So, it may now be the case that if you go to install CCleaner while running Microsoft Defender, you’re no longer warned against proceeding, assuming the security app is indeed updated as CCleaner asserts. We surmise the issue appears to be around bundling, and we believe we have addressed this so that our product is now no longer flagged.” Often, these matters are down to the way the options to opt out are presented.Īt any rate, according to a statement just released by CCleaner, the firm believes that the issue has been resolved.Ī CCleaner spokesperson told us: “We are in the process of engaging with Microsoft to understand why CCleaner was recently detected as PUA. It will speed up the boot time and operational speed of the Windows computer.

You can disable the startup items in any of the above categories. The company observes that while the CCleaner installation process does provide a way to opt out of putting these extras on your PC, as you would expect, the judgment is that “some users can easily inadvertently install these bundled applications”. Instead of finding the latest update from a spammy website, CCleaner gives authentic updates. Microsoft further stresses that those bundled apps are perfectly fine and not in any way malicious, of course, but it’s the way that they are offered for installation which is problematic. Those bundled apps include Google Chrome browser, Google Toolbar, and Avast Free Antivirus plus AVG Antivirus Free (note that Piriform is now owned by Avast, which also owns AVG too).