What counts as a PUP?
A Potentially Unwanted Program is software that is not strictly malware, but you almost certainly did not mean to install. Common categories:
- Fake PC optimisers: 'Speed up your PC by 200%!' — they find imaginary problems and demand payment to fix them. Examples: PC Booster, Advanced SystemCare Pro, MyCleanPC, OneSafe PC Cleaner, RegClean Pro.
- Fake driver updaters: 'Driver Booster', 'DriverPack Solution', 'Driver Updater'. Windows updates drivers automatically — these are unnecessary and often install bundleware.
- Fake AV / 'security' apps: 'Total AV', 'Smart PC Care', 'ScanGuard'. They may even disable Defender so they look more important.
- Browser toolbars: 'Yahoo Toolbar', 'Ask Toolbar', 'Coupon Companion', 'My WebSearch'.
Step 1: Sort installed apps by date
Settings → Apps → Installed apps → sort by Date installed.
Anything you did not deliberately install is suspect. PUPs often arrive in batches of 3–5 from the same installer, all with similar dates.
Step 2: Check the publisher
Click each suspect app, then Modify or look at the entry. Compare the publisher to a quick search of the product name.
Real Microsoft software says 'Microsoft Corporation'. Bundled junk often says nothing, or shows generic publishers like 'Innovative Solutions Ltd' you have never heard of.
Tip
Free PDF readers, video converters and download managers are the most common delivery vehicles for PUPs. Stick to well-known names: SumatraPDF, Foxit (the free one), HandBrake, etc.
Step 3: Look in Task Manager
Open Task Manager → Processes. Right-click anything unfamiliar that is using CPU or memory and choose Open file location and Search online.
PUPs often run constantly in the background to nag you with pop-ups.
Tags:
Windows Security
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JD
Written by
Jordan DicksonFounder, CyberSecurityGuides
Founder of CyberSecurityGuides, writing practical, jargon-free guides that help everyday people recover from and protect against online attacks.
Reviewed by CSG Security Engineers