The popular AdwCleaner tool from Malwarebytes is about to get even more popular as it now can be used entirely from the command line.
For those who are not familiar with AdwCleaner, it is a free adware and adware, PUP, spyware, and browser hijacker remover that is used on an as-needed basis. Originally developed independently, it was purchased by Malwarebytes, where it continues to be developed.
Since AdwCleaner was released, it could only be used with a GUI in Windows, but a long-requested feature command line support.
With the release of AdwCleaner 8.0.6, Malwarebytes has finally added command line support, and users can now use it within login scripts, batch files, or via a scheduled task all from the command line.
To scan a computer, but not clean anything, you would use the command:
adwcleaner_8.0.6.exe /eula /scan
To clean the computer, but not reboot, you would use the command:
adwcleaner_8.0.6.exe /eula /clean /noreboot
To clean the computer and reboot it if necessary, you would use the command:
adwcleaner_8.0.6.exe /eula /clean
If you also wish to remove preinstalled programs, you can add the /preinstalled argument.
adwcleaner_8.0.6.exe /eula /clean /preinstalled
The /preinstalled argument should be used with care, as it may remove preinstalled programs from the manufacturer that you use often.
Comments
Guenter_Born - 3 years ago
Thx to cover that new feature - I've added a note and linked to your article from my blog post.
But the most important part of AdwCleaner 8.0.6 is (in my view), that they fixed again the DLL hijacking vulnerability - see the (English) blog post linked below that covers the story
https://borncity.com/win/?p=14923
NoneRain - 3 years ago
Great! I've asked for command line support for ages now! hahah
Lawrence, I think the /noreboot parameter is in the wrong description.
Lawrence Abrams - 3 years ago
Thx. Fixed
redwolfe_98 - 3 years ago
so it's a lot like windows 3.1?
nonamehere - 3 years ago
Nice, Lawrence ! Thanks for your article.