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Remove MyCleanPC by uninstalling the matching application in Windows, restarting, then running current Malwarebytes and Microsoft Defender scans. The program was historically classified by Malwarebytes as a potentially unwanted system optimizer (PUP), associated with USTechSupport—not automatically a destructive virus. The original removal page is dated May 12, 2017, so its Malwarebytes 3.x screens, detection names and file lists are historical clues rather than current guarantees.

What MyCleanPC is—and what it is not

The Malwarebytes research team historically described MyCleanPC PC Optimizer as a system optimizer/PUP. The 2017 guide said it could present alarming or misleading “problems” and then promote paid remediation. A PUP can be intrusive, deceptive or persistent without behaving like a file-destroying virus. Current security products may use a different detection name, or may not identify every component of an old installation.

The historical page, republished by GeekU/GeeksToGo with Malwarebytes’ permission, recorded the detection name PUP.Optional.USTechSupport and the vendor name USTechSupport. See the May 12, 2017 removal guide for that original classification and log.

Pop-ups claiming that Windows has hundreds of errors are not reliable proof that Windows itself is damaged. Do not call a phone number shown in such a warning or grant a “technician” remote access solely because the optimizer reports errors.

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Signs that the installed program matches MyCleanPC

  • An Installed apps or Programs and Features entry named MyCleanPC, MyCleanPC PC Optimizer, PC Optimizer, or a clearly matching USTechSupport entry.
  • MyCleanPC shortcuts in the desktop or Start menu.
  • Recurring optimizer warnings, especially after reboot.
  • Startup items or scheduled tasks whose names or actions explicitly mention MyCleanPC, USTechSupport or MCPPCO.

The 2017 guide listed these historical indicators:

Historical indicator Qualification
C:Program Files (x86)USTechSupportMCPPCO Old example path; a current installation may differ.
C:ProgramDataUSTechSupport Use only to confirm a known detection, not as a reason to delete the folder blindly.
C:ProgramDataMicrosoftWindowsStart MenuProgramsMyCleanPC Historical shortcut location.
C:Users{username}AppDataRoamingUSTechSupport Historical per-user location.
C:WindowsSystem32TasksMyCleanPC PC Optimizer
C:WindowsSystem32TasksLAUNCH CDPCO
C:WindowsTasksUSTSPCO-USTSPCOOneClickCare.job
Historical scheduled-task names.

Names and paths alone do not prove that a file is unwanted. Confirm the security product’s detection name and file path before manual cleanup.

Before you remove anything

  • Save open work and back up important documents.
  • End any remote-support session you did not independently arrange.
  • Record the exact detection name, file path, Windows version and scan date.
  • Do not delete registry keys, files in System32, or unfamiliar scheduled tasks just because their names look suspicious.
  • If you granted remote access or disclosed passwords or payment details, plan account and financial-safety steps separately from PUP removal.

Uninstall MyCleanPC through Windows

Windows 11

  1. Open Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
  2. Search for MyCleanPC, MyCleanPC PC Optimizer, PC Optimizer, or a clearly matching USTechSupport entry.
  3. Select the three-dot More menu beside the entry and choose Uninstall.
  4. Complete the uninstaller and restart if Windows requests it.

Windows 10

  1. Open Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
  2. Select the matching application, choose Uninstall, and follow the prompts.

Control Panel fallback

If the app is not listed in Settings, open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, select the matching entry and choose Uninstall. Microsoft documents these routes in its Windows uninstall instructions.

Uninstallation removes the visible application but does not prove that files, startup entries or scheduled tasks are gone.

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Scan with current Malwarebytes

  1. Download Malwarebytes from its official site.
  2. Install or open the current Windows application and allow the program and threat definitions to update.
  3. Run the available standard or threat-focused scan.
  4. Review detections. Quarantine or remove items identified as MyCleanPC, USTechSupport or the current corresponding PUP detection.
  5. Restart when prompted, then run a second scan if warnings or detections return.

The old guide’s Malwarebytes 3.0.6.1469 example and its “complete removal” wording are not current guarantees. Locked files, changed variants, disabled security tools or unrelated persistence can require additional steps.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

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Run Microsoft Defender as a second check

  1. Open Windows Security.
  2. Select Virus & threat protection > Scan options.
  3. Run Full scan, which checks every file and program.
  4. Review Protection history and choose the available action (such as remove or quarantine) for confirmed unwanted software.
  5. If MyCleanPC returns after reboot or deeper compromise is suspected, choose Microsoft Defender Offline scan. Save work first; Windows restarts and scans before the normal session loads.

See Microsoft’s documentation for Virus & threat protection and its explanation of potentially unwanted applications. A PUA can be blocked yet remain until you select a removal action.

Check scheduled tasks only when evidence points there

Do this after uninstalling and scanning, not as the first step.

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  1. Search Start for Task Scheduler and open it.
  2. Open Task Scheduler Library.
  3. Inspect names and actions for an explicit reference to MyCleanPC, USTechSupport, MCPPCO, or your confirmed detection.
  4. For a task conclusively tied to the unwanted program, right-click it and choose Delete.
  5. Restart and rescan.

Do not delete Microsoft, Defender, driver, backup or other unfamiliar tasks merely because they are unfamiliar. The historical task names are documented in the 2017 guide; they are not a current Microsoft task-management list.

If MyCleanPC will not uninstall or keeps returning

The uninstaller is missing or errors

  • Try Control Panel’s Programs and Features entry.
  • Restart Windows and try again before opening other applications.
  • Run Malwarebytes, then retry removal.
  • Use Microsoft’s Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter where it is available for your Windows version.

Files are locked or protection is disabled

Do not terminate random system processes or delete files from System32. Restart, scan promptly, and use Defender Offline when the program reappears. Microsoft notes that insufficient disk space, active processes and persistence mechanisms can cause incomplete scans or removal; its troubleshooting guidance is at Troubleshoot problems with detecting and removing malware.

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Check startup and browsers

In Windows, open Settings > Apps > Startup and disable only a startup entry that clearly belongs to the confirmed program. Also inspect browser extensions, search settings and notification permissions for changes you did not make.

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If someone had remote access

  • Change passwords from a clean device, beginning with email and financial accounts.
  • Contact your bank or card issuer if payment details were exposed.
  • Review installed remote-access tools and preserve receipts, emails, phone numbers and screenshots.
  • Seek professional incident-response help if sensitive information or account activity is involved.
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How to verify removal

  • The matching application is absent from Installed apps and Programs and Features.
  • MyCleanPC shortcuts and confirmed related startup entries are gone.
  • Confirmed MyCleanPC/USTechSupport scheduled tasks no longer exist.
  • Malwarebytes and Microsoft Defender scans are clean after a restart.
  • No recurring fake error alerts appear.
  • Your browser has no unexplained extensions, search changes or notification permissions.

A clean scan means the scanner found no relevant threat at that time; it cannot prove that a previous remote-access session did not expose credentials or data.

When to get expert help

Escalate when the program repeatedly returns, security tools are disabled, Windows becomes unstable, unknown remote-access software is present, or financial, password or identity information may have been exposed. A Windows reset is a last resort: back up personal files, secure accounts, and expect to reinstall applications.

If you seek forum assistance, provide the Windows version, exact detection name, file path, scan report and whether remote access was granted. Never post passwords, license keys or payment details.

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Frequently asked questions

Is MyCleanPC a virus?

Malwarebytes historically classified it as a potentially unwanted system optimizer/PUP. That is different from a universal claim that every copy is a destructive virus; rely on your current scanner’s detection and behavior.

Can I delete the USTechSupport folder?

Not blindly. First uninstall and scan, then remove only files or tasks conclusively identified by your security tool or uninstaller.

Is Malwarebytes required?

No. Windows uninstall tools and Microsoft Defender can often complete cleanup. Malwarebytes is a useful second-opinion scanner.

Can Defender remove it?

It can detect and quarantine potentially unwanted applications when you select the offered action. Use a Full scan, and Offline scan when persistence is suspected.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What if I paid MyCleanPC?

Secure accounts and contact your card issuer if payment details or remote access were involved. Keep receipts and communications; do not trust refund numbers displayed by the pop-up.

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