Windows 10: why has Defender blocked an update of CCleaner (free)?

I have v.5.62 of CCleaner (free).


I had a message just now from Piriform that an update was available so I clicked to install it. There was then a message that Microsoft Defender had blocked it. The message was only there for a second or two so I had no time to take a screen print/snip but I had the impression that it didn't give me any options such as "Ignore warning - proceed with Update". I've no idea if this is what normally happens as Defender has never interfered before - the last update was on the 5th October and the update was installed without any problems. This interference has wasted my time, what with having to create this and also asking Piriform to give me access to the update again. Obviously I can't do this until I sort out this Defender problem.


Has something changed with Defender recently? If it has, can I change the settings somewhere? I don't want it interfering with CCleaner updates.


PS Microsoft Store has several Cleaner Apps but I don't want those.

:)

 

CCleaner

> Is it safe to install ccleaner on my pc?

Depends...

Piriform (the maker of CCleaner etc) was bought by Avast in July 2017 and there was this nasty incident...

• Avast Clarifies Details Surrounding CCleaner Malware Incident
• Update to the CCleaner 5.33.6162 Security Incident

All CCleaner versions are bundling Avast AV and/or various Google products such as Google Chrome, a Google toolbar and possibly other products....

Microsoft Community has seen quite a few of related threads.

Recently more and more threads are popping up in the Piriform/CCleaner forum which hint at even more questionable methods...

Here are a few recent example threads:

• Problem with installer bundle offer? By
  
  nukecad, yesterday at 01:33

• Providers of CCleaner
  are forcing installation of Avast Antivirus By
  ecbritz, yesterday at 09:33

• CCleaner v5.38 installing Avast Free Antivirus
  By
  SMalik, Thursday at 05:37

IMO, CCleaner is not unproblematic and has to be treated carefully.

I, personally, would not recommend CCleaner to inexperienced and/or not so tech-savvy persons...

Suggestion to inform yourself before installing CCleaner (or any other product) and to always, always keep your eyes wide open during installation (watch out for any bundled softwares etc etc).

You also might want to read this article (in case you don't use an ad blocker: ignore all advertisements):

https://www.howtogeek.com/172820/beginner-geek-what-does-ccleaner-do-and-should-you-use-it/

WRT to CCleaner on Windows 10:

According to
this post Windows 10 blocks older versions: "CC v5.27 and older, (or somewhere around there) are no longer deemed safe by MS and automatically blocked when starting."

HTH,

Julia

 

Windows Defender Scans

Check again in tab Applications. Then scroll down to category Utilities. There you should see Windows Defender listed.

 

Windows Defender is blocking too much saying it viruses

Hi Sam,

Based on the screenshot that you've provided, Controlled Folder Access is turned on, blocking most apps that you're using. We suggest that you turn it off to allow blocked apps in Windows Defender. Follow the steps below:

• Select Start > Settings.
• Choose Update & security > Windows Defender.
• Select Open Windows Defender Security Center.
• Select Virus & threat protection, and then choose Virus & threat protection settings.
• Under Controlled folder access, turn it on or off.
• Once done, try accessing the apps and see if you can now access them.

Should you need further assistance, feel free to post back.