DiskFixer ads: what it is and how to remove it
DiskFixer is a poorly designed application that can allegedly help users to optimize their Windows computers by the disk cleaning process and duplicated file removal. While such features may seem useful at first glance, it is important to note that the app typically gets installed without users' consent, displays false positives, and actively urges users to purchase a full version of the program, often showing DiskFixer ads an pop-ups.
Facts checked October 6, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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DiskFixer ads: summary
| Name | DiskFixer |
|---|---|
| Type | Potentially unwanted program, adware |
| Developer | Myappsland SARL |
| Operating system | Windows |
| Infiltration | While the app is available from its official website, most users install it unintentionally when downloading freeware from third-party sites or after they see an attractive advertisement |
| Alleged functionality | The app can allegedly display disk and file-related information, delete duplicates and optimize system performance |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 10 more facts
| Dangers | Unreliable PC optimization tools can actually compromise its functions, resulting in a total reinstallation of Windows. Additionally, those who opt to purchase the app will suffer financial losses as the app does not benefit a computer in any way |
|---|---|
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Symptoms | An unknown program in Installed apps |
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Program | DiskFixer |
| First seen | 2 July 2020 |
| Microsoft Defender name | PUA:Win32/Presenoker |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
Is DiskFixer ads dangerous?
From our report of Jul 2020 · not reviewed since
DiskFixer - a fake system optimizer that is detected by multiple AV vendors
DiskFixer is a poorly designed application that can allegedly help users to optimize their Windows computers by the disk cleaning process and duplicated file removal.
While such features may seem useful at first glance, it is important to note that the app typically gets installed without users' consent, displays false positives, and actively urges users to purchase a full version of the program, often showing DiskFixer ads an pop-ups.
Besides using dubious distribution and operation techniques, DiskFixer might not only fail to deliver what it promises but also compromise the computer by deleting necessary files on the system. This can significantly diminish computer performance instead of enhancing it, so security experts highly recommend to remove DiskFixer from the machine as soon as possible and never purchase a full version of the app.
While DiskFixer can be downloaded from the official website, users rarely install the app purposely. Just as many other potentially unwanted programs, it is distributed via software bundle packages.
These typically include a freeware app and multiple optional components that are cleverly hidden within the installer. With the help of various deceptive methods, users are unable to spot the DiskFixer virus during the process, which results in the unsolicited installation of the app.
Developed by Myappsland SARL, DiskFixer is just one of many insecure applications that claim they can fix and optimize Windows computers. In reality, most of them use unfair distribution tactics, display fake results in order to make users purchase a full version of the app, show malicious ads, and simply scam users in various ways. Some of the best examples include:
While DiskFixer is advertised as a tool with different functions, none of them are actually available before users purchase a full license of the software, although even after spending money on this useless app, users will still not gain any benefit. Besides, it is unknown what protection DiskFixer developers or its partners are using in order to protect the financial information entered during the purchase.
In the meantime, those who will keep DiskFixer installed on the system will be constantly nagged about a full version. Additionally, users might also see an increased amount of pop-ups, deals, offers, banners, coupons, in-text links, and other types of advertisements on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, MS Edge, or another web browsers. DiskFixer ads might also be unsafe, so we highly discourage clicking on them.
Possibly the most dangerous trait of DiskFixer is actually within its functionality. In case you stumble upon a version that "works," it might delete necessary files on your system. As a result, you might have to reinstall Windows altogether. In case that happened to you, use to repaid damage done to the OS.
Another reason for DiskFixer removal is its surveillance practices that should not be performed by system optimization tools in the first place. As explained in Privacy Policy of the app, various data is collected when users interact with it in one or another:
Besides generic data, DiskFixer may also ask users to provide personal information for registration processes - it not only sores it on its servers but also shares it with certain third-parties.
- OneSafe PC Cleaner
- Registry Cleaner Pro
- System Optimizer
- Pro PC Cleaner
- PC Cleaner Pro, and many others
From our report of Jul 2020 · not reviewed since
Avoid getting tricked by fake system optimizers
As previously mentioned, all fake system optimization tools work in a very similar way.
In fact, the scheme does not differ much from online scams, apart from the fact that users have a potentially malicious app installed on their computers. Usually, deceptive tools are marketed on a variety of websites and are often bundled with other software on third-party sites. As a result, users either do not notice the entry of the app or are tricked with promises of a faster and better PC.
Nonetheless, a very few of such programs deliver the promised functionality: they often flag harmless files like certain registry entries or Google's cookies and classify these items as a high threat to the PC, while in reality, these are legitimate files that are supposed to stay on the system in the first place.
Removing them will not speed up a computer in any way. Likewise, the entries are often presented in a way that would make users alert - the red color is often used to associate the detection with danger or instability.
Due to a lack of IT skills, many users who are tricked into installing a deceptive app, start believing that they need to repair their machines, despite it being in good condition.
Those who want to "fix" the found issues are redirected to a payment page, where they are asked to spend a substantial amount of money for the full license of the app. This is why fake optimizers are often called scareware/scamware and have been extremely prevalent for many years now.
To avoid such scenarios, you should opt for official sources for your downloads. If that is not possible for you, you should pay close attention during the installation process of software, decline all the deals/offers, and always opt for Advanced/Custom installation settings. Also, make sure that the app is not shady after check its functions via blog posts, user reviews, articles, and similar methods.
From our report of Jul 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on DiskFixer
- Unreliable tools like DiskFixer could destroy files that are valuable to the operating system, compromising its performance.
- If you having troubles with Windows stability, repair it with
- Myappsland SARL collects data and information (through third party products) called Tracking Data.
- These data may include information such as your device Internet Protocol ("IP") address, device name, operating system version, the configuration of the Application, the time and date of your use of the Application or related or offered service, and other statistics.
Check your browser and PC
If Windows Security shows PUA:Win32/Presenoker, it has found DiskFixer or a file that belongs to it.
Write the name down before you click Remove: it is the most useful search term later, and you will need it if you report the incident.
A family name in the label is more informative than a heuristic one. Our page on why one threat has many antivirus names lists the common formats and what each part means.
How to remove DiskFixer ads
How to remove the DiskFixer extension
Do the browser steps in every browser and profile on the PC, then check Windows for the program that installed the extension.
Step 1: Remove extensions you did not add
In Chrome open
chrome://extensions, in Edgeedge://extensions, and in Firefox the menu > Extensions and themes.Remove every extension you do not remember adding, especially search, new tab, coupon, PDF, weather or video downloader add-ons. Check every browser and every profile, because each keeps its own list.
If an extension has no Remove button or comes back, a browser policy holds it (see "Managed by your organization" in the procedure below). The pages are the same on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Chrome on Windows 11: More > Extensions > Manage extensions. Full procedure with screenshots: Remove a browser extension
Step 2: Uninstall DiskFixer
DiskFixer is removed like any other program, from the list of installed apps. In Windows 11 that is Settings > Apps > Installed apps, in Windows 10 Settings > Apps > Apps & features, and in both you can also use Control Panel > Programs and Features.
Select DiskFixer, click Uninstall and follow the uninstaller to the end. Then look at the entries just above and below it when the list is sorted by date: bundled programs install at the same minute.
Full procedure with screenshots: Uninstall a program or app in Windows On uGetFix
Step 3: Reset the browser
A reset removes what the steps above could miss:
- changed start pages
- site permissions
- hidden settings
In Chrome open Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults; in Edge Settings > Reset settings; in Firefox Help > More troubleshooting information > Refresh Firefox.
Tip: Bookmarks and saved passwords stay, while extensions are turned off and the search engine and start page return to the defaults.
Reset every browser on the PC, including Edge, which Windows 11 and Windows 10 always have.
Chrome on Windows 11: Settings > Reset settings. Full procedure with screenshots: Reset a browser and fix a hijacked search engine
Step 4: Scan the PC, then run the offline scan
A scan finds the parts of DiskFixer that the manual steps cannot see. In Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, start a Full scan and quarantine what it reports.
Follow it with Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) > Scan now, which restarts the PC and checks the disk while Windows and the malware are not running.
It takes about 15 minutes and works the same in Windows 11 and Windows 10. If either scan finds something, run the full scan again after removal until it comes back clean.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Uninstall from Windows
To uninstall DiskFixer from your computer, please follow these steps:
Uninstall from Windows 10/8:
- Type Control Panel into the Windows search box and open the result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
Uninstall from Windows 7/XP:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel (Windows XP users should click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
Remove the unwanted program:
- In the Programs and Features window, look for any recently installed suspicious entries, select them, and click Uninstall.
- If User Account Control appears, click Yes to confirm, then complete the removal.
Remove from Google Chrome
After you eliminate the unwanted app, you can also reset Google Chrome in order to get rid of the cookies and other unwanted settings:
Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
- In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all suspicious extensions related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and web data from Chrome:
- Click on Menu and pick Settings.
- Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
- Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data.
Change your homepage:
- Click menu and choose Settings.
- Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
- Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.
Reset Google Chrome:
If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:
- Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
- From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
- Click Remove.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Settings > Privacy, search, and services..
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Remove next to any suspicious startup page.
Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:
- Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
- Select Details tab.
- Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.
Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and site data:
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.
Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- On the left side, pick Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm with Reset.
- This will disable extensions and reset startup pages but will not delete bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
- Select Add-ons.
- In here, select the unwanted extension and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Settings.
- Under Home, set your preferred homepage and new tab settings.
Clear cookies and site data:
- Click Menu and pick Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security section.
- Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
- Click on Clear Data...
- Select Cookies and Site Data and Temporary cached files and pages, then click Clear.
Reset Mozilla Firefox
If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
- Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.
- Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox...
- Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.
Delete from Safari
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Safari, click Safari in the menu at the top-left of the screen, and select Preferences.
- Go to the Extensions tab, look for any suspicious entries, and click Uninstall to remove them.
Clear history and website data:
- Click Safari in the menu and pick Clear History.
- Set Clear to all history and confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari:
- Click Safari in the menu and select Preferences > Advanced.
- Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop and select Empty Caches.
Reset Internet Explorer
Remove dangerous add-ons:
- Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top-right corner of the browser
- Pick Manage Add-ons.
- You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for suspicious plugins. Click on these entries and select Disable.
Change your homepage if it was altered:
- Open IE and click on the Gear icon.
- Select Internet Options.
- In the General tab, delete the Home page address and replace it by your preferred one (for example, Google.com).
- Click Apply and then select OK.
Delete temporary files:
- Press on the Gear icon and select Internet Options.
- Under Browsing history, click Delete...
- Select relevant fields and press Delete.
Reset Internet Explorer:
- Click on Gear icon > Internet options and select Advanced tab.
- Select Reset.
- In the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset.
Protect your privacy - employ a VPN
There are several ways how to make your online time more private - you can access an incognito tab.
However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise.
Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals.
No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool
If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers - human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence.
In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.
If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market - it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.
From our report of Jul 2020 · not reviewed since
DiskFixer uninstallation process
DiskFixer removal should not be too complicated for most of the users.
Nonetheless, those who do not uninstall programs often might have difficulties. Additionally, because the DiskFixer virus might have placed cookies on your web browsers in order to track you, you might want to reset all the installed web browsers, although this is completely optional.
You can also attempt to remove DiskFixer with the help of a reputable anti-malware software that detects the app as a PUP. Simply download a security app on your PC, update it to the latest version, and perform a full system scan. Currently, there are several AVs that detect the app under the following names:
- PUP.Optional.DiskFixer
- PUA:Win32/Presenoker
- BehavesLike.Win32.AdwareFileTour.gc
- W32.Adware.Gen
- Malicious.070bf2, etc.
Questions about DiskFixer ads
Can I safely uninstall DiskFixer?
If you did not install DiskFixer yourself and it is not part of your hardware or a program you rely on, yes. Uninstalling an unwanted program does not harm Windows. Before you do, search the exact name and publisher to be sure it is not a driver tool, a printer utility or a game launcher with an odd name.
Then remove it from Settings, Apps, Installed apps. Ignore any offers or warnings in its uninstaller about losing protection or performance. Afterwards check Startup apps and your browsers for leftovers, and restart once to confirm that it does not reinstall itself.
DiskFixer came back after I uninstalled it. Why?
Something else is reinstalling it. Common causes are a second program from the same publisher, a scheduled task that downloads it again, or a browser extension that keeps prompting for it. Sort Installed apps by install date and uninstall each entry from the same day that you did not choose.
Then open Task Scheduler and look in the Task Scheduler Library for tasks with updater-style names that you do not recognise. Check Startup apps in Task Manager too. If DiskFixer still returns, start Windows in Safe Mode, uninstall it there and run a Microsoft Defender offline scan, which looks for loaders that ordinary scans can miss.
Is DiskFixer a virus?
Not in the strict sense. A virus copies itself into other files; DiskFixer does not. Security companies classify it as adware or a potentially unwanted program, and Microsoft Defender reports it as PUA:Win32/Presenoker.
The label "not a virus" does not mean safe, though. DiskFixer changes what you see in the browser, collects browsing data and sends you to pages that sometimes carry real malware or scams. Treat it as something to remove rather than something to live with, and follow the plan above for each browser you use.
Is Microsoft Defender enough to remove DiskFixer?
For most home PCs it is a solid first step. Defender detects this threat as PUA:Win32/Presenoker, and a full scan followed by an offline scan covers the places where DiskFixer usually hides. The offline scan runs before Windows starts, so malware that hides while Windows is running cannot interfere: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan.
Defender does not undo everything, though. It does not restore browser settings, decrypt files or change passwords that may have been copied, which is why this guide has separate steps for those. If Defender finds the same item again after removal, something else keeps reinstalling it.
An ad showed a phone number and I called it. What now?
The number belongs to scammers, not to Microsoft or an antivirus company. If you only talked, hang up and do not call back. If you let them connect to the PC, disconnect it from the internet, uninstall the remote access program they used, such as AnyDesk, TeamViewer, ScreenConnect or UltraViewer, and run a full and offline scan.
If you paid or gave bank details, call your bank at once on the number printed on your card. Change any passwords you typed while they were connected, and report the call.
Can adware slow down my PC?
Yes. Adware runs in the background, loads ad scripts, opens extra tabs and contacts its servers, all of which use processor time, memory and bandwidth. Ad-heavy extensions also slow down every page, because they inspect and change it before you see it.
The effect is strongest on older PCs and when several adware programs arrived together. After removal, restart the PC and check Task Manager for anything still using a lot of resources that you do not recognise. Speed usually returns to normal once the ads stop.
Does adware steal passwords?
Ordinary adware is built to show ads, not to steal logins, and most of it never touches saved passwords. The line is blurry, though. Extensions that can read every page could capture what you type, and adware ads sometimes lead to phishing pages that ask for passwords directly.
If you entered credentials on a page reached through an ad, change that password from a clean device and turn on two-step verification. Otherwise, removing adware extension and clearing cookies is usually enough.
Why didn't my antivirus catch DiskFixer?
Many security products do not block adware or notification sites by default, because users often agreed to them, even through a misleading prompt. Notification spam installs nothing at all, so there is no file to detect.
In Windows 11 you can make Microsoft Defender block potentially unwanted apps: open Windows Security > App & browser control > Reputation-based protection settings and turn on Potentially unwanted app blocking. If notifications caused the pop-ups, no scanner will report them; the fix is in the browser's site settings.
I clicked on one of the ads. Am I infected?
Probably not. Clicking an ad usually only opens a page, and a page cannot install programs on an up-to-date Windows PC without your help.
You are at risk only if you then downloaded and ran a file, allowed notifications, entered card or login details, or called a phone number shown on the page. Delete any download and run a full and offline scan.
Change passwords you typed, from a clean device. Call your bank if you gave card details. If you called a number or allowed remote access, see the next question.
Will Fortect remove DiskFixer?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For DiskFixer, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Lesvirus: Lesvirus (read October 6, 2026)
- Forcepoint: What is Scareware? (read October 6, 2026)
- Virus Total: f384c7ce84f7784c5a8a4612f440fa2ee797c669129ffe0ce2fc89062bf7a2c8 (read October 6, 2026)
- Google Chrome Help: Use notifications to get alerts (no longer online) (read October 6, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 6, 2026)