How to remove PCGuardian Registry Cleaner

PCGuardian Registry Cleaner drops a “gift” – tech support scam – in users PCs

PCGuardian Registry Cleaner is not even considered to be a PC optimizer but rather a rogue and malicious tool. While there are ample of fake anti-virus^[1] and highly questionable PC optimizers, only some of them indeed cause severe outcomes.

Unfortunately, this software is one of them and should not be trusted as a tool that can effectively remove outdated registry entries or similar data. In fact, this software is likely to be categorized as scamware as it engages in showing fake alerts in order to frighten users and make them pay for the full version.

If unsuspecting users install the application, it will, later on, launch its main executable WMPNetworksSvcx.exe. As a result, after restarting the system, the affected user will see a counterfeited Microsoft log-in screen indicating that the company has detected “some suspicious” unwanted activity:

Microsoft has detected some suspicious activity on this computer. All access to this device has been revoked due to network security breach. Attackers might attempt to steal personal information, banking details, emails, passwords and other files on the system.

Please contact a Microsoft certified technician on
1-888-348-1767 /

This is the typical example of a tech support scam^[2]. Note that none of the official Microsoft notifications include any phone number. Such a message does not suggest installing any remote control apps as Team Viewer, Supremo, etc. Thus, make sure to remove PCGuardian Registry Cleaner right away and then fix the damage caused to Windows. FortectIntego or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes will help you do that faster.

Tech support scammers join forces with rogue software developers

While there are indeed several questionable PC optimizers and registry repair tools available on the Web, the fact that now such developers cooperate with felons of tech support scams is quite alarming.

Unfortunately, the PCGuardian Registry Cleaner virus is not the one case. Windows Antivirus Helper has also been labeled as a malicious tool that does not even bother users with fake warnings about malicious activity detected but also interferes with legitimate Windows and PC processes.

Furthermore, though it is not difficult to recognize a tech support scam, their elimination may not always be easy. There have been cases when some fraudsters even planted ransomware^[3] along with a tech support scam. Thus, you should not delay the removal process of this program.

Distribution peculiarities

Some of the less aggressive tools can be promoted in Chrome web Store or other legitimate sources. However, in the majority of cases, such questionable PC optimizers and anti-virus apps cling to free applications.

If users do not pay enough attention to the installation wizards, they may install highly unwanted software. In order to detect such PUPs on time, opt for “Custom” settings and then remove the checkmarks from unwanted applications. Likewise, keep in mind that “Advanced” or “Default” mode might include optional components that you can't get rid of otherwise.

Delete all malicious programs from your system

In case you have not reported the OS yet, and no tech support scam screen popped up, look for the application in the list of system apps and uninstall it. Otherwise, if you cannot exit the counterfeited scam site, you will need to apply several elimination techniques.

If a manual PCGuardian removal guide is not helpful, let an anti-malware tool eliminate the malware. Reboot the system and tap on F2 or F8 to enter advanced boot settings. Select Safe Mood with Networking and install an anti-spyware tool.

You should delete the related registry entries as explained below. However, since incorrect modifications might cause Windows to malfunction, we strongly recommend employing FortectIntego or another repair tool to clean it.

1. Once you are still in Safe Mode, click on Windows key+R and type regedit.
2. Once Registry Editor launches, choose Edit and then Find Next.
3. Type PCGuardian and delete any remaining folder or registry entries.

On the final note, note that PCGuardian Registry Cleaner malware does not target specific users. Even if you reside in Denmark^[4], beware of this scam.