PC Win Booster: what it is and how to remove it
PC-Win-Booster - program that has earned a negative reputation because some of the AV tools detect the application as potentially unwanted and indicates that the program is useless. All the features listed on the official Soft4Boost site that is promoting and delivering this optimizer claim to improve the speed and performance quality of the machine and even clean virus damage or malware programs directly.
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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PC Win Booster: summary
| Distribution | Official websites promote and distribute various products of these developers, but more often this PUP comes as a part of the freeware bundle[1] when the user is downloading other programs on the system |
|---|---|
| Name | PC Win Booster |
| Type | Potentially unwanted program/ rogue system tool |
| Issues | The tool claims to fix system errors, clean malware, and optimize the performance, but the list of found problems is not genuine. The program allegedly scans the system and displays a list of predetermined issues, so people fall for the trick and purchase the application that should fix all the errors |
| Price | Soft4boost offers the subscription plans for all the programs and services for $24,95. Prices may vary because creators use discounts and offer to coerce people |
| Danger | The program that is free or the licensed version gives no value, so people pay for nothing. Additionally, programs may trigger changes that damage the machine or install other apps that change the performance further |
| 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 7 more facts
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
|---|---|
| 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 | PC Win Booster |
| First seen | 26 June 2020 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
Is PC Win Booster a real security program?
From our report of Jun 2020 · not reviewed since
PC Win Booster is a fake optimizer full of promises to scan and fix all your problems with the computer but can do nothing promised
PC-Win-Booster - program that has earned a negative reputation because some of the AV tools detect the application as potentially unwanted and indicates that the program is useless.
All the features listed on the official Soft4Boost site that is promoting and delivering this optimizer claim to improve the speed and performance quality of the machine and even clean virus damage or malware programs directly. This is the deceptive program that lists all the cleaning features and aims to get users to purchase the full licensed version that is not fighting malware os fixing critical errors either.
This is a potentially unwanted program because it is not living up to all the claims and because of the issue with the distribution. Some of the users that have encountered the sudden installation of this tool call it a PC Win Booster virus.
It is common for PUP developers to push their programs on the misleading sites, but other techniques include freeware installations, other useless cleaners, and so on. Users do not notice the download and installation of the shady tool when it comes alongside the other program installed on purpose.
PC-Win-Booster system optimizer uses intentional false positives to convince users that systems and devices have problems that their paid version of the optimizer can solve. PUP developers try to sell their products, claiming that the application fixes all the issues and improves the system fully.
Unfortunately, some desperate users fall for these tricks and install the useless PC-Win-Booster on the machine on purpose. It shouldn't be taken seriously because these programs prey on people that are gullible and desperate to get more life out of their devices.
All the promotional ads and the official website has all the claims that encourage people to purchase the full version even because all the functions seem useful and needed.
PC-Win-Booster should fix PC errors, make the system run smoother, quicker, and free up some memory and space on the device by cleaning junk files, registry entries, useless programs, and so on. It even claims to solve issues regarding malware or unwanted applications. These exaggerated claims look legitimate enough for the people who allow the tool to infect the machine.
When PC-Win-Booster gets installed or injected via deceptive techniques and freeware bundling methods, the dishonest scan results show up. The tool claims to check the system fully and indicates many problems, errors that need to be fixed to help improve the PC performance and solve crucial problems with the OS. There are no features that could help with the machine and security.
You need to avoid getting the program installed or remove PC-Win-Booster from the system as soon as possible because it is not improving any part of the machine with those registry cleaning functions or junk file elimination services. This is one of many Windows tools that even Microsoft is warning users about. This is not the program that could be used.
Especially, when the PUP is considered intrusive and dangerous. PC Win Booster rogue tool focuses on showing the list with issues that look legitimate and scary enough, so people can fall for the promotional trick and pay for the tool that is supposedly going to fix all the problems. However, the paid version can only clear some junk files and clear out the list of errors, not the system.
This tool cannot make any positive changes on the machine, but it makes alterations that affect PC-Win-Booster removal in a significant way. When some functions of the machine and programs that run on the computer get disabled, finding all the parts of the shady tool can be difficult.
Anti-malware tools are needed because those detection engines are focusing on malicious or potentially dangerous behavior, so files can be found this way.
Warning: In general, experts do not call this program a virus or malicious application, but PC-Win-Booster can be associated with shady services, third-party programs.
There are additional symptoms of these PUPs, in regards to third-party services and advertisers. Redirects, banners, pop-ups, and other forms of commercial content fill up the screen with any type of PUP is injected on the system.
PC Win Booster and third-party companies can collect information about users and record views, visits to monetize them later. Unfortunately, tracked data and accessed information can be used for personalized ads and other intrusive content delivery. When you encounter any like this, be sure that adware or PUP-type intruder is running full speed on the computer.
The sooner you clean the system, the better. You need to clear all traces of the shady program, so run the proper anti-malware tool and terminate PC-Win-Booster, other tools, browser-based applications. Then you should run tools like or system optimizer and find or even fix the virus damage that was left behind.
From our report of Jun 2020 · not reviewed since
Ways to receive the rogue tool without noticing
These so-called system optimizers use various methods for the shady and intrusive installation.
In most cases, developers provide tons of promotional ads for the program and run the official website, which distributes the program as a great, system improving a piece of software. Even though those claims seem real and attractive, you shouldn't trust any random pages and PUP developers that spread tools on the internet.
The best way to avoid any infections is by choosing proper sources, official providers of tools, and applications. This way you ensure that there are no additional programs included in the downloading bundle or shady intruders.
However, the best option in such cases is proper installation methods because by selecting Advanced or Custom methods, you can go through the full list of the application included and de-select any shady parts of the installation list. Do so when downloading anything from the internet and avoid any shady PUP infiltrations.
From our report of Jun 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on PC Win Booster
- PC-Win-Booster removal can become difficult when program alters settings or adds other files on the machine, so you should rely on anti-malware tools that can find any threat or potential intruder for you
- PC optimizers like this do nothing for the performance or speed of the machine.
- It can damage the machine with all the registry cleaning and junk file deletion, so get and fix those issues, repair affected software properly yourself
How to remove PC Win Booster
Nothing it reports is real.
These steps remove it and undo a payment if you made one.
Step 1: Do not pay, and undo a payment if you made one
Nothing that PC Win Booster says it found needs fixing by PC Win Booster. Close its windows and do not enter card details.
If you bought it, contact your bank or card issuer about a dispute and cancel any renewal, keeping the receipt e-mail as evidence. Uninstalling it from Windows 11 or Windows 10 removes the program but leaves the subscription running.
Full procedure with screenshots: What to do after paying a scammer
Step 2: Uninstall PC Win Booster
PC Win Booster 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 PC Win Booster, 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: 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 4: 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 Win Booster, 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 5: Scan the PC, then run the offline scan
A scan finds the parts of PC Win Booster 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
Clear any traces of the shady tool, so all the programs related to PC-Win-Booster PUP
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.
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity.
While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important - recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data.
Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
From our report of Jun 2020 · not reviewed since
Get rid of any programs related to PC-Win-Booster optimizer or other PUPs
You may have installed this tool yourself on purpose because you thought that all the claims are true, and this application will improve your time on the machine.
Or your device started to run slow when the PC-Win-Booster virus appeared out of nowhere. No matter how you got the program on the computer, you need to perform a full system cleaning procedures, so there are no PUPs, or browser-based tools that can trigger unwanted activities, changes, and damage.
However, when you purchase the full versions of the useless software, you lose money. It is possible to contact creators and ask for a refund, but that may be the issue since PUP developers are not cooperative, in most cases. It may be the issue that you can remove PC-Win-Booster from the system using proper anti-malware tools and get rid of the unwanted activities, but money remains lost.
PC-Win-Booster removal is more important still because keeping such a tool on the system can trigger other installations and also lead to serious damage when the junk file cleaning and registry altering functions that the tool has affects crucial parts of the PC.
If that happens, you need to fix those files yourself. It is better to get PC repair tools and let them safely recover the system to a normal state.
Questions about PC Win Booster
Is PC Win Booster a virus?
Most programs that appear the way PC Win Booster did are not viruses in the strict sense. They are potentially unwanted programs:
- real software that arrives bundled with other downloads and then shows offers
- changes browser settings
- starts with Windows
Some are harmless, some are annoying and a few carry adware. What makes it worth removing is that you did not choose it.
Uninstall it from Installed apps and check the startup list and the browsers for anything added the same day. If it refuses to uninstall or returns after a restart, treat it as more serious and run a Microsoft Defender offline scan.
How do I stop programs like PC Win Booster from being installed again?
Most unwanted programs arrive through installers, so the fix is in how you install software. Download programs from their official sites or the Microsoft Store, not from download portals or ads above search results. During setup, choose Custom or Advanced installation and untick every extra offer, including browsers, toolbars and optimizers.
Decline update prompts that appear inside other programs unless you know them. In Windows Security, turn on reputation-based protection and potentially unwanted app blocking. These steps would most likely have stopped PC Win Booster before it reached the app list.
Is PC Win Booster an antivirus?
No. It looks like one, with a shield, a scan and a list of threats, but PC Win Booster is a rogue antivirus: its scans are designed to find something every time, and every fix leads to a payment page.
A real antivirus detects the same threats consistently, removes them without asking for money first and does not block other security tools. Windows 11 and Windows 10 already include Microsoft Defender in Windows Security, which is enough for most home users. Remove PC Win Booster and keep Defender on.
Is PC Win Booster a real Windows warning?
No. Real Windows Security notifications appear in the notification area and in the Windows Security app, use Microsoft's design and never ask you to call a phone number or pay to fix anything. What people report is PC Win Booster in the list of installed apps, drawn by a program that copies the look of a system message.
Open Windows Security from the Start menu to see the real status of your PC. If it shows no threats while the window keeps appearing, the window itself is the problem, and the plan in this guide removes the program that shows it.
Is my card safe after buying PC Win Booster?
Treat it as exposed. The order page belongs to the seller of PC Win Booster, and you cannot know how the number is stored or shared. Ask your bank for a replacement card, which is usually free, and dispute the original charge as a misrepresented product.
Until the new card arrives, check your account daily for small or foreign transactions. If the bank offers alerts for every card payment, turn them on. Keep the receipt and screenshots, because they support the dispute.
Is Windows Security enough to protect me from programs like PC Win Booster?
For most home users, yes, especially with Potentially unwanted app blocking turned on in Windows Security > App & browser control > Reputation-based protection settings. That setting blocks many scareware installers before they run.
No security tool stops every scam, though, because programs like PC Win Booster are usually installed by the user after a frightening message. The habit that helps most is simple: ignore any website or pop-up that claims to have scanned your PC, and never call a number shown in a warning.
Someone called offering a refund for PC Win Booster. Is it genuine?
Almost certainly not. Refund calls are a well-known second stage of scareware and tech support scams. The caller says you are owed money, asks you to install a remote access program to "process" it, then opens your online banking, makes it look as if too much was refunded and asks you to send the difference back.
Hang up. Real refunds go back to the card or PayPal account you paid with, through your bank or the payment provider, and never need remote access or a gift card.
PC Win Booster will not uninstall. What can I do?
Close it in Task Manager first, then uninstall it from Settings > Apps > Installed apps (in Windows 10, Apps & features). If it blocks this or restarts itself, start Windows in Safe Mode, where third-party programs do not start automatically, and uninstall from there.
Afterwards run a Microsoft Defender offline scan and delete any leftover folder named after PC Win Booster in C:\Program Files or %AppData%. If nothing works, Windows can be reset while keeping your personal files, which removes the program together with any settings it changed.
What could the caller do while connected to my PC?
Anything you could do. Callers working with fake alerts like PC Win Booster typically show you Windows logs as "proof", install their own remote tool for later, and steer you to online banking or a gift card purchase. Some add a password to Windows or lock the PC if you refuse to pay.
Remove every remote access program you did not install yourself, check Settings > Accounts > Other users for new accounts, and change important passwords from a clean device. If you cannot be sure what was changed, a reset of Windows is the safe choice.
Will Fortect remove PC Win Booster?
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 Win Booster, 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
- ZDNet: Google: Unwanted bundled software is way more aggressive than malware (read October 6, 2026)
- Microsoft: Microsoft support policy for the use of registry cleaning utilities (read October 6, 2026)
- Virusai: Virusai (read October 6, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 6, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline (read October 6, 2026)