Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is the best tool around for detecting and eliminating potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) from your Windows PC. It performs on-demand scans of your whole system (including heuristic analysis to detect brand new threats), quarantines any undesirables it finds, and lets you purge them all with a single click.

Why you need it

Free software is fantastic, but sometimes when you download a program, an unwanted extra comes along for the ride.

PUPs – also known as adware – aren’t viruses, so they might not be picked up by your regular security software, but they’re a nuisance. They can redirect your homepage, change your default search engine, add toolbars to your browser, and generally make your life miserable. They can also compromise your privacy, monitoring your comings and goings, then reporting back to advertisers.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware also wipes out more serious issues, including ransomware. It won’t replace your usual antivirus software, but it a superb addition to your online security arsenal.

When you first install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, you’ll be given a 14-day free trial of the premium edition, including real-time scanning. Once that expires, you’ll have to open the program and scan for issues yourself, but this is easy and well worth the effort.

Download here: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware