Chrome Cleanup Tool Integrated Into Windows Browser, Helps Remove Unwanted Software

Google on Monday announced that its Chrome browser for Windows was being upgraded, integrating its Chrome Cleanup tool to remove harmful software. The new tool does not replace any general-purpose antivirus, and instead, uses a detection engine developed by IT security company ESET for Chrome's sandbox, with the aim of delivering a safer browsing experience. The built-in tool, which is now rolling out to Chrome for Windows, will not be available on Chrome for macOS or Linux.

As a redesigned version of the standalone Chrome Cleanup tool that needed to be downloaded separately, the new feature is integrated within Chrome for Windows. It prompts you when unwanted software is found using ESET's detection engine, and gives you a way to remove the same software as well as restore Chrome to its default settings with a click of a button. Google notes that the Chrome Cleanup tool in its latest iteration has been revamped to make it easier to use, and see what software will be removed.

"We can now detect and remove more unwanted software than ever before, meaning more people can benefit from Chrome Cleanup," explains Philippe Rivard, product manager, Chrome Cleanup, in a blog post.

It is worth noting here that unlike a full-fledged antivirus program, Google's latest integration does not monitor your system in a real time, and scans periodically - only when the browser is active on the system.

In addition to the Chrome Cleanup feature, Chrome has recently received the ability to detect and revert the changes that are being driven by any extensions, without notifying the users. This new tweak - called hijacked settings detection - is claimed to have helped millions of Chrome users recover from unwanted settings since last month.

Google Chrome is already leading the world of desktop browsers. As per the data provided by Statcounter for the month of September, Chrome has dominated the market with a share of 55.68 percent, over 41 percent more than the share of Apple's Safari that comes second with 14.22 percent market.

The new changes are likely to increase the market share over time and persuade more users to opt for Chrome over other options to receive a safer experience. Moreover, the advancements would make the competition tougher for Microsoft Edge that has been a part of Windows 10 ecosystem since July 2015.