker
- Trojans
- Keyloggers
- Spyware
- Adware
- Worms
- Rootkits
- Botnets
It also includes active network monitoring.
15. Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes is an overall good anti-malware utility and offers strong community support. Features include:
- Real-Time protection
- Emerging threats detection
- PUP protection
- Ransomware protection
- Exploit protection
16. BullGuard
BullGuard offers a longer than usual free trial and strong internet security. Features include:
- Malware protection
- Behavioral detection
- Daily updates
- Game Booster popup blocking
- Verifies application signatures
17. ScanGuard
ScanGuard can detect and remove malware, viruses, and adware. It is a complete security suite that provides a high level of protection for your system.
- Safe Browsing (VPN)
- Real-time antivirus
- Password Manager
- In-browser ad blocking
- Two-way firewall
- Malware protection
18. Trend Micro
Trend Micro is a long-standing cloud-based antivirus that stops viruses, ransomware, and other threats. Features include:
- Exploit protection
- Machine learning
- Malware protection
- Virtual desktop
- Pay Guard
19. Adaware
Adaware is designed to block ads with its adblocker and includes antivirus capabilities. It provides continuous threat definition updates, email protection, and dangerous site-blocking. It protects against:
- Viruses
- Malware
- Spyware
- Phishing
- Internet scams
20. AdwCleaner
AdwCleaner by Malwarebytes scans and removes adware, PUPs, and threats to your browser. It can remove unwanted programs that users may willingly or unwillingly download. It removes:
- Junkware
- Malware
- Pop-ups
- Spyware
- PUPs
- Browser hijackers
- Useless browser toolbars
21. RunScanner
Runscanner is a free program that scans your system at startup for different types of adware. This program does not require installation to use and keeps over 900,000 Windows system files on its database for you to compare. It saves scan details in a log for you to view at any time.
22. UnThreat Free Antivirus
UnThreat Antivirus can protect a PC from many types of threats, such as rootkits, Trojans, viruses, and adware. This is a free antivirus program that keeps definitions of all the newest threats online. Features include:
- A dangerous file quarantine zone
- Multiple detection mechanisms
- Works in the background
- Real-time protection
- Full scan, quick scan, and custom scan
23. Spybot
Spybot can find and remove adware from your computer using its known definitions database. It also handles registry related problems and can block dangerous URLs. Dangerous programs it can detect and remove include:
- Spyware
- Adware
- PUPs
- Adware
- Trojans
- Dialers
- Rootkits
24. Adware Removal Tool
Adware Removal Tool can remove unwanted adware from a user’s browser, including Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Internet Explorer. It can also fix the effects on the registry and return it back to its default settings. It handles:
- PUPs
- Unwanted Toolbars
- Browser hijackers
- Clears the registry of adware
25. SUPERAntiSpyware
SUPERAntiSpyware is a free tool primarily used for anti-spyware. It also has the ability to rid a system of adware, Trojans, and other dangerous programs. It includes many useful options and uses very few system resources. Benefits include:
- Removes browser Cookies.
- Light system usage.
- Repairs damage to a PC.
- Unlimited customer support by email.
26. SlimComputer
SlimComputer can detect and remove unwanted or unused programs from your PC. This includes adware and other dangerous programs that run at startup. In addition, it has many useful options and can offer complete details of any issues it finds. Tools include:
- Scanner
- Optimizer
- Uninstaller
- Windows tools
27. Bitdefender Adware Removal Tool Beta
Bitdefender has released the Adware Removal Tool that will remove adware from your PC. It is a small program that does not require an installation process. Once it scans, it provides a list of all adware found on your system. This is available for up to Windows version 8.
28. RegRun Reanimator
RegRun Reanimator is a free adware removal tool that can find and remove adware, malware, and other threats from your PC. It also includes a restore manager which is helpful for restoring files mistakenly removed following a scan. RegRun Reanimator is free of charge for personal use only.
29. FreeFixer
FreeFixer will scan your PC for unwanted adware and malware. It gives the user full freedom to choose which programs they want to remove from their system. It also removes:
- PUPs
- Spyware
- Viruses
- Trojans
- Worms
30. Junkware Removal Tool
Junkware Removal Tool handles the removal of various system threats including adware. This is a very simple program that uses a command-line style interface. It stores a log file that shows when the scan is complete. It removes:
- PUPs
- Unwanted toolbars
- Unwanted freeware
- Clears registry traces
31. TrendMicro HouseCall
TrendMicro HouseCall is focused more on spyware than adware but does remove malware generally. There is no installation process as it is portable and is very light on system resources. It detects and removes:
- Viruses
- Worms
- Spyware
32. RemoveIT Pro
RemoveIT Pro is a free program that primarily focuses on trojan, adware, and spyware scanning and removal. It also removes other dangerous programs installed on user’s systems. It also can detect malicious startup programs and other running processes.
33. NoVirusThanks Malware Remover
NoVirusThanks Malware Remover can scan for adware and remove it along with other threats. It has many options that allow for program customization. It is a small program that uses very little space on your system. It includes continuous updates to prevent attacks from the newest online threats. It detects and removes:
- Trojans
- Spyware
- Rogue software
- Adware
- System hijacks
- Browser hijacks
- Host file hijacks
34. TC-Spy
TC-Spy is a spyware removal tool that can also rid a computer of malware, adware, and spyware. It has scanning, task manager, and program management functions. There is also the option of removing unwanted programs from your computer.
35. Spyware Blaster
Spyware Blaster protects against threats from the internet that can infiltrate your system from simply browsing a web page. It stops ActiveX-based spyware, PUPs (potentially unwanted programs), and tracking cookies.
Other threats it can prevent include:
- Spyware
- Adware
- Browser hijackers
- Dialers
36. Emisoft Emergency Kit
Emisoft Emergency Kit is a freeware program that can scan a computer without the need for any installation process. It can be run on a computer that already has anti-virus installed. It removes malware, is portable, quarantines, and removes objects while keeping log files.
To Recap…
These 36 free adware removal tools can help to speed up your system and protect your data privacy. If you are a working parent or student, these applications can help prevent serious problems arising due to adware without costing a lot of money. Alternatively, you can also get adware protection from paid antivirus and anti-malware programs by using a trial download to test them on your system.
For more adware protection software, see our Antivirus Mega Review Roundup here.
