Pc Optimizer Pro: what it is and how to remove it
PC Optimizer Pro is a rogue system optimizer that is often classified as malware . This virus claims to be a legitimate program, which is capable of increasing the security of the system and protecting the computer.
Facts checked October 7, 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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Pc Optimizer Pro: summary
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
|---|---|
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Name | Pc Optimizer Pro |
| Type | System optimizer |
| Symptoms | An unknown process in Task Manager |
| 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 4 more facts
| Files and processes | taskmgr.exe and C:\WINDOWS\taskmgr.exe |
|---|---|
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| First seen | 7 May 2020 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
Is Pc Optimizer Pro safe? Why it is flagged
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
PC Optimizer Pro is a fake tool that will make many promises to optimize or protect your computer but will fail in all of them
PC Optimizer Pro is a rogue system optimizer that is often classified as malware .
This virus claims to be a legitimate program, which is capable of increasing the security of the system and protecting the computer. Nevertheless, you should not take these words for granted because they are very misleading and may even lead you to the loss of your money.
PC Optimizer Pro is related to another program called Fake Antivirus. These products are FAKE and you should never buy them. Yes, that's what they seek. How do they do that?
In most of the cases, they rely on misleading tactics that seek to scare PC users and then to make them purchase their full or licensed versions .
That's why this program starts scanning the system as soon as it gets installed on the system. Usually, it spreads via software bundling, so it is likely that you won't remember the moment it got installed.
After hijacking the system, the PC Optimizer Pro virus states that some of the legal and essential Windows files are infected. In order to get the ability to remove them, you are supposed to purchase its licensed version.
However, that's what we don't recommend because it's a straight way to the money loss. All these alerts, warnings, and found infections are fake. Please do not purchase this program. Here are the examples of PC Optimizer Pro warnings:
If you are still not convinced to remove the described scareware program, we want to suggest reading PC Optimizer Pro reviews online. You will find dozens of forums discussing questionable functionalities of the software. Besides, you can even find some YouTube videos with recorded conversations with the rogue program's "support" team.
We believe that user reviews and these videos will convince you to uninstall PC Optimizer Pro - we are not the only ones who claim that the software is rogue and highly untrustworthy. According to dieviren.de , many German-speaking computer users got their computers compromised by this rogue system tool.
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
Techniques used to promote rogue system optimizers and ways to protect your PC from them
This described rogue program is mostly distributed through infected websites and through the use of other dangerous computer programs.
Below, you can find some tips that will help you to avoid installing it on your system.
Once this PC optimizer Pro enters the computer, it may try to block other applications on your computer and tell that they are infected. In addition, this program may try to change browser settings, connect itself to the internet, stay resident in the background and block access to legitimate anti-virus and anti-spyware programs.
Unfortunately, the PC Optimizer Pro removal process is quite a difficult task, so if you do not have enough knowledge of the computer system, it is better to remove this virus automatically.
- In order to avoid it, you have to stay away from illegal websites and download updated anti-spyware, which could help you to detect all suspicious programs before their infiltration.
- Finally, we would like to recommend you avoiding fake alerts that are either trying to check your computer for free or to update some of your programs. You can encounter such pop-ups and ads on certain web pages while browsing the web.
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
Your questions about the suspicious optimizer answered
Question.
I have just found a suspicious system optimizer on my computer and I know that I have never installed it. Could this be that PC Optimizer Pro is a virus that infiltrated my computer behind my back?
PC Optimizer Pro is a seriously deceptive application, which seeks to swindle people's money. It is known that it has been spread similarly to other fake optimizers, which means that there is no surprise that it showed up on your computer without downloading it.
Typically, such programs are spread using fake pop-up ads, software bundles, trojans, and other deceptive methods.
Question. As soon as I turn on my computer, the PC Optimizer Pro scanner starts checking my computer.
Typically, it finds several hundreds of PC errors and other issues. However, I can't fix them without purchasing this program. Should I do that?
Please, do NOT pay for PC Optimizer Pro malware because it's a fake computer optimization tool! If you really want to check your computer for issues, you should download another reputable anti-spyware because PC OptimizerPro is a fake optimizer that is seeking the only thing - swindle people's money. In order to protect your computer and data that you keep on it, you should eliminate this program from your computer.
Question. Help me, I am infected with a virus! I googled "What is PC Optimizer Pro" and now I know that it's a dangerous program but I don't know how to delete it. Could you give me a detailed guide for the full removal of PCOptimizerPro?
Yes, you are infected with a seriously suspicious program, which should never be purchased. If you want to remove PC Optimizer Pro and each of its file, you should download a trustworthy anti-spyware like . Make sure you update it before running a full system scan and you will remove each of malicious files that are related to the virus.
Question. I was browsing on the Internet when a huge warning message showed up. It offered me to check my computer for errors and I clicked on it.
Now I am suffering from PC Optimizer Pro alerts offering me to purchase its license. The main problem is that I can't remove this malware because it fails to appear in the Programs list.
Unfortunately, but you have been tricked by hackers who are using such deceptive techniques for spreading their viruses. In this case, you should run a full system scan with updated anti-spyware and remove malicious files from it. If you want to be sure that PC Optimizer Pro is not hiding in your system's background, you should perform a system scan using a reputable security product.
Question. Could you help me to figure out whether PC Optimizer Pro is malicious or not? I was going to purchase its license for improving my computer's performance.
Please, do NOT pay for PC Optimizer Pro's license because it's a fake system optimization tool! No matter what is promised by its developers, they are promoting a useless program, which can even be used for stealing personal people's information. If you want to protect yourself, you should eliminate PCOptimizerPro from your computer. You can do that with the help of .
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Pc Optimizer Pro
- Attention Suspicious software activity is detected by PC Optimizer Pro on your computer.
- Please start system files scanning for details.
Check your PC and browser
- Path:
C:\WINDOWS\taskmgr.exe - File:
taskmgr.exe
How to uninstall Pc Optimizer Pro
How to remove Pc Optimizer Pro
Uninstall it, then remove what keeps it starting with Windows.
Nothing it flagged needs fixing.
Step 1: Uninstall programs you did not mean to install
Pc Optimizer Pro rarely comes alone: it is usually installed by, or together with, a free program. In Windows 11 open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, in Windows 10 Settings > Apps > Apps & features, and sort by install date.
Uninstall every entry from the day the trouble began that you did not install on purpose, for example a download manager, a converter or a browser you never chose.
Keep drivers and entries from Microsoft, Intel, AMD, NVIDIA or your PC's maker unless you are sure.
Full procedure with screenshots: Uninstall a program or app in Windows On uGetFix
Step 2: Remove it from startup
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager and select Startup apps (Windows 11) or the Startup tab (Windows 10). Disable entries you do not recognise, especially ones with no publisher or with a name that copies a Windows component.
Right-click an entry and choose Open file location to see where it runs from: programs in
%AppData%or%Temp%deserve a closer look. Some entries are not listed there but in the registry Run keys, which the procedure below shows how to check.Full procedure with screenshots: Stop apps from opening at startup On uGetFix
Step 3: Delete the folders left behind
Uninstalling often leaves the program's folders, and some threats reinstall themselves from them.
Press Windows + R, type
%LocalAppData%and press Enter, then do the same for%AppData%and %ProgramData%, and look for folders named after Pc Optimizer Pro, its publisher or created on the day the problem started.Delete those folders, and check
C:\Program FilesandC:\Program Files (x86)too.If Windows says a file is in use, end it in Task Manager or delete the folder after a restart in Safe Mode. The folders are the same in Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Full procedure with screenshots: Remove what malware leaves behind in Windows
Step 4: Scan the PC, then run the offline scan
A scan finds the parts of Pc Optimizer Pro 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
Normally, it is enough to uninstall the PCOptimizerPro in this way: Click 'Start' and select 'Control Panel. Click 'Uninstall a Program' under 'Programs'. Choose 'PC Optimizer Pro' and select the 'Uninstall/Change' option. Click 'Yes' and 'OK' to save the changes. However, if this method doesn't help to eliminate fake pop-ups and annoying browser redirects, we strongly recommend you to follow the instructions provided in the rest of this guide. Uninstall every shady-looking program using these tips provided by our experts:
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
Get rid of every Chrome extension that slipped into your browser without your knowledge.
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
Clear Safari from rogue extensions this way:
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.
Delete from macOS
Remove the unwanted application:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for any suspicious entries, then drag them to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash).
Delete leftover files and folders:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and remove any suspicious folders related to the unwanted program.
- Repeat the same check in the /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders, deleting any suspicious entries.
- Finally, empty the Trash to permanently remove the leftovers.
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.
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices.
Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings.
Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact - you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use for the data restoration process.
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
Remove PC Optimizer Pro and have no doubts about it
If you think you are infected with the described system optimization "virus" but you do not know how to remove PC Optimizer Pro properly, we suggest you follow the instructions provided below. For a faster and easier removal, run a full system scan with , or .
These programs will help you to get rid of all malicious files that can be found on your computer. If you decided to go for a manual PC Optimizer Pro removal option, remember that this won't guarantee that all suspicious files and dangerous programs will leave your computer. However, you must follow the steps provided below to obliterate the shady software for good.
However, if this method doesn't help to eliminate fake pop-ups and annoying browser redirects, we strongly recommend you to follow the instructions provided in the rest of this guide. Uninstall every shady-looking program using these tips provided by our experts:
- Click 'Start' and select 'Control Panel.
- Click 'Uninstall a Program' under 'Programs'.
- Choose 'PC Optimizer Pro' and select the 'Uninstall/Change' option.
- Click 'Yes' and 'OK' to save the changes.
Questions about Pc Optimizer Pro
What is taskmgr.exe and why is it running?
Every process is started by something:
- a program you installed
- a Windows service
- a scheduled task
- a startup entry
To learn why taskmgr.exe runs, find its file with Open file location in Task Manager, then look for an entry pointing to that file in Settings > Apps > Startup and in Task Scheduler.
Sort Installed apps by date to see what arrived when the process first appeared. Once you know the owner, you can decide whether to keep it, switch it off at startup or uninstall it completely.
Can I end taskmgr.exe in Task Manager?
Ending an unknown process is safe in the sense that Windows will warn you before you close anything critical, and a restart brings back whatever Windows needs. Ending taskmgr.exe will not remove it, though: if a task or startup entry launches it, it returns at the next sign-in.
Use ending the process as a test. If something important stops working, it belonged to a program you use. If nothing changes and it comes back by itself, find and disable its starter, delete the file and scan the PC.
How do I know if I need Pc Optimizer Pro?
Ask three questions. Did you install it on purpose? Have you ever opened it?
Does anything you use depend on it? If the answers are no, you do not need it. The sign that brought you here, an unfamiliar process called taskmgr.exe in Task Manager, suggests it arrived without a clear choice.
Programs bundled with free software rarely do anything their host program needs. Uninstall it, restart, and see whether anything you rely on stops working. If nothing does, which is the usual outcome, you can forget about it.
Why can't I uninstall Pc Optimizer Pro?
Usually because it is still running or because a helper reinstalls it. Close it from the notification area first, then end its process in Task Manager and try Settings > Apps > Installed apps again. If there is no uninstall entry, look for a folder under Program Files or AppData with the same name and an uninstaller inside.
If the program comes back after removal, the cause of an unfamiliar process called taskmgr.exe in Task Manager is a scheduled task, a startup entry or the program it was bundled with. Remove those, restart and check again. Starting Windows in Safe Mode stops most helpers and makes stubborn programs easier to remove.
Should I call Pc Optimizer Pro malware?
Most security vendors would call it a potentially unwanted program rather than malware. The difference is intent and consent:
- malware hides and harms
- while unwanted programs are installed with a click someone barely noticed
- then do more than expected
The sign reported here, an unfamiliar process called taskmgr.exe in Task Manager, is typical of the second group. In practice the label matters less than the result.
Whatever it is called, a program you did not choose should go, and the place it came from should be checked for other programs. Microsoft Defender can block this class of software if you switch on Potentially unwanted app blocking in Windows Security.
Does Pc Optimizer Pro use a lot of resources?
It depends on the program, and no measurements have been published for Pc Optimizer Pro. The sign reported is an unfamiliar process called taskmgr.exe in Task Manager. Check for yourself: open Task Manager, find its process and watch the CPU, memory and network columns for a minute while the PC is otherwise idle.
Steady use with nothing open is a strong reason to remove it. Even if it seems light, it may run more processes under other names, so sort Installed apps by date and remove anything else from the same day. Then restart and compare.
Can Windows Security remove Pc Optimizer Pro?
Often yes, if Potentially unwanted app blocking is on. Microsoft Defender detects many bundled and unwanted programs as PUA, but by default it only blocks them during download in some cases. For a program already installed, uninstall it yourself from Installed apps first, then run a full scan in Windows Security to catch leftovers.
If an unfamiliar process called taskmgr.exe in Task Manager returns after that, run the Microsoft Defender offline scan, which works before Windows starts. Switching on the PUA setting afterwards helps keep similar programs out.
Does Pc Optimizer Pro collect my data?
Nobody has analysed Pc Optimizer Pro yet, so there is no confirmed answer. Programs in this category often collect usage data, browsing history or device details and share them with advertisers, and their privacy policies usually allow it.
The sign reported, an unfamiliar process called taskmgr.exe in Task Manager, does not by itself show data theft, and nothing points to passwords or files being taken.
If you want to be careful, clear the browser's cookies after removal and review which apps may run in the background. Change passwords only if you also see signs of something more serious, such as unknown sign-ins or messages sent from your accounts.
How do I stop programs like Pc Optimizer Pro from installing?
Turn on Potentially unwanted app blocking in Windows Security > App & browser control > Reputation-based protection settings, with both Block apps and Block downloads checked. Download programs from the developer's own site or the Microsoft Store, choose Custom in installers and untick extra offers, and treat large download buttons on file sites as ads.
Apps from the Microsoft Store are checked by Microsoft and uninstall cleanly. Keep real-time protection on, so that bundled offers flagged as unwanted are stopped before they install.
Will Fortect remove Pc Optimizer Pro?
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 Pc Optimizer Pro, 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
- Wikipedia: Rogue security software (read October 7, 2026)
- DieViren: DieViren (read October 7, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 7, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline (read October 7, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: How Microsoft names malware (read October 7, 2026)