Windows 10: windows security flagging CCleaner as Potentially Unwanted Software

Just started today. Surely MS doesn't mean to flag the CCleaner folks.


From Windows Security > Virus & threat protection

Detection: PUA:Win32/CCleaner
Date: 7/27/2020 7:23 AM
Details: This program has potentially unwanted behavior.
Severity: Low

Insider build: 20H2, OS Build 19042.421, Windows Feature Experience Pack 120.2212.31.0


Thank you

:)

 

Windows 1903. Spyware and Unwanted Software Protection missing.

I first noticed this in the Nightly version of Fx under their Security Software list in about:support. The Antispyware name was blank. I believe prior to Windows 10 1903 it was listed as Windows Defender Antispyware or something like that.

Looking at Windows 10 1903 Security and Maintenance|Security only the Firewall and AV is listed. I believe, might be wrong on this, that it used to say something like Spyware and Unwanted Software Protection.Can anyone else who only uses Windows Defender on 1903 confirm that there is no antispyware program listed under S&M/Security? If so, is it now baked into the AV and not listed separately? I found a reg entry that if you create it an enable it is supposed to activate PUS and PUP but that still doesn't show up in any listing.

 

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

 

What does 'Partially Removed' of Potential Unwanted Software in MS Security Scanner means?

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



We understand the difficulties you are facing with Windows Defender on your Windows 10 PC. In order to get clarity and to assist you accordingly, please reply with the answers to the questions below.

• What is the Windows 10 version and Build installed? (Type
  winver in Windows search/Run command)
  
• Are you currently using any 3rd party Anti-Virus application or Security suite?
  

We would suggest you to perform these steps and check if that fix the issue.

1. Press Windows + R key to launch the
   Run command.
   
2. Type regedit and click on
   Ok.
   
3. Navigate to this location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender
   
4. Look for disableAntiSpyware - Right Click and Delete or select Default - set value to "0"
   
5. Close the registry, restart the PC and check.

Note: Important this section, method, or task contains steps that tell you how to modify the registry. However, serious problems might occur if you modify
the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For added protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs.



Follow the steps to take
backup of registry.




Also refer this article as reference: How to protect your Windows 10 PC



We await your response,



Aditya Roy

Microsoft Community – Moderator