Google has finally removed one of its longstanding Chrome browser apps, the Chrome Cleanup Tool, along with another feature that scans Windows PCs and laptops for security threats.
Based on precipice (opens in a new tab)the Cleaning tool will be removed upon release Chrome 111 (opens in a new tab). After that, users will no longer be able to scan their PC with the tool through the Safety Check feature or the browser’s ‘Reset and clean’ option in Windows.
While a useful tool, the Cleanup Tool is never meant to be a comprehensive tool. There are many other tools and apps that serve its function better like Google Safe Browsing and built-in Chrome antivirus. And according to Google, user reports of malware and unwanted software have decreased over the years. Apparently, only 0.06% of Cleaner’s scans in February actually raised software concerns.
Back in 2020, Google and cybersecurity firm ESET confirmed they would continue their partnership, which includes work with the Chrome Cleanup Tool. This technology is specifically used by Google to notify users of potentially harmful software trying to gain access to their device, after which the Cleanup Tool is used to remove the dangerous machine. infected with the software mentioned above. Now that Google is removing its browser from the tool, it’s still unclear where the partnership with ESET will go from here.
We’ve reached out to Google for comment on the full reason for the Cleanup Tool to stop working and will let you know if and when we get a response.
Google claims that the Chrome Cleanup Tool has performed over 80 million cleans since its release in 2015, restoring systems affected by unwanted settings changes and removing open extensions. Widely violates Google’s policies. Unwanted software policy.
However, one of Google’s main reasons for the program to eventually stop working — aside from overlap with other apps that perform the same function — is that new malware and phishing trends continue. emerge and develop. Malware, judged by less than one percent of the stats the tech giant offers, simply isn’t as much of a threat as it once was, and focusing budget and time on It makes sense to strengthen and maintain security measures that focus on current trends.
Automatic Safe Browsing, anti-malware tooland advanced system protections, as well as Adblock and other features browser extension, obviously more than capable of protecting your Windows machine from threats. It is important that security measures evolve over time, and we put outdated programs to rest.
