List of Common Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs)

This list includes software known for aggressive advertising, bundled installations, tracking behavior, or misleading features. These programs are not necessarily malicious, but they often degrade performance, privacy, or user experience.

🛠️ System Optimizers & Registry Cleaners

• Advanced SystemCare – Over-promises performance boosts; often bundled with other IObit software.
• PC Cleaner Pro – Flagged by many AV vendors for aggressive scare tactics.
• WinZip Driver Updater – Often unnecessary and prone to false positives.
• MyCleanPC – Heavy marketing and limited free functionality.
• Reimage Repair – Scareware tactics and questionable registry “repairs”.

🌐 Browser Hijackers & Extensions

• Search Protect by Conduit – Alters browser settings and resists removal.
• Web Companion (by Adaware) – Bundled with other software, tracks browsing.
• SafeFinder – Known for redirecting search results and changing homepage.
• CouponPrinter / CouponXplorer – Installs browser add-ons with intrusive ads.
• Hola VPN – Sells users’ bandwidth as part of a P2P network.

🔧 Driver & Software Updaters

• Driver Booster (by IObit) – Aggressive notifications and bundling.
• SlimDrivers – Unnecessary for most users; upsells paid tools.
• DriverPack Solution – Can install additional programs silently.
• Driver Easy – Pushes paid upgrades for driver downloads.

🧹 Duplicate or Bloatware Removers

• Duplicate Cleaner Free – Often bundled with other offers.
• Baidu PC Faster – Chinese-origin PUP with bundled apps and ads.
• SuperClean / CleanMaster (Windows) – Misleading “cleaning” metrics.

🧪 Fake Antivirus or Rogue Security Software

• SpyHunter (by Enigma) – Dubious scanning results, controversial lawsuits.
• ByteFence Anti-Malware – Often flagged for bundling and false detections.
• Segurazo Antivirus – Hard to uninstall, reports exaggerated threats.
• PCProtect / TotalAV (free version) – PUP behaviors despite legit branding.

📎 Other Known PUPs

• Opera GX (bundled) – Sometimes installed via game clients.
• KMSPico / KMSAuto – Activation tools often bundled with malware.
• Flash Player Updater (fake versions) – Discontinued software misused for PUP installs.

Other Noteworthy PUPs

These programs may pose privacy concerns, show aggressive ads, install without full user consent, or behave in misleading ways.

🧩 Standalone Apps, Toolbars, and Miscellaneous

• Razer Cortex – Marketed as a game booster; offers minimal real benefit and adds background services.
• Wondershare Dr.Fone – Promotes data recovery features, but free version is very limited; bundled with other tools.
• Any Video Converter (Free) – Bundled with toolbars or extra software in some installers.
• Daemon Tools Lite (ad-supported) – Previously bundled adware like MountSpace (phoning home usage stats).
• uTorrent (older versions) – Known for bundling miners (e.g., Epic Scale) and ads in the client.
• ZoneAlarm Free Firewall – Installs extra services and offers excessive notifications.
• Microsoft Silverlight – Deprecated and still bundled with some installers; can be abused.
• WinZip / WinRAR (trial versions) – Legitimate software, but can come bundled and often overstays welcome past trial.
• PDF Reader Pro / Soda PDF – Free versions often come with background services, ads, or aggressive upselling.
• Driver Support One – Claimed driver assistant that charges for basic driver downloads.
• Blitz (game overlay) – Popular with gamers, but installs startup services, collects telemetry, and can be intrusive.

⚙️ Obsolete or Legacy Software Still Pushed via Bundlers

• Java (Oracle) – While sometimes required, it’s often included with bundleware and enabled auto-updates.
• RealPlayer – Outdated media player that often comes with extra offers and system tray utilities.
• Shockwave Player – Discontinued Adobe software that can be used as a vector in bundleware.

🧪 Suspicious Installers and Download Managers

• InstallCore – A bundler framework used to distribute other PUPs.
• OutBrowse – Often used to bundle ads with legitimate downloads.
• OpenCandy (now mostly inactive) – Former adware/bundler platform used in many “free” installer packages.
• AirInstaller – Another bundler used to push unwanted apps via deceptive installers.

🛡️ How to Stay Safe

• Avoid downloading software from pop-up ads or fake update prompts.
• Use reputable sources like ToolsLib, Ninite, or official developer sites.
• Run trusted tools like AdwCleaner or Malwarebytes regularly.
• Ask for help on ToolsLib’s forum.

Corentin C

Founder of ToolsLib, Designer, Web and Cybersecurity Expert.
Passionate about software development and crafting elegant, user-friendly designs.