Google is adding the ‘Chrome Cleanup’ tool that is already available in Chrome Settings to ‘Safety check’ for the users to scan and remove ‘unwanted software’ on their computers.
Google first introduced the Software Removal tool for Chrome browser (later renamed it to Chrome Cleanup) as a standalone program for users to download, scan, and fix issues that were caused by Potentially Unwanted Programs to Chrome browser.
Later, Chrome Cleanup has been integrated into Chrome settings and the Sandbox engine comibined with ESET detection engine has been improved to detect even more bad actors that cause damage to the Chrome browser.
As of now, the Cleanup tool is available here: Settings > Advanced > Reset and Cleanup > Clean up computer (Chrome://cleanup/Settings)
If you click Find, the tool starts scanning for programs that cause harm to our computer, especially to Chrome Settings.
Note: You may want to uncheck the checkbox before running the scan to prevent sending your system information along with details about programs detected during the cleanup, to Google.
Recently Google added the Safety check tool to Chrome browser in redesigned privacy and security Settings. This tool scans for passwords, extensions, Safe Browsing technology, and Chrome Update status.
Now Google is adding Chrome Cleanup tool to Safety check for the latter to scan for PUPs on your computer, in addition to compromised passwords and harmful extensions.
The change is behind a flag in Chrome 85 Canary.
For Safety check tool to Scan for Unwanted Software or Potentially Unwanted Programs in Chrome
1. Launch Chrome browser
2. Visit chrome:/fllags page
3. Search for “Chrome Cleanup Tool in Safety check”
4. From the dropdown, select “Enabled” and restart the browser.
5. Click on menu > Settings > Safety check, click “Check now.”.
Depending on the number of files it needs to go through, it may take more time for Chrome to finish the ‘Unwanted software protection’ scan process. just close Chrome and relaunch, if it is taking longer.
Are you aware of the Chrome Cleanup Tool and the new Safety Check function? Let us know in the comments below.
Related articles:
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Google adds ESET Scan engine to Chrome Cleanup to remove more unwanted software on Windows
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Microsoft Chromium Edge can now block Potentially Unwanted Application downloads
